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!