NAME: Carl

AGE: 57

COUNTRY: USA

DIAGNOSIS: Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

REASON FOR COMING TO TREATMENT: In 2004, Carl was hospitalized with Strep B pneumonia. This developed into sepsis and Carl had to be put on a respirator and was put in a medically induced coma. During this period, the doctors told his family Carl’s chance of survival was very low and if he did survive he would likely have major brain damage. Carl finally woke up 18 days later and discovered that he could no longer see. Luckily he had no other major health problems besides his blindness, but his life was still drastically changed from before. Formerly an avid outdoorsman, used to working around his house and property, he now found he had trouble getting around and he was simply unable to live the same life as before. Even more important to him, he was unable to see the faces of his wife and children. Despite these hardships, Carl continued to work and lead a full and active life. He still took long walk in the countryside and was able to tell where he was by the smell and feel of the land. After hearing on the local news about other patients coming to China for treatment, Carl and his family decided that it was the best choice for him as well.
 
TREATMENT: Umbilical Cord Stem Cell and Nerve Growth Factor Injections with Rehabilitation Therapy.

START OF TREATMENT: December 28th, 2007

BEFORE THE TREATMENT: Before coming to China, Carl was almost completely blind, due to the damage to his optic nerve which occurred when he had been hospitalized for pneumonia. He had no other symptoms besides the optic nerve damage. Occasionally, he would see brief flashes of light, but the majority of the time he was only able to see blackness. Carl was unable to tell whether it was night or day, and could not use his eyesight for any useful purpose. 

AFTER THE TREATMENT: Following several stem cells treatments, Carl was able to see things which he had not seen in years. The first difference he noticed were flashes of light that he would periodically see, but these had no definite source. However after a week or so, he began to be able to perceive real light sources. For example he was able to tell if the sun was out when he woke up. While walking on the street or in the supermarket he was able to point out where the bright lights were without being told there were lights there in the first place. Also, before the treatment, everything appeared pitch black to him, afterwards, the shade of this blackness started to lighten and began to look like a shade of blue. Carl was satisfied with the improvements he received while in China and was convinced they would have a positive impact on his life, he was also looking forward to seeing what else he would be able to see when he arrived back to the United States.

Watch Videos of Carl
Carl describing how he became blind and his current symptoms
Carl describing the improvements in his eyesight after the stem cell treatments
Carl talking about his experience in Hangzhou

Below are links to video clips from a local news station that has been following Carl’s story and progress
Video prior to treatment
Video post treatment
Video update