In hindsight, I realize some of these symptoms began in the late 90's.
The cognitive cloud really showed up after I returned to college. The
uneven walk began a lot sooner than that. I remember some of my friends
commenting on the walk as early as high school but I figured I was just
clumsy.
I asked my family doctor of many years about the symptoms. He gave me the
not so medical diagnosis of "young timer's disease." He also told me,
"Slow down and take some vitamins ...It will heal itself." I bought it
for a while. You see, I am a police sergeant in Fort Worth, TX. I work
at least 40 hours a week at my normal job and have secondary jobs. I also
have two kids. Who has time for slowing down anyway? His brother in-law
is a state trooper and I guess from that experience he felt he could make
the "diagnosis." Well, I bought it for a while. I trusted this guy and
had been seeing him for at least 15 years.
When work changed insurance plans, I had the chance to jump ship and get
another opinion. The new primary care physician apparently recognized all
of the symptoms and referred me to a neurologist. After some tests were
ran, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2001. I started
taking Avonex and soon added Wellbutrin XL (anti-depressant) and Razadyne
for the mental clarity. Within a couple of years, my neurologist told me
I would be an ideal candidate for stem cells if they were ever approved
within the United States. I knew it wouldn't happen within the U.S. for a
while so I began researching treatments elsewhere.
I reviewed several options and eventually went with a friend's, Richard
Humphries, research. Richard also has MS and was interested in stem cell
research. He learned of the Institute for Cellular Medicine in San Jose,
Costa Rica. The CEO of the clinic is Dr. Neil Riordan. Dr. Riordan was
educated in Kansas, which for me was peace of mind.
Richard Humphries and I went down there together, May 11-28th, 2008. As
with everyone, his MS was different than mine. He suffered from a lot of
pain and spasticity but also had the cognitive "cloud." We knew the
treatment consistent of five intrathecal injections and 5 physical therapy
sessions.
It didn't end there though. The doctors at ICM were very accessible to
us from the nearby hotel, Apartotel Cristina so we were able to drop by
and visit quite often. On one such visit, Richard, who was a nursing home
administrator before MS took his hold on him, we asked the doctors if
there was anything "new" they would like to try. They agreed to try
something.
We underwent a mini-liposuction where they removed stem cells taken from
our body fat, cultured them and injected them into us IV.
I can honestly say it was the best $20k even spent. Today, I am MS
symptom free!!! Although, I will admit to an occasional cognitive cloud.
Richard is also symptom free!! Richard, who was given a full-ride to LSU
for golf some time ago, is now able to play golf again and give golf
lessons.
We were truly blessed and happy to spread the word of the hope that stem
cells has provided us!!
