Lisa's Russian Revival

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013 after lesions were found on my brain and spinal cord. The easiest way to describe how this effects me is to say my wiring is dodgy. My brain says walk but the message gets lost on its way to my legs. I start the day feeling like I am walking through knee high water. I end the day walking through wet cement. I have brain fog where it feels like you are thinking through cotton wool. I forget things and keep lists. I have fatigue where I feel exhausted . Sleep doesn't help. I go to bed tired and wake up the same way. I am now starting to lose the strength in my arms and hands. I walk with a walker or am in a wheelchair.

I have Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. This means you continually get worse. When I was diagnosed I was told there was no cure and no medication to slow the decline. I rely on others for many things and people are wonderful . I've been lucky with the progression so far. Eventually I could lose of my ability to swallow, hear, talk, move, and see. I'll be confined to a bed and totally dependent on others. There is no timeframe around this. It could happen in 10 years. It could happen tomorrow.

I am 47 years old. I have a wonderful husband and parents, who are a great support to me. I have two awesome teenage daughter's. I want to see my children grow up. I want to hold my grandchildren. I want to be there for my parents as they age. I want to be able to be a good wife, daughter and mum. I really just want to be normal.

Now there is a light at the end of what has been a very long dark tunnel. I have been accepted to have Hematopoietic Stem Cell transplantation therapy in Russia. This is done through the AA Maximov Hematology and Cell Therapy Centre. Normally there is a wait of two years but with my advancing progression I have been able to get in early. The goal is to stop the progression of MS. There is also the possibility that my current symptoms could be partially reversed. This therapy has been around for years and is now available for multiple sclerosis. It is not available in New Zealand. I have been in contact with people who have had the treatment and are enjoying life again . This comes at a cost. It is $68,500.00 for the treatment, then there are flights and other expenses. This is a huge expense for our family. If you are in the position where you can help financially that would be awesome. Any help would be greatly appreciated. This is a life saving opportunity for me and I am grabbing it with both hands.

Much love

Lisa

This video shows the treatment I will be having. This is the hospital I will be going to and the Dr I will be seeing.

https://youtu.be/SRtgFdKmfdo

I will be setting up a blog to show my progress with the treatment. I will update this page with the details when it is done.