There are important considerations when looking at HSCT. This page provides invaluable information that will help inform your choices when learning about this treatment.
On this page, you will find information that helps to clarify what is involved in using HSCT to treat MS and other autoimmune diseases.
YOU DO NOT NEED THE APPROVAL OF A NEUROLOGIST TO GET HSCT
Family members invariably seek the validation of the Neurologist, treating their loved one to seek HSCT treatment. Understandable when this procedure is so expensive. However, many neurologists are reluctant to endorse it.
There are reasons for this. Some Neurologists are unfamiliar with HSCT, misled about either the risks involved or the treatment itself. HSCT, as a procedure, was first used for cancer in the 1950s. E. Donnall Thomas first performed allogeneic transplantation in 1957.
It was not until the early 1990’s that HSCT adapted for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Consequently, in the big picture, it is a relatively new treatment. Since its first inception, the procedure has undergone improvement.
These innovations have significantly reduced the risks associated with treatment. Some Neurologists are less informed and henceforth are less prepared to jump on board. The best person to evaluate your suitability for the procedure is the protocol doctor at your treatment facility.
Your Neurologist is probably much less qualified to advise you on this treatment. AHematologist is the specialist overseeing HSCT, and his/her specialty is blood. A good analogy would be going to your car mechanic to get your heating fixed.
WHEN LOOKING AT HSCT – REMEMBER THAT IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROCEDURE!
It is worth bearing in mind that HSCT treatment is expensive. Most people have found it challenging to raise funds for treatment. Some people cash in on their home. They use the equity they have built over a lifetime to finance their treatment.
Other people have reached out to their communities for help. Mass fundraisers have raised miraculous sums of money in a short space of time. In different situations, family members have clubbed together to help one of their own. In most cases where there is a will, there is always a way.
BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR EXPECTATIONS WHEN LOOKING AT HSCT TO TREAT MS
While I was putting together this site: HSCT STOPS MS, it occurred to me that many people with MS look to this procedure as a magic cure.
People must be realistic about their expectations when deciding to embark on HSCT! I was unprepared to put effort into fundraising and putting myself through the vigor of Chemotherapy without any guarantee that I would enjoy success.
Let’s face it MS is a hard road to travel. When I finally decided that HSCT was not the right choice for me, I continued to look at other alternatives. There are a lot of ‘miracles’ out there, and naturally, like everyone else, I have always been skeptical.
It is instinctive to be distrustful of what seems too good to be true. For this reason, I have been keen to offer my validation for the protocols that I advocate on this site.
Please, by all means, reach out if you need further information about anything you find on my site. All of the original HSCT information is updated, including Protocols and facilities. I encourage people to read all of the information that I have explored on this site.
I believe all of these different protocols have contributed to stabilizing my disease. They have made the quality of life for myself infinitely better.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE WITH LOOKING AT HSCT AS A TREATMENT FOR MS
In my case, I had observed many people pursue the treatment from early on (five or more years ago). I could see first hand how different patients responded to HSCT. After much consideration, I conceded that I was not an ideal candidate.
It was suspected that a good case of relapse remitting MS had become Secondary Progressive MS by the time I was diagnosed at 48. The main objective of HSCT is to halt the progression of the disease.
However, one has to take into consideration the risks involved with treatment. I am not referring to the mortality risk as this is low these days, but more to the recovery from the procedure itself.
While it may halt the progression long term, it is dependent on the health and vitality of the patient going in. It is not a ‘work-all-miracle-cure’ for everyone.
There is more information available now on which kinds of patients enjoy success with HSCT.
BE YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE – LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN WHEN LOOKING AT OTHER OPTIONS
There are important considerations when looking at HSCT. While putting together this site, my main focus was to encourage you to research! I sincerely urge you to be your own best advocate in looking at other options to treat MS. At the same time, leave no stone unturned in your quest to find answers. Keep an open mind and find constructive ways to explore alternative possibilities.
Always ask questions when a Neurologist suggests that you begin a severe mainline drug. There will always be side effects with any medication, and one has to ask whether the long term benefits will outweigh the long term side effects of taking the drug? Often drugs mask the problem, while more severe damage is continuing behind the scenes. It is something worth thinking about it if you are looking at HSCT as a treatment.
Please have a look at the other protocols that I have found invaluable in my journey with MS. Also if you are seriously looking at HSCT as a last resort, please have a look at the Coimbra high dose vitamin D protocol, which has a 95% success rate at halting the progression of MS:
COIMBRA PROTOCOL
Please have a look at this high dose vitamin D protocol, as it has a success rate of 95% in stopping the progression of MS and other autoimmune diseases. It is inexpensive and easy to follow, so if you have an EDSS that is too high to qualify for treatment at any of the HSCT facilities, it is an option that you should consider.