After 4 weeks in Canada

It has been a busy 4 weeks - have not kept the blog updated. I have been trying to get seen by a neurologist. So far still waiting. Under the Canadian system, your local doctor has to write a reference to the specialist. The last time, I got a reference in November and they had called me for a neurologist consultation in February. I missed that since I was in China. My local doc is pissed. He is making a fresh reference.

Meanwhile, I have also been trying to get into some form of physiotherapy here. Since it is taking forever to get into a neurologist approved programme, I decided to start something on my own. I have joined a local fitness club and start today. For the first few days I will have a personal trainer.

As regards the ataxia and the stem cells treatment, any changes have happened during the treatment in China. I was hoping for continued improvements after I came back, but nothing so far. Maybe regular exercising at the fitness club will jumpstart something.

Some thoughts for Saturday

First full day of travel related activity. Did some last minute shopping. My daughter used her handycam to record some stuff about me. I guess it may be useful to get a pre-treatment record on film.

I would like the medical establishment in Canada to take a serious look at the stem cell treatment. Right now, they do not support this treatment. In fact, it is difficult to even discuss this with a competent neurologist since this is not an emergency which can make one jump the queue. I have tried getting a neuro's opinion before my trip, but my appointment is for February 2008. By that time, hopefully, I should be well in the treatment phase.

I am hoping that, over a period of time, the medical establishment in Canada will take a look at the procedure. This will take some time and effort and I am willing to do my bit. I am hoping that this record will add to the growing evidence in favour of stem cell treatments.

More soon.

Introducing Me

Hi readers

I am a male, middle-aged, young at heart, born in India and now living in Canada.

I currently work in the financial services industry as an analyst. I am trying to get an entrepreneurial venture going, but that's not the reason why I am here.

I suffer from a neurological condition named Spino Cerebellar Ataxia which is genetically inherited. For about 10 years, I have been having symptoms, which are progessively getting worse and more difficult to manage. I have difficulty in movements and speech. The ataxia affects most activities like walking, talking, typing and so on. Information about this and similar conditions can be found on www.ataxia.org.

This condition is considered untreatable. Doctors help you manage the symptoms, but cannot actually do anything for arresting the slide downwards in your abilities.

In the last few years, a new experimental treatment option has opened up which involves the use of umbilical cord stem cells. Several persons have made the trip to China and found a cure for their symptoms. The main website for the Chinese treatment is www.stemcellschina.com.

I am looking at this option seriously and hope to travel to China in early 2008. Through this blog, I hope to record my experiences as well as seek feedback from other ataxians who may have taken the treatment (or not).

Hope to hear from many of you.

All the best.