Cezara Simpson - cure me with HSCT (stem cell)
2016 has been a life changing year for me and my two children, Vlad & Montse. One day, when I was driving, my right side starting to go tingly. After a visit to A&E, an emergency MRI and a review of my MRI by the whole neurological team at ARI, the thunder news was dropped onto me: you have MS.
Thinking that I have been in a tight spot before, I took the news as it was. My first episode was in December 2012 when my right side of my head went numb and was diagnosed with a TIA. This was actually one of my first MS episodes.
At first you think: "what am I dealing with here?" Then you ask the common question: "Why me, what have I done wrong to deserve this?"
Then you read every possible information you can find to help you get by.
I have been hit here by a double "jeopardy"! I used to work in the oil industry and I didn't get as many contracts as I was before because of the oil price recession.
Regardless, you need to keep on going.
I have learned that doctors are working on a study to help MS sufferers like me. This involves the harvest of the Stem cell from your body and re-boost of the immune system by using the same stem cells: HSCT (Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation).
This treatment is not available on NHS yet, as it is too costly and politics are involved as well.
So I have decided to take a leap of faith and pursue this option abroad. People have been doing it and they never regretted their decision.
Since October 2016 my MS decided to enter in a race with me. I feel that if I do not pursue this, I will not be able to see my kids grow up.
Since Dec 20116 I am on DMT Tysabri. Because I am JCV positive I cannot continue with this treatment for much longer as I am in danger of developing PML:
https://www.google.com/search?q=PML&oq=PML&aqs=chrome.0.69i59.1656j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
The funds will help me have the treatment in a clinic abroad: Russia or Mexico (treatment, flights & additional medication required). It is not an easy treatment, however I am willing to go through with it in order to have a life. At the moment I live HELL, however I try to function as a normal person.
To give an idea of what a person with MS lives every day, watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtmuaSVHYLM
I cannot explain to people how hard it is to live in constant pain. If you do think you could spare even the equivalent of a coffee, that would be really appreciated.
I am battling against time and I do not know how much time I have left. Thank you.
Cezara