My Fight with MS

Dealing with the heat

Heat intolerence is associated with every MS patient. With the heat we are having all of us have this intolerance.

This week in Wichita Falls I was in the 100-degree heat for over 8 hours on back to back days. This was not even possible after the first stem cell treatment but after a 4-month regeneration from the second stem cell treatment, not only is it possible but reality.

Even Dr. Thomas Ichim, a stem cell expert from the University of California-San Diego is in amazement.

I just keep getting blessed.

Richard

Digging for stem cells -- ouch!

Well, last week I had another mini-liposuction.

I was able to deal with the first mini-lipo a lot better than the 2nd. This time, the plastic surgeon seemed to do a lot more digging.

I understand they wanted between 50 and 60 million stem cells. Doctors were able to do that. All I can say is - thank God for pain killers!

I've stopped the pain killers, but the pain hasn't stopped. I keep trying to put this in perspective. I have to experience a little discomfort with the hopes of a greater reward at the end of this treatment!

Yesterday, I had my first intrathecal injection as well as my first IV treatment of stem cells. The IV treatment is of stem cells taken from my adipose tissue.

Both injections came and went without any problems. Those folks at CIMA hospital are really good!!

I returned to the christina, laid on my back and watched television for 5 hours. Believe it or not there are a couple of English stations here. One of them is out of Denver, CO.

I haven't had any immediate benefits from the treatment like the first one, but I am hopeful. I know stem cells will take some time to "get settled" so I'm waiting patiently.

I have to get ready for physical therapy at 9:00 a.m. I will post again soon.

God Bless, Preston

Day 2 in Costa Rica

Well, we ate at a small restaurant near the Christina and ate some reasonably priced food.  This morning we sat at the pool where we spoke with some other people with MS pursuing this treatment.  It is really amazing how the stories of how each of us was diagnosed is different but still the same.       I met my new "drill sergeant" at physical therapy.  Her name is Jennifer and does her job well!    We shopped at Mas X Menos for some food for the week.  I discovered an employee in this supermarket with a Wal-Mart employee badge on.  Since we wanted to shop at Wal-Mart, I asked him where the store was located.  He answered, "Aqui."  So, we felt at home.     In Him

Costa Rica therapy, round 2

They are harvesting more stem cells from the abdomen and inserting more of them.  There are several people here who have been going through the treatment.  They mentioned 7 or 9 million stem cells injected IV each time.  Dr. Riordan, as well as some of the other patients here, said they are trying to store some of the stem cells so we won't have to go through another lipo - should we return.  I would recommend never dismissing the idea of a return trip.         The treatment this time is another liposuction, five physical therapy sessions, two IV injections, and two intrathecal injections.    The process from the airport has changed dramatically from when Richard and I came down.  For example, they changed transportation companies.  As soon as the plane released us into the airport I noticed a representative standing with an ICM placard which had my name on it.  Once the family was rounded up, we were taken to a big van that was waiting on us.    This morning, a lab tech withdrew several viles of blood.  Marsela gave all of the patients, (new and returning - me) a presentation on what to expect during the stay and encouraged a telephone call even in the middle of the night if needed.   Today, I will go through a consultation with the plastic surgeon for another lipo.    I will try to keep the blog updated as well as everyone else through the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.    Until next time

Correcting a mistake

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned that CIMA Hospital was owned by a few physicians in Dallas, TX.

I was in error. Just this afternoon, a potential patient of ICM called me and wanted the names of the Dallas physicians. I had no idea and had never asked anyone to confirm the information.

So, I called Dr. Riordan. Dr. Riordan told me a corporation owns the hospital and gave me the web site for the hospital - www.hospitalcima.com where definitive information could be discovered.

I don't know how it could have happened, short of Richard and I must deducing the information from conversations we had while down there.

I apologize. -- Preston

Costa Rica trip offers boost

Since going to Costa Rica for stem cell treatment mainly directed to help my hearing the cells have given me an extra boost. Even less fatigue than before and definitely more energy.

I am sleeping about an hour less per night. May 12th I spoke to former Senator Tom Daschle and to Senator Harkin from Iowa in Washington DC on how stem cells have improved my quality of life.

The were very interested and stated we (meaning the US) need to do something so that others may benefit. Who knows what will happen but at least our government is aware of what can happen.

May 15th I flew to Panama to examine a new stem cell facility also owned by Dr. Neil Riordan the owner of ICM Costa Rica. The facility is state of the art with a new clean room lab opening soon so they can increase patient census.

Cell Medicine of Panama could very well be in the very near future the leading clinic for stem cells in the world. The adjoining hospital is affiliated with John Hopkins. The clinic and the hospital were the cleanest facilities I have ever seen.

Like Costa Rica they DO NOT have staph infection issues like we do in the US.

Take Care, Richard

A slow slide in cognitive abilities in a year

I am still without depression, fatigue or my uneven walk but the cognition just isn't at the same level it should be. Some might say that it is due to age that my memory and cognitive abilities are slowing. While age will undoubtedly play some role in it, I still have MS!!  Anyway, ... For the past several months, my cognition has seemed to be on a downhill slide; albeit slow, it is still a slide from my cognitive abilities in May 2008. June 13-27th will be my second trip for stem cell therapy in Costa Rica. I am guessing about what Dr. Riodan believes but ... I apparently just need a "tune-up." I say a tune-up because the treatment regime will be more limited this time in that it will only involve the mini-liposuction and a couple of intrathecal injections. ... I can do that standing on my head! Apparently, this little journey has attracted some international news. The Journal of Translational Medicine (I believe) posted some of the results in Europe within the past couple of days. I have also spoken with someone with the Saturday Evening Post and will talk to someone else in NYC within  the next few days. I am just happy to be part of this journey and have the ability to spread the news about the potential of this stem cell treatment for MS.  I haven't met or corresponded with very many people who aren't willing to talk about it. Pray hard! -- Preston

2nd round better than the first

The second treatment is more grand than the first. I definitely feel better with even less fatigue, better spasticity, clearer cognition and of course, no seizures!

Just like the first treatment in May 2008 after the second injection I started feeling better. It seems everyday I get a little better and I continue on. The future looks clear.
 
Dr. Neil Riordan, CEO of ICM, has several more ideas to share with us when he comes to the U.S. in the very near future. The ideas will help all of us with MS for many years to come. Our future has never looked so wonderful.
 
I have been truly blessed and feel so fortunate. The Lord still has both his hands on me.
 
I did learn that umbilical cords that are donated from mothers with tattoos are immediately thrown out. There is a lesson to be learned here for future mothers.
 
-- Richard

Typing on my back after injections

Well, our cells are injected and I am on my back for five hours. It is a little difficult typing this & holding the laptop above my head.

This time they injected 17 million mesenchymal stem cells taken from my body IV.

The number was low because of two reasons. First, they can't go back where they removed the fat cells before. Second, the ones they removed from my breast failed the quality test and thus thrown out.

Then I received 9 million unbilical cord stem cells. 6 million mesenchymal and 3 million CD 34+ & CD133+. This was repeated again intrathecally and then an extra 3 million CD 34+ & CD133+ concentrate for inner ear nerve hair growth.

The totals for the two treatments is 77 million stem cells.

I feel really well with energy to spare.

Tomorrow I give Dr. Neil and his son Brinn golf lessons. Seems like a small price to pay.

Dr. Tamaous said Neil is in deep thought right now with a new cancer cure procedure.

This guy should be up for a Nobel Peace Prize.

-- Richard

Two treatments

Laura and I are in Costa Rica for another round of stem cells.

ICM is trying two ideas. One to further advance my MS recovery and the second to an attempt to re-grow inner ear nerve hairs in hopes to improve my hearing that was robbed by MS.

This morning I received 21 million my own fat derived mesenchymal stem cells IV along with 3 million umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells and 1.5 million CD 34+ and CD 133+ stem cells IV and intrathecally.

At first, my lower spine and buttocks went ice cold and now the spine has ventured over to a warm feeling.

My skin feels like it is floating and my nerves are buzzing.

The procedure now is to lay on my back for 5 hours so the cells will migrate to the brain.

As things further develop I will post it again. Basically it is blind faith for recovery is in the Lord's hands.
 
Sincerely,
 
Richard