Canada in June

Things have been busy at work. So I have'nt been posting here.

I got an appointment (finally) with a neurologist at the Toronto Western Hospital. First look at the hospital was not encouraging as it overlooks a funeral home. I can understand why they put ATMs in shopping malls, but a funeral home near a hospital seems to be stretching the convenience factor a bit.

Well, the doctor was a competent and encouraging kind of guy. He heard my story patiently and took notes. He looked the last MRI I had, from China. He did a lot of tests to assess the neurological deficits. At the end of it, he did not have much new to offer or suggest. So I came away, with the satisfaction that there is a file somewhere in my name with some information on me. He has promised to call me in once in 6 months, so i guess there will be some monitoring.

Fitness club continues. The exercising seems to help, since movements are easier on those days compared to the days when I goof off.

Toronto is vey hot this weekend.

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.