Michael Swift - MS
First let me thank Eric and the Foundation for all their help
through my journey. I was officially diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis in 1998 after being struck by a number of strange neurological
issues in 1997. After doing research on my options, I felt that
there were not any current medical treatments that adequately
addressed the disease of Multiple Sclerosis in a meaningful manner.
While there are treatments that are being studied that I feel
have great merit in dealing with multiple sclerosis, they have
not yet been made available. Therefore, I have chosen an approach
using integrated therapies, including nutritional and supplemental
based protocols.
In June of of 2007 I received both a treatment of Umbilical
Stem Cells CD34, CD133, and Mesenchymal, and a Bone Marrow treatment
using my own Stem Cells. Since there is currently no approval
of Umbilical stem cell use for Multiple Sclerosis it was necessary
to travel outside the country for this procedure, with the supervision
of a research institute here in the US. By using my own Bone
Marrow stem cells I avoided the risk of GVHD. This is another
promising approach to treatment using the bodies own cells. With
further work in this area doctors have shown that by refining
these cells they may be targeted for improved results.
Since my treatment I have experienced improvement in bowel and
bladder function as well as improvements in my balance. Other
improvements seem to have occurred but I cannot quantify them
in anything but a subjective context. I was hoping for more improvement
in muscle strength in my leg but perhaps additional treatments
may be necessary.
While people have commented on the cost of this procedure it
is important to remember that a single year of the latest Multiple
Sclerosis treatment costs the same amount. And, does not offer
any repair of the damage.
European countries such as Italy are urging that stem cell treatment
for Multiple Sclerosis move ahead now. Since there is evidence
of it's benefits, and by starting this approach to healing new
advances are sure to be made, waiting to act is a way to be sure
that these advances will not happen.
Please visit my website conqueringms.org for more information.
And Eric, thanks again for all your help and encouragement as
I continue this journey.
Michael Swift
