Beginning the Stem Cell Transplant ~ Relapse and Hospitalized Part II

I was admitted that night to Northwestern Hospital because I was having a relapse. I couldn't believe it...I had just left Albany Medical, came to Chicago to begin a Stem Cell Mobilization, and I'm back in a hospital because of an exacerbation! I couldn't wait to have the Stem Cell Transplant. I wanted to be relapse and hospital free.

The next morning when I awoke, my symptoms were much worse. I not only had vertigo, but I was having trouble walking once again. The muscles in my legs felt tight and hurt so badly, I didn't want to use them. I attempted to stand up, but my legs shook violently and my right ankle refused to drop to the floor, making it impossible to bear weight on it. I flopped my body back onto the bed.

My arms quivered fiercely and hurt extremely bad, and my hands torqued tightly into the shape of a claw. I could barely move them, much less open them.

I began to panic...I didn't know how I would be able to use a cane or a walker, if I couldn't use my hands.

I knew I had to begin physical therapy right away to help lessen the spasticity and keep my body moving. I needed someone to push me through the pain and help me use my hands so I could begin walking again.

However, another part of me, longed to be left alone. I wanted to draw the shades, lay in darkness and let the world fall apart around me. I didn't want to feel the "light" or "hope." I didn't need to feel anything anymore...I was in so much agony, I yearned for it all to end. I gasped for air... and choked down my tears. All I knew was I wanted to die.

Just then, I felt a severe migraine pain radiate over the left side of my head, and deep into my brain. I closed me eyes and my mouth opened wide to scream...but nothing came out.

I had been having migraines daily since I had brain surgery just 3 weeks ago, on February 15th, for trigeminal neuralgia.

The immunologist Dr. Testori came into the room...with my chart in his hands. He was one of the doctors which would be handling my Stem Cell Transplant. I felt my body shudder in disgust at his presence. I never forgot meeting him several weeks ago...He talked and looked at me with beady eyes and his words were dripping with disdain when he spoke to me. He treated me with as much sensitivity as a lab rat! He didn't care how I felt, what my symptoms were or what my name was because I was only an experiment. I was number 89 to him, and nothing more.

Tomorrow I will continue the story...with Dr. Testori
Read the beginning of this story here.

Stem Cell Mobilization ~ Preparing for Hell

It's March 6 of 2008, the day before I begin a clinical trial to treat multiple sclerosis. Tomorrow I will receive my first dose of chemotherapy, in order to have the Stem Cell Mobilization. I had no idea of the torturous months which laid ahead of me. I transformed from an independent woman...to a helpless, frail, human guinea pig.

I would begin with one dose of Cytoxin (chemo), then I'd inject myself with Neupogen for five days, which is actually E. Coli. The objective of Neupogen, is to help my body re-build red blood cells, which are to be harvested, the blood is then prepared for lymphapheresis (where lymphocytes are purified), then I receive 4 more rounds of Cytoxin over four days...which annihilates my immune system...then I'd receive more Neupogen and then re infused with the purified blood, from the mobilization. I had only read of the pain I would endure, in the Stem Cell Transplant Handbook, but I had no idea...how much I'd suffer.

I was on a whirlwind of emotions...one moment I was excited, happy, and full of hope. However, just a few minutes later I was frightened of the complications which could occur. It was strange...I wasn't afraid of dying...I was scared of what could and would happen to my children, and of all the new conditions I could develop from having this done. I couldn't imagine my life any worse then what it was. I was gambling with modern medicine and doctors who had a "God Complex," versus mother nature and what my body could handle.

I remember that evening I was in Chicago, it was cold, windy...and there seemed to be danger lurking all around me. I was paranoid...in the face of every stranger, I couldn't see humanity. I began to feel meek and humble, as I limped to the next city block. I was looking to waste time...I buried my face into my scarf, I tucked my hands into my coat, my neuropathy was burning from the fierce cold wind. I was trying to make it till tomorrow...searching for courage within myself to face the hell that lied ahead.

Beginning the Stem Cell Transplant ~ Relapse and Hospitalized

I couldn't believe it, I went to Chicago to begin the Stem Cell Transplant and had a relapse! In fact, I had just left the hospital back home in Albany because I was admitted for an exacerbation. I wondered, if this hell would ever end.


I felt fine and was getting ready for the Stem Cell Transplant Immobilization, where I'd begin with one round of chemotherapy (Cytoxan). Then I would inject myself for 5 days with Neupogen, which is actually E. Coli, to build red blood cells to be harvested.


However, before I began this I first had to deal with an unexpected relapse. This exacerbation was the most horrible and frightening yet. I was in Chicago, in my little kitchen in the Seneca Hotel, and began to feel very dizzy...I got weak in the knees, and the room started spinning. I don't know what was worse, being away from home and not being able to see anything, or not having any of my family near me because I was 1400 miles away.


I suddenly fell to the ground! I was shaking with fear...I didn't understand how this could be happening right now. What was happening? Where was I? I couldn't see what was around me because everything was spinning.


I took a deep breath and sighed...I knew I was the only person who could help me. I didn't want to scream like a baby..I was an adult having a serious problem. That didn't mean I could act like a child...and the situation wasn't life threatening and didn't require an ambulance. I thought, "be strong, you have to do this, there's no one else here, but you."


I got on all fours, and crawled into the living room like a dog. I found the coffee table and searched it with my hands to find my cell phone. I pushed the green button and it dialed Dr. Burt's office. I told the receptionist, "I had an emergency and needed the doctor to call me back immediately because the room was spinning!"


She told me I should call 911. I told her I didn't want to...this wasn't a life threatening emergency...just a scary one.


The doctor called me back in just a few minutes.


"Ms. Solimanto, you need to get to the emergency room right away!"


"I know, but that seems difficult considering I can barely stand...and the room is spinning."


"Then you need to call 911!"


"I will be arriving at the hospital shortly, but not in an ambulance."


"Okay, I will meet you there." Dr. Testori hung up, as did I.


I crawled over to what kind of looked like the front door, grabbed the door knob and pulled myself to my feet. I started praying..."Dear God please help me." I opened the door and went to the elevator right in front of me.


I put my hands onto the wall and started searching for the button to the elevator. I knew once the elevator reached me, I'd be okay. It was a five star hotel and had an elevator boy.


I scratched at the wall, until I found a button and pushed whatever I felt at my finger tips....


"Going up?" He asked.

"No, down. Could you please help me too...without making a scene? I feel really dizzy.."

I reached my hand out and he grabbed it, leading me into the elevator. I grabbed onto his arm and held on. I didn't want to fall. "You don't mind if I hold onto you?"


"No, not at all." He replied.


He led me out front and flagged down a cab for me. The bell boy assisted me into the cab and told the cab driver to take me to Northwestern hospital and to make sure I got help in.


I was counting on people near me, that I didn't know to help me. I wished someone I knew was there, I felt extremely insecure and frightened.


The cab ride was a blur...it looked like a stream of different colored lights. I felt as if I was extremely drunk, but I wasn't...and I felt like crying...


The cab driver arrived at the hospital, went in and grabbed a wheelchair...he helped me into it. I thanked him profusely, for being so kind...He wheeled me in and got help.


I remember the receptionist wheeled me to the corner of the waiting room....I felt alone...so alone...


I closed my eyes and felt the tears roll down my cheeks...and asked God, "Are you there?"


A link to a newspaper article describing my Stem Cell Transplant.
Another link to a previous post of mine, which also discusses the stem cell transplant.

There is Light, in the Darkest Places

I know I may seem like a nameless Blogger, however, I am writing these posts to give encouragement, strength and determination to my readers. I want to let people know there is always hope, no matter how dark your life may seem.

I thought my life was over...that I was doomed to face a life with no existence, but in a hospital. I believed, only four years ago, I would be in a wheelchair...or a nursing home, at my age now. I never thought I would live again. How wrong I was!

I'm glad I never gave up hope, because if I had I wouldn't be living, and have the life I have now.

I've had three left knee surgeries, a gall bladder removed, two c-sections, two brain surgeries and a stem cell transplant. Never mind, the 13 different medications I took. I was frequently hospitalized, used a cane, walker, Canadian crutches and a wheelchair, at least 12 times a year. I saw neurologists, pain management specialists, urologists, brain surgeons, asthma allergy specialist, a general practitioner on a monthly basis. It was a full time job seeing all of my doctors and going to the pharmacy so frequently. I even had a home health aide which came weekly to help me around the house.

I don't see anymore doctors, other than my gynecologist.

I don't take anymore medications.

I simply take care of myself through diet, exercise and a low stress lifestyle.

I once owned a house, a business, was a full time college student and was married. However, I changed this high demand, always on the go, crazy lifestyle to be an artist. I may still go to college, but I feel the major I chose (Fine Arts), to be relaxing. In fact, I find it helps alleviate my mind, body and soul. I have sought out a career path which helps me to relax...and this is extremely important when you face a disease which thrives on stress.

I stay positive, through thinking, believing and living. I don't think, "I'm sick." Instead, I say, "I'm healthy and happy," and head to the gym. I surround myself with positive people, whom love and support me. Remember, power of the mind is crucial...you will feel...what you think!

My life, these true stories, are here to motivate you into believing anything is possible, as long as you try your best. I hope and pray, my success and determination from my battles, inspires you to stand up and fight...and find a way!

Check out these links on my blog...to find out the secrets to cure MS!
Link 1 "Secret to Defeating MS"
Link 2 "How Exercise Fights Multiple Scerosis"

How Exercise Fights Multiple Sclerosis

The one thing I cannot stress more, is the importance of exercise because it helps purify your lymph nodes, repairs demyelination, increases dopamine and releases endorphins. Especially, with people with multiple sclerosis...I cannot stress this more to you...exercise is vital to your immune system.

I personally exercise 5 days a week, at a gym because I need to leave my house an order for me to get this done. I lack motivation when I am home. However, if you feel you can exercise at home, then by all means, turn on the music and get your heart moving!

You must elevate your heart rate above 138 beats per minute in order to sweat, and to give your cardiovascular system a boost. When your heart beats, your blood pumps vigorously through your body and your lymphatic system, purifying your lymph nodes. Ever notice the smell of your sweat? The more you sweat, the more you stink, and that's something to be proud of! You are removing toxins and impurities from your body.

I personally have found that not only cardio, but strength training helps as well. I begin with 20 minutes of cardio activity on a machine, then I lift weights for 45 minutes, and finish with another 20 minutes of cardio. You don't have to take it to this extent, as I do. A one hour workout is enough, but I highly advise you to lift weights. Let me explain...

Don't be scared of bulking up...this is a myth for women. A female body has progesterone and estrogen, which prevents the big bulky muscle look, because a women's muscle can only increase in size. Females don't make more muscles like a man does. So hit the weights! Don't feel intimidated by the men at the gym...get right in there and work up a sweat...and get strong and healthy. Lift as much weight as you can...don't be scared of a little muscle and feeling strong. The best website I have found, which has videos, and a step by step instructions for lifting is bodybuilding.com. I highly recommend this website, it explains everything, including lifting with good form, to prevent injuries.

You also have to remember that with multiple sclerosis, your muscles don't want to work in certain sections of your body because of brain and spinal lesions. This helps to re-wire the pathways! Take a look at this article and see for yourself. You can help demylenation with exercise.

I will forewarn you though...when I first started exercising...it hurt! My stem cell transplant didn't fix everything. It wasn't until I was exercising, and eating right for two months did I see my symptoms disappear! I no longer felt numbness or tingling...or pain. When I first began exercising, the numbness and tingling increased when I became hot. So be careful, you don't want to exercise yourself to the point of an injury or falling down because you got too hot, and exacerbated your symptoms.

Begin slowly, and easily. About 15 minutes a day and you can slowly increase the time as you see fit.

I also like the gym because its air conditioned. So this is another consideration you need to remember before you begin. A cool place is best...and try not to overheat. Drink plenty of water and wear  light, loose clothing to help prevent this.

Another, added benefit of exercise, is the dopamine that's released each time you do. Dopamine not only makes you happy, but helps repair the cognitive section of your brain! Doctors prescribe a drug, to increase the dopamine in your brain, for people with MS. See the link here for this article, which talks about this drug which produces dopamine to treat MS. I don't get why people don't just exercise instead of taking medicine, which has potential for side effects?

Then of course, there's the added benefits of endorphins, from exercise. Endorphins not only fight depression, but it also helps alleviate pain! Check out this article here.

I hope this information is helpful. Now can see the vital importance of exercise and all of its benefits, including fighting depression, pain, demylenation, and purification of your lymph nodes and immune system. No medication out there...can do this for you!

Remember, your lymph nodes are part of your immune system...and they need to purified. So good luck on becoming healthy, and defeating MS, one day at a time.

Here's a link to another post of mine, which describes another important aspect, to conquering MS.

List of Daily Medications

It's February 29th of 2008 and I'm fighting back my tears, as I sit uneasily at a desk, in my room at the Seneca Motel and Suite, in the heart of the windy city, Chicago.

I hear the wind softly, as a high pitched whistle, while the flag in front of my window whipples in the wind, while its rope clangs against the metal pole.

I don't want to hear my thoughts, I'd rather try to listen to the people shouting across the street. However, I know I must face my fears, I have to be strong because I have two beautiful children at home, whom are counting on me. I have to get through this....I have no other choice...I can't back out...this is my last hope.

Every case of MS is different because the effected areas on our brain, spinal cord and optic nerves vary to each person. Therefore, each of us suffers differently with this disease, and every case of MS is different.

I'm looking at my precipice of prescription bottles before me. I'm currently on 13 different kinds of medications to treat the symptoms of MS and asthma. My current list of prescriptions are:

topamax 50mg, 4x's a day - to prevent migraines
valium 5mg, 2x's a day - relieves spasticity
zanaflex 4mg, 3x's a day - muscle relaxer for spasms
lyrica 50mg, 3x's day - anti seizure for clonic spasms and pain
singulair 10mg, 1 a day - asthma and allerigies
zyrtec 10mg, 1 a day - allergies
albuterol, as needed - asthma
ritilan LA 30 mg, 1 a day - chronic fatigue
macrobid 100mg, 1 a day - antibiotic to prevent urinary track infections
miralax - laxative
morphine 60mg, 2 a day - for chronic and severe pain
wellbutrin XL 300mg, 1 a day - for depression
maxalt 10mg, as needed - for migraine headaches

What scares me, is that these prescriptions don't include, what I will be taking after the transplant is over...God only knows what type of problems I will have afterwards....I feel scared...alone...and tired.

A Secret to Defeating MS

Eating healthy is essential to being healthy. I have found that diet high in protein is essential for people whom suffer with multiple sclerosis because of the amino acids found in protein. After researching the drugs prescribed for multiple sclerosis I have realized most of them are made up of amino acids which are found in supplements and food.

Here's a link which describes many amino acids in a simple way and how they work on your body.

Medications such as Copaxone, Avonex, Betaseron and Rebif, contain amino acids! Here's the link to show you the ingredients are amino acids. Therefore, its crucial that people with multiple sclerosis eat a diet high in protein and supplement with amino acids as well. This is what I have been doing for years to stay healthy and strong. Its really that simple!

Amino acids are found in protein sources, such as, meat, eggs, dairy, whey and beans. The sources most rich in protein in order from most to least are: eggs, meat, whey, dairy and beans. Some vegetables also contain lower amounts of protein as well, such as broccoli, spinach and mushrooms.

Another simple way to consume large amounts of protein is through whey protein shakes and bars. Make sure you read the ingredients...just because the outside packaging states its high in protein, doesn't mean that it is. Look on the nutritional label, under protein, you are looking to consume about 150 grams of protein a day. So you need to keep track of what you are eating. Meat on average, per one ounce, contains 7 grams of protein and a 4 ounce piece of meat is about the size of your palm. So if you have 6 small meals a day with protein, and or protein shakes/ bars, its easy to consume what you need in the course of a day.

I still highly recommend a protein shake a day, because they are loaded with amino acids and vitamins, in just one shake. Besides, its easier to travel with a scoop of powder, then a piece of chicken.

Also be careful of deli meat, which are loaded with fillers such as soy. Soy is not a good source of protein as people say that it is. In fact, try to avoid soy which is loaded with phytoestrogens which make you gain weight and gives you cancer! Here's the best site I've found which describes the hidden dangers of soy.

I know eating so much meat can get annoying and seem like a drag, so in a future post, I will discuss how to spice your meat up, to change it and add flavor. I will also show you how to cook for the week to make things easier.

Two other great protein sources are Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. Greek yogurt has about 23 grams of protein per one cup and you can either buy it flavored, or plain, and add nuts, fruit, honey, granola, or jams to add flavor. Cottage cheese, per half cup, has 14 grams of protein and is made with whey. Again, you add to it what you like, so it tastes good to you. Personally, I use baker's chocolate, with Stevia...yum...its so good.

I have nothing against vegetarians (my boyfriend is one), however I feel as though, people with multiple sclerosis need meat to fight their disease. These are only suggestions, I am not a doctor...I haven't had a relapse in over 4 years by eating this way. This is simply my research given to you as a gift...I want you to be happy and healthy, as I am!

Here's a link, to another post of mine, which describes a crucial aspect to conquering MS.

I also want to share this link, which shows the importance proteins.

Here's another previous post of mine titled, Dangerous Foods to Avoid