January 16,2008

I had my 6 month follow-up with Dr. Kerr today. Things are continuing to improve. Just like at my three month post HiCy visit, the MRIs revealed NO NEW LESIONS AND NO ENHANCEMENT!!!

My EDSS (expanded disability systems scale) scores are also looking better. Before the HiCy, I had an EDSS of 5. At 3 months post HiCy, my EDSS was 3.5. Today Dr. Hammond told me it had dropped to 2.5! My reflexes and physical tests improved again. Also, my walking is better. Working out at the gym with a personal trainer has really helped me to strengthen my muscles. I still have some pain and "pins and needles" in my feet that I've had for years. Dr. Kerr gave me advice about reprogramming my muscles by practicing walking on different surfaces (indoors and outdoors / even and uneven) in order to continue to improve. He and Dr. Hammond spoke quite positively about my progress and were very encouraging about my future. The fear and hopelessness that I felt last winter is now gone.

I am so grateful to Dr. Hammond, Dr. Kerr and Dr. Brodsky for letting me do the HiCy protocol. My original goal was to stop the rapid progression of the (MS) disease. I seriously thought that lowering my EDSS score would be wonderful, but hard to fathom. It amazes me to be examined and to see and hear that things are actually better! At 46, I know I won't feel like I'm 20 again, but at least I don't feel like I'm 90 anymore either.

The best thing of all is that I have HOPE for the future.