Post 15 - Ten weeks after stem cell treatment

It seems like only a few days ago, but it’s actually been ten weeks since my trip to Cologne, Germany and stem cell treatment at the XCell Center.

Until now, I’ve reported no noticeable change in my overall MSA status. I think I’ve basically said that I have felt no different than I did before receiving the treatment.

That statement was accurate until just a few days ago - when I experienced a feeling of subtle improvement. Sure, I still walk unsteadily, slur some multi-syllable words, and have a “thick” throat after talking loudly (I teach an Elderhostel program and my voice and throat are affected after an hour or so) – but recently these and other MSA symptoms just don’t seem as pronounced. Like I said, it’s a subtle change but one I hope is just the start of a lasting improvement.

So, I’m cautiously optimistic about my current status – cautious because it’s too soon to know if it’s real, but optimistic that it may be the start an upward trend.

Finally, I’ve added a link to the blog of Mariko S. who is considering a trip to XCell. She joins Eddie, Skeet, and a growing list of others who have or may soon begin a stem cell segment on their MSA Journey.

Post 14 – Eight weeks after XCell treatment

Eight weeks have passed since my stem cell therapy at the XCell Center. Frankly, there’s been no noticeable improvement in my overall condition. Still walking like a drunk, sleeping too few hours, having difficulty pronouncing multi-syllable words, and occasionally feeling like my throat is full of cotton causing my voice to break up. Tried to do some lawn & shrub clean-up last week (it’s finally cooled off some here in SW Florida) but my legs told me to pack it in after little more than an hour. That convinced me it’s time to look into condo living

I’ve decided against the Inter-Stim procedure mentioned in the last post. I found it’s used most often on people who have more advanced urological problems than I. For now, I’ll stay with the Sanctura medication and hope for the best.

On the bright side, there’s been no worsening of my condition. Aside from asking Fran to do most of the driving – I can’t complain.

Finally, I was happy to hear XCell patient Skeet produced 6 million stem cells for his treatment. That has to be some kind of record!

See you in two weeks with the next report.

Added Nov 16: Forgot to mention that I've added links to the blogs of two others who recently underwent XCell stem cell treatment. Those links can be found on the left column of this page under "XCell related blogs"