Saw this Video on CTV W-5

http://watch.ctv.ca/news/w-five/w-five-quest-for-a-cure/#clip142374

It is about treatment of MS. However, there are some mentions of the China stem cell treatment. As expected, the Canadian doctors are very wary.

The New Year is already Old

Just realised that I have not updated the blog in ages. Thats because nothing much has been happening. In the world of ataxia, things tend to move slowly. Like the mills of god, which grind slowly but surely.

It is also a whole year since I went to China. So it is a good time to review the progress made. If I look point-to-point from last winter to this one, things have definitely become worse. Would things have been 'worser' if I had not done the stem cell treatment? Who can say? It is more difficult to get dressed in all those recommended layers and get to work. But at least I am still working, so I guess I must be grateful for that.

Let me sign off for now.

Old pal from Calgary

Just got reacquanited with an email pal from Calgary. I used to be in touch with him regularly some years ago and then lost touch. He is an Indian , settled in Calgary. He has a form of ataxia, except that they have not labelled it yet. He dug out an old email id of mine and wrote. Thanks Internet!

Wish him and everyone else a great holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

December in Toronto

Getting back to normal. Some restrictions on food. Have not yet managed to get the ditetician.
Was planning a visit to India to attend the wedding of my nephew (sister's son). In the event, could not travel since I was unwell. Missed all the fun and games since Indian weddings are a riot. Started working. A few full days so far. Have also arranged for some amount of work to be done from home. Thank heaven for computers!

Been a while

I have not been well for the past several weeks. I started out with the usual cold-and-fever symptoms. Had a lot of breathing difficulties. After 3-4 days of self medication, I had to go to the hospital. They did X Rays and a CT Scan and diagnosed Pneumonia. Apparently some food particles had gone into my lungs. I stayed there for a week. The immediate issue has been sorted out, I think. However, I have to be extra careful in future while swallowing and eating. I have had a visit from the speech pathologist who also monitors swallowing. I am now supposed to meet with a dietician.

Bye for now. Just thought I would update this since I am now well enough to sit at a computer.

stem cells and politics

Just been seeing reports that the newest VP nominee in USA (Sarah Palin) is against stem cell research even though her 4 month old child has Down's Syndrome and may benefit from stem cell research. Maybe it will give him a chance to lead a normal life in future. But who will educate the politicians?

Two people now in China

Two persos who had visited this blog are now in China doing the stem cell treatment for ataxia. They are "mr.desi" and "pansy". Here is wishing them all the best for their stay and treatment.

As for me, life goes on. Missed a few days of working out (ha ha) last week. BP is erratic. Pulsr rate seems high. Guess there is not much one can do.

Saw a new product invented in Israel, which helps wheelchair people walk - must look into that. Things are not yet at that stage, but one must be prepared. If anyone is interested, please look at : http://www.argomedtec.com/