Sharon and Kirsty ’ s story continues …
Although they are back from Mexico , it ’ s not over yet . Sharon explains :
The rest of the treatment will take a further year in this country , with infusions of Ritixumab every other month . As Kirsty has a brand new immune system ( which has forgotten whatever triggered rheumatoid arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis ) we hope that , as it grows and develops over the next 12 months , no further damage will occur . We will not know results properly until then , but we are told that there is an 80 % chance both diseases will have been arrested . That is minimum hope now . The maximum hope is that her symptoms will improve , even if just a little . It is simply a case of wait and see .
As we have a couple of members in BADFA with MS , one thing I would like to say is that the age range of those getting HSCT was from 23 yrs to about 70 yrs . The disability levels ranged from low (# 1 ), to high (# 6 ). Kirsty has most of the damage in her brain rather than spine , which is why her mobility is only mildly affected . Her disability level was assessed at # 4.5 which was a bit of a shock , but she has had these diseases for 10 years . We are grateful to so many people who made possible her best chance of a complete cure .
I loved Mexico and the people , who were so kind , generous and caring . I loved the beautiful , enormous volcano in Pueblo , which was visible from our apartment . ( see the picture on my facebook page ) It was a privilege and an honour for me to be Kirsty ' s carer for the month .
Kirsty could have had HSCT treatment in the UK , but was not eligible as she was not ' bad enough ' - privately it would have cost double . Interestingly , in Mexico there are little or no cases of MS . Tell everyone you know to take vitamin D , children and grandchildren too !
I ’ m still getting over the time difference and did absolutely no painting for five weeks - unheard of for me . I did take paints , but Kirsty got quite poorly and I just wasn ' t able to paint . I did daily walks , when possible , with the other carers , sometimes doing up to five miles a day . So many of the patients were unable to walk , I thought that as I had the ability , then I should !
Sharon xx
Afterthought
Not much thinking happening at present , we are probably engrossed in planning the summer holidays - I know I am .
But that is no excuse , the show must go on ! You cannot venture on vacation until you have sent me an interesting article - I ’ m waiting .
Contact the editor at badfa . editor @ gmail . com Oh , and enjoy the summer holidays , too !