Patient Blogs
| Russ Kleve - FSHD Muscular Dystophy |
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| Muscular Dystrophy |
| Wednesday, 01 July 2009 09:14 |
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Russ kindly contributed the following Patient Experience to us and we have published it here. Russ KlevePrimary ConditionFacioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) Secondary Condition Diabetes Type 2 Treated March 15-April 21, 2009 Course of Treatment4 bags of umbilical cord stem cells via IV; 4 bags of S/C via intramuscular site injections (Round I: 60 injections into my biceps, thighs, and scapula/back; Round II: 24 injections into the front of my thighs and calves + 16 into the back of my legs); 1 Bone Marrow treatment.
Reason for Coming for TreatmentDeteriorating muscles due to FSHD condition. Walking and standing becoming very difficult and I required cane; could walk but only 3-4 blocks. Stem Cell treatment of any kind is not available in the US and the Beike program, after three months’ research, was the best program I had found based on safety, length and type of program, number of stem cells used, patients’ positive responses, and cost. Condition After the TreatmentStanding is still difficult, but I am no longer falling when walking. I fall easily if I step on an obstacle, but this is rare. I have more energy and can now exercise every day for 1-2 hours without fatigue. In general, I am a bit stronger. Others have told me that my walking and gait are faster and smoother. Follow Up CommentsMy overall experience was excellent. The doctors and staff at Beike were warm and friendly and treated me very well. They were genuinely concerned about my comfort and achieving results. They were also honest with me about the necessary physical therapy and exercise I would need when I returned home in order to give my treatment its best chance at success. I understand that given the need to rebuild muscle due to my condition, that several more months of therapy and exercise, combined with the time necessary for my stem cells to complete their replication and maturity process, will be required in order to fully discern my results. However, I feel that for the first time there is hope, and this alone has changed my life. |
| Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 November 2009 16:50 |
