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Official Year 1 Update
I just got back from my check-up in Houston. Before I detail the results of my autologous (own) stem cell transplant at year one, I want to remind folks: 1) the purpose of HALT-MS is to stop disease progression, not reverse damage, 2) my experience may not be representative of all study participants, 3) HALT-MS included two major components: stem cell transplant and immune system ablation, meaning that one aspect or both could be responsible for my gains, and 4) MS is a disease that is unpredictable, so my gains could also, in theory, just be natural remitting.
Disease activity. My most recent MRI showed no new or enhancing lesions. However some of the lesions appeared sharper, likely because the MRI machine was upgraded. A team of experts in Canada will be reviewing this, which is standard protocol. I have had no relapses (after having several relapses in the nine months prior to the SCT).
Walking ability. At year one my max has been 750 meters unaided, almost half a mile (far better than the 100 meter max prior to the SCT)! For the official test, I logged 550 meters. My walking speed, tested over 25 feet, is about the same as the six month mark at about 5.5 seconds. My speed with the walker and forearm crutches is about the same. I'm using my walker far less and just the other day I went three straight days without touching it. At home I usually use a single forearm crutch, and when I'm out and about I use two (I can go 45 minutes nonstop). My longest hike with the crutches has been over 1.5 miles. I still use the walker for cooking, laundry, and nighttime (helpful for groggy walks to the bathroom).
Dexterity. I believe I improved in the "peg" test on my right hand, hitting close to 25 seconds, but my left dipped a touch into the 30 second range. A little fumbling will do that. My handwriting is holding steady.
Cognitive. Tested with the PASAT (basically oral math), I improved again. I missed six questions at month six but only three at the one year mark. I still think I should have gotten 100%!
Fatigue. Still zero.
Balance. This is a new category, but there has been a change here so I thought I should add it. I can now stand on one leg and hold it for 10 seconds or longer. I don't sway as much with my eyes closed. I can even dance almost as poorly as I could dance pre-MS, ha.
Lower Body Strength. Dynamite. Better across the board. My shower chair has not been used since 2010. I can "skate" from one leg to another, do repeated squats (20+), and walk on both my heals and toes (with aid) for long distances (50 meters).
Upper Body Strength. Still improving. Small gains in an area that was already strong.
Vision. 20/20 with glasses. Pretty much unchanged since month 6.
Bladder. Pretty much unchanged since month 6.
Numbness. Pretty much unchanged since month 6.
Overall. In terms of the EDSS, I have lost a point and a half, dropping from a 5.5 to a 4.0. To my knowledge, no one in the 23 has seen EDSS levels go up and MRIs have been clean for the most part.
My next battery of tests will be at the two year mark. In the next week I'll start to get immunizations, which will be now and at 18 and 24 months. Also, I have discontinued the anti-viral and antibiotic (and folic acid). Currently I am on zero regular prescription medications. Zero. Even my allergy meds are not needed because I currently have no allergies (thanks new immune system!). That said, my latest blood test revealed that the chemo has lowered my testosterone to levels that are borderline low (a common side effect). I may get on to some form of therapy to treat this.
So to sum up: improvements continue to impress. I'm driving again (I stopped in the fall of 2009), grocery shopping again, climbing stairs again, and I work out 1-2 hours every day. I plan to rejoin the gym after my first round of immunizations take effect.
As always I'll post more about further gains and any speed bumps. I go to Houston next month for a Month 13 MRI and will post any news from that when I hear the results.
Disease activity. My most recent MRI showed no new or enhancing lesions. However some of the lesions appeared sharper, likely because the MRI machine was upgraded. A team of experts in Canada will be reviewing this, which is standard protocol. I have had no relapses (after having several relapses in the nine months prior to the SCT).
Walking ability. At year one my max has been 750 meters unaided, almost half a mile (far better than the 100 meter max prior to the SCT)! For the official test, I logged 550 meters. My walking speed, tested over 25 feet, is about the same as the six month mark at about 5.5 seconds. My speed with the walker and forearm crutches is about the same. I'm using my walker far less and just the other day I went three straight days without touching it. At home I usually use a single forearm crutch, and when I'm out and about I use two (I can go 45 minutes nonstop). My longest hike with the crutches has been over 1.5 miles. I still use the walker for cooking, laundry, and nighttime (helpful for groggy walks to the bathroom).
Dexterity. I believe I improved in the "peg" test on my right hand, hitting close to 25 seconds, but my left dipped a touch into the 30 second range. A little fumbling will do that. My handwriting is holding steady.
Cognitive. Tested with the PASAT (basically oral math), I improved again. I missed six questions at month six but only three at the one year mark. I still think I should have gotten 100%!
Fatigue. Still zero.
Balance. This is a new category, but there has been a change here so I thought I should add it. I can now stand on one leg and hold it for 10 seconds or longer. I don't sway as much with my eyes closed. I can even dance almost as poorly as I could dance pre-MS, ha.
Lower Body Strength. Dynamite. Better across the board. My shower chair has not been used since 2010. I can "skate" from one leg to another, do repeated squats (20+), and walk on both my heals and toes (with aid) for long distances (50 meters).
Upper Body Strength. Still improving. Small gains in an area that was already strong.
Vision. 20/20 with glasses. Pretty much unchanged since month 6.
Bladder. Pretty much unchanged since month 6.
Numbness. Pretty much unchanged since month 6.
Overall. In terms of the EDSS, I have lost a point and a half, dropping from a 5.5 to a 4.0. To my knowledge, no one in the 23 has seen EDSS levels go up and MRIs have been clean for the most part.
My next battery of tests will be at the two year mark. In the next week I'll start to get immunizations, which will be now and at 18 and 24 months. Also, I have discontinued the anti-viral and antibiotic (and folic acid). Currently I am on zero regular prescription medications. Zero. Even my allergy meds are not needed because I currently have no allergies (thanks new immune system!). That said, my latest blood test revealed that the chemo has lowered my testosterone to levels that are borderline low (a common side effect). I may get on to some form of therapy to treat this.
So to sum up: improvements continue to impress. I'm driving again (I stopped in the fall of 2009), grocery shopping again, climbing stairs again, and I work out 1-2 hours every day. I plan to rejoin the gym after my first round of immunizations take effect.
As always I'll post more about further gains and any speed bumps. I go to Houston next month for a Month 13 MRI and will post any news from that when I hear the results.
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