Today, the ship well & truly left the safety of the harbor and we set sail for unchartered territories. After I had my first stem cell injection yesterday, I relaxed (as best I could) and waited for the next procedure, a liposuctioning of stomach fat cells to adapt as my own ‘stem cells’. And to be honest, I felt good about being able to lose the ‘love handles’. La was jealous.
We left the hotel at 5:10AM (!) to arrive at the CIMA hospital to do this . . . thing and I was changed by my ever-incredible La into my hospital patient greens and then laid down on the gurney. The anesthesiologist held up a syringe for me to see and with a smile proclaimed, “It’s your Pina Colada!” and then attached it to my IV. I smiled back and blinked my eyes…
Well, I closed my eyes - and when my eyes reopened, REALITY CHANGE! I was suddenly in a different room with an entirely different group of people. I was experiencing a mild discomfort on my stomach & that odd –minor- pain in my throat that inferred to me that I had been intubated. Cool. I was done! All that I had left ahead of me for the day was to kick back, relax and recuperate..except for the fact that the nurse who prepped me yesterday was coughing and sneezing and it appears that she has generously donated to the Cha and La Get Cruddy Colds in the Tropics phase of this trip...
Tomorrow…”This is Spinal Tap”, again……..
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Stem Cells are Like Sea-Monkeys........
Today we went back to CIMA Hospital for my first treatment, an intrathecal injection of umbilical stem cells into my spine. I changed out of my civilian clothes into a glamorous green gown and waited for the doctor. A nurse came in and installed an IV lead, not necessary for the procedure, but a safety net "just in case". I thought that it was a good option, although I turned out not to have to make use of it.The doctor came in, had me sit up straight and cleaned my lower back with Betadine. He asked me to "make your belly button meet your spine".' He had me verify my name on the syringe that held the umbilical stem cells. He'd walked in them in an ice-cooler.He then injected the serum into my lumbar spine. The procedure was suprisingly painless!
After I had been injected, I was directed to 'lie flat on my back and do NOTHING.'
Ever the giver, I thought to myself,"I can do that!" As I lay there waiting for the driver to return for pick up, La & I discussed my next actions. Hey, big surprise! it was more of the same.
We drove back to the hotel to resume my activities i.e., another four hours flat on my back at home, staring at the ceiling and listening to the T.V. I did it and avoided the dreaded 'spinal tap headache'
Next up; having liposuction (as if I needed that!) to collect my own cells
After I had been injected, I was directed to 'lie flat on my back and do NOTHING.'
Ever the giver, I thought to myself,"I can do that!" As I lay there waiting for the driver to return for pick up, La & I discussed my next actions. Hey, big surprise! it was more of the same.
We drove back to the hotel to resume my activities i.e., another four hours flat on my back at home, staring at the ceiling and listening to the T.V. I did it and avoided the dreaded 'spinal tap headache'
Next up; having liposuction (as if I needed that!) to collect my own cells
Monday, November 10, 2008
And so it begins...
It’s a bright new day – okay it’s Monday, just about 7:30 + . Instructions had included to not drink dairy before the blood tests. Because nothing says ‘you’re up waaay too early on a Monday morning quite like not having coffee (cream and sugar; thank you!) while you’re in COSTA RICA!!! We were picked up and delivered by van to the Institute for Cellular Medicine for blood tests (don’t forget to study up!) meetings with staff of note and reviewing with my doctor what to expect in the coming weeks.
Oh! Of course, full payment by cashier’s check for services to be rendered.
We then returned to the base camp for a quick, well deserved cup of coffee and a bite of Costa Rican breakfast of Gallo Pinto (beans and rice), eggs, fresh berry and mango juices and some sort of corn bread filled with …potato, maybe?
Afterwards, we met up with some fellow North Americans with MS and their care givers/significant others/ patient, giving Angels. We all chatted, laughed and commiserated; making plans to be some sort of support for one another, perhaps dine and/or see some of the sights. Can you say ‘ROAD TRIP!’ Sure ya can; I knew ya could…
Then we were whisked to my first appointment for physical therapy. My first day was basically taken with giving my physical therapist, Jennifer, my particulars, and my range of motion capability was tested to see how well (or in MY case, not so much) I was able to perform.
Did you notice that subtle piece of self-deprecation? I hope that it brought a smile to your lips, because that is the last time you will see me say anything negative in regard to my condition. Once again I’m reminded to get over myself; that I am kind of blessed. Yes, I have my problems, but there are others that may have it worse.
Regardless, ::blithely waving his hand in the air:: we all were looking forward to what would be, at the very least, a net improvement. To say that we were all upbeat, positive and quite jazzed would not be an overstatement.
Today may have been the beginning of the whole torturous process, but it was effectively me being poked, prodded and having enough blood taken to feed a vampire Osmond clan.
We had lunch at a local “soda” (mom & pop diner), appropriated named Alexander’s. The Plato de Dia was fried fish, salad, beans, rice and some unknown greenish cubed vegetable. True to form, La did not eat her vegetables.
Oh! Of course, full payment by cashier’s check for services to be rendered.
We then returned to the base camp for a quick, well deserved cup of coffee and a bite of Costa Rican breakfast of Gallo Pinto (beans and rice), eggs, fresh berry and mango juices and some sort of corn bread filled with …potato, maybe?
Afterwards, we met up with some fellow North Americans with MS and their care givers/significant others/ patient, giving Angels. We all chatted, laughed and commiserated; making plans to be some sort of support for one another, perhaps dine and/or see some of the sights. Can you say ‘ROAD TRIP!’ Sure ya can; I knew ya could…
Then we were whisked to my first appointment for physical therapy. My first day was basically taken with giving my physical therapist, Jennifer, my particulars, and my range of motion capability was tested to see how well (or in MY case, not so much) I was able to perform.
Did you notice that subtle piece of self-deprecation? I hope that it brought a smile to your lips, because that is the last time you will see me say anything negative in regard to my condition. Once again I’m reminded to get over myself; that I am kind of blessed. Yes, I have my problems, but there are others that may have it worse.
Regardless, ::blithely waving his hand in the air:: we all were looking forward to what would be, at the very least, a net improvement. To say that we were all upbeat, positive and quite jazzed would not be an overstatement.
Today may have been the beginning of the whole torturous process, but it was effectively me being poked, prodded and having enough blood taken to feed a vampire Osmond clan.
We had lunch at a local “soda” (mom & pop diner), appropriated named Alexander’s. The Plato de Dia was fried fish, salad, beans, rice and some unknown greenish cubed vegetable. True to form, La did not eat her vegetables.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
. . . Welcome to the Pregame Show
Tomorrow morning the ball finally begins to roll. I'm going to the clinic for the first time for meetings and blood work.
I'm reminded that patience is a virtue.
Hey! I can hang from my thumbs for a night.
I'm reminded that patience is a virtue.
Hey! I can hang from my thumbs for a night.
Friday, November 7, 2008
“Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!”
Friday, November 07, 2008
Well, we have arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica, Centroamerica. .
We were picked up at Juan Santamaria International airport. and taken by our driver, Willy, to the Cristina Apartotel. We settled in and had dinner delivered from Los Olivos, the Italian restaurant next door. La & I are, if not delighted then very satisfied with our experience as it has unfolded. Any glitches that we have encountered has been immediately been addressed. So far, so good.
From what little we have seen thus far, San Jose looks quite pleasant and acceptably appointed with both American chains as well as local places, from large establishments to little Mama/Papa places. Greenery and pleasant weather abounding. .
It appears that we missed the rainy season by a hair; the first week is supposed to be relatively clear with the sky blue and the sun smiling.
Next up;
Marching ahead fearlessly (If to a different drummer) . . .
Friday, November 07, 2008
Well, we have arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica, Centroamerica. .
We were picked up at Juan Santamaria International airport. and taken by our driver, Willy, to the Cristina Apartotel. We settled in and had dinner delivered from Los Olivos, the Italian restaurant next door. La & I are, if not delighted then very satisfied with our experience as it has unfolded. Any glitches that we have encountered has been immediately been addressed. So far, so good.
From what little we have seen thus far, San Jose looks quite pleasant and acceptably appointed with both American chains as well as local places, from large establishments to little Mama/Papa places. Greenery and pleasant weather abounding. .
It appears that we missed the rainy season by a hair; the first week is supposed to be relatively clear with the sky blue and the sun smiling.
Next up;
Marching ahead fearlessly (If to a different drummer) . . .
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Living with Cautious Optimism . . .
Living with Cautious Optimism . . .
Started today, on
Hey, everybody! Welcome to my blog chronicling my trip from Los Angeles, California, USA to
San Jose, Costa Rica to undergo stem cell treatment for my condition (Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis)
I feel that it MAY be a good sign to begin this on the day after Barack Obama was elected P.O.T.U.S. . Change, I believe, may just be in the Air.
Anyway, my thought and plan is to review how my trip goes if not day-to-day, then as close to it as may be possible from outside of the States.
Please bookmark and visit this page for updates.
I felt that today may be an appropriate day to start this blog because I saw my Neurologist, Dr. Tong Jiang at Kaiser Permanente. She was not only interested and intrigued with my declaration of intent to attempt this, but was excited to receive news on my progress.
We are leaving for
Our flight leaves LAX @ 1:30a – we have to allegedly get to the airport around 2 to 3 hours early... Security, ya know.
Let us be honest. Can there be anything more potentially dangerous than an affluent, middle-aged white man in a wheelchair?!? LOL
Stay tuned for updates…
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