“In all things it is better to hope than despair”

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Improving Life - Increasing Hope

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Serif

WEBPLUSX2

Secondary progressive MS

A brief history;

Diagnosed in 1988 after twelve years of wondering and six years of calling it MS (although no doctor would confirm it) I continued to expand my computer stationery business.

By 1998 turnover was over one million, but as it dropped below that for a year and I was no longer able to rush round getting new customers I decided, reluctantly, to sell up and stop working.

Since then I have spent most of my time in a wheelchair, although I have always got upstairs and have rails and grab handles to move the short distance once up there.

1. Started Aimspro 28/04.06

First injection - with no dramatic result - and some disappointment that I was not going to be a “miracle” story.

2.10/05.05

Still nothing. Well as far as I was concerned! My Physio, who did not know I had started the treatment - (but did know it was imminent) said that she had not seen me stand (holding on of course) so upright for at least six months.

Then when manipulating my legs said that she could not remember me EVER being so easy to move, then asking me if I had started Aimspro! So, she got it right first time!

17/05/06

Some of the stiffness has returned but I feel good and twice tried to stand from my wheelchair. This was successful twice, - and remarkable as I didn’t use my arms to push up from sitting and when I got up I balanced without my sticks touching the ground.

My bladder has improved a great deal - and I’ve stopped taking the drugs for urgency and frequency.

4. 23/05/06

Today I stood up from my bed, pulled up underwear and trousers,tucked in my shirt - all round - did up the clasp on my trousers and then the zip fly.

This is truly amazing! I would normally hold on whilst getting my clothes up, then fall back on the bed to tuck the shirt front in and do everything up!

All that has happened is true BUT the stiffness is returning and all the benefits seem to be ‘once only’ If they all came together and stayed - well wow! - but it's not happening like that. One can hope though!

5. 30/05/06

I've had a slight sore throat and ANY infection will compromise the treatment and, as I understand it, set you back. I'm pleased about that because I HAVE gone back.

It's perhaps only going back that has made me realise how much I MUST have improved. It's not true now though - except my bladder. That remains good but everything else seems to have gone!

Except I keep being told that I sound less slurred and altogether stronger on the phone. Maybe I expect too much. I read this - and its all correct - but I still want it all at once. I don't think my Neurologist would see any difference at the moment.

6. 14/06/06

Not much change really. I did get my trousers up again - but it was not like before when it just happened,almost by accident.

No matter I remain hopeful that all those improvements will return again! Oh, and I just had a pee standing up after a suggestion on the phone. I haven't done that for years! Doesn't it feel good?

Trevor W