P A T I E N T  E X P E R I E N C E – A T A X I A

George's Blog: http://www.georgearruda.blogspot.com/

Full-length Youtube video: Youtube

NAME: George Arruda
       
COUNTRY: Canada

AGE: 33

DIAGNOSIS: Sporadic Spinocerebellar Ataxia 3, Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) (May 2004)

REASON FOR COMING FOR TREATMENT:  George was diagnosed with SCA type 3 - Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) in January of 2002. His father and grandfather also had SCA3. He had a fairly fast progression since the onset of the disease. He had heard about Kim Poor having success with the treatment and decided he wanted to try the treatment as well.

TREATMENT: Umbilical Cord Stem Cell and Nerve Growth Factor Injections with Rehabilitation Therapy

START OF THE TREATMENT: January 1, 2007

BEFORE THE TREATMENT: He had severe loss of balance and coordination, double vision, dizziness, and choking problems.  He felt pain and weakness in his legs as well as lack of feeling parts of in his legs. He had eye spasms. 

AFTER THE TREATMENT: He regained feeling in his legs.  He had less dizziness or “buzz” in his head. His balance and walking improved considerably. He could speak faster.

VIDEOS:

Note: If you are in a hurry, just look at January 3rd ‘Walking with Help’ and January 31st ‘Walking’ videos.

Jan 3rd (Before): Parallel Walking, Rollator Walking, Walking with Help, Throwing Ball

Jan 10th (One Injection): Parallel Walking 1, Parallel Walking 2, Arms Out Walking

Jan 19th (Three Injections): Walking

Jan 23rd: (Four Injections): Walking Slope

Jan 29th: (Five Injections):  Walking Arms Out Narrow

Jan 30th: (Five Injections): Walking Stairs

Jan 31st: (Five Injections): Walking Arms Out Slope, Throwing Ball, Walking Narrow, Walking, Summary, About Staff and Hospital

Update (Feb 18 - from an Email):

George is doing well.  The walker is gathering dust as it just sits unused since our return.  George is feeling stronger, and has not been sick, despite the fact that I came down with a nasty two week long cold.  He managed to avoid it.  He is able to get up and get going earlier in the morning, and his speech has been clearer and people have commented on how much easier he is to understand.  He is not choking on his meals as often.  He is exercising a little bit, but we still need to figure out some kind of a routine.  For now he is doing a little bit on the treadmill each day and walking short distances. 

Melissa and George