Christine’s Ataxia Blog

Shenzhen, December 20, 2006

December 20th, 2007

A year ago today, our plane descended into a darkened Hong Kong. Thousands of sparkling lights appeared out of the darkness, and after being processed through the airport and collecting our luggage, we were met by our driver, Jack. After our luggage was quickly stowed on board the sleek black van, we were wisked away into the night and onward toward Nanshan Hospital in Shenzhen . This place became our home for the next 27 days-I say “home” because that’s what it became. Sure, I missed my family, my own home, my own city, Vancouver,all the familiar places, even a coffee from Starbucks! But, after a year home, I wouldn’t have changed that experience for anything…

Realistically, I went for the stem cells. Like so many others, my medical condition , would only respond to and benefit from stem cell treatment….and I wasn’t going to be able to have that anytime soon in my part of the world. My ataxia wouldn’t wait for the treatment to come to me, so I went to it… Everything else that would happen to me in China was secondary…or so I thought. Yes, the stem cells have made a tremendous positive difference for me. I’m glad I didn’t believe any of the horror stories discussed by the western media ( and many doctors) about the dangers of heading east for this treatment. I’ve regained abilities that  had gradually declined over the years. What a joy to ride a bus to go somewhere, walk up & down the stairs easily, be able to speak clearly & without hesitation. For me, it’s like the clock has been rolled back several years. If you’ve read my blog before, you’ll know that I still do my exercises…religiously. I believe in their value, physically and mentally, so I continue with them. I don’t know how I’ll be tomorrow, next month or next year, but none of us know that about anything… It almost doesn’t matter….the treatment has helped me, for now, if that continues-great. If not, well, now  I have some hope. There  are many things to consider before going to China for stem cell treatment. If undecided, I would say, by all means, go for it. Do it. This is a real chance for regaining some of your life, things that you’ve lost.

At this time, I also reflect on the profound impact EVERYONE I met at Nanshan had on me . And I mean everyone-the doctors, nurses, therapists, Beike staff, orderlies, security guards, shop keepers,  lab techs, and , especially, all the other patients. You didn’t have to be chummy or even social to be impacted by the other patients on your floor. We were all aware of each others progress, difficulties, treatment. Maybe not everything, but you couldn’t help but cheer on and empathize with  others also receiving stem cell  treatment. There was no outside “stress”, no family concerns, school, financial worries, ringing phones, crowded schedules - only doing  therapy and getting well, catching up  on sleep. No concerns about moving around the hospital, it’s meant for people with mobility issues and all of us patients had some difficulty getting around. It was a relief not having to think about it for awhile! I kept to myself a lot, as is my habit. I caught up on my reading, sleeping, movie-watching, did a bit of shopping, more sleeping! But, those moments shared with my “neighbours” are times I’ll never forget. I remember welcoming 2007 in, crowded onto a small balcony with a few others from the “14th floor” at Nanshan; Papa  John’s pizza, a group of us descending on a nearby, fancy hotel for their buffet dinner, the Christmas tree in the lobby…

Of course, I might have been homesick and, after awhile I admit, I craved my own bed, own food, own routines . But, the Beike staff, especially, couldn’t have done more to make my stay more pleasant. A fun bunch, professional and helpful. All the hospital staff  was great too-English was never a real problem-if translation was needed, there was always someone from Beike on hand to help. I know I sound like a commercial, but it’s true. Beike Biotech is years ahead in their research on stem cells-I’ve done my research too! They are offering excellent treatment with some great results for patients. They are the real deal….

So, these are my thoughts , one year post-treatment. I would like to go back… Anyone in China now, receiving treatment, I wish you all the best. You may be spending Christmas ( and New Year) there, so make this time of healing a gift to yourself. For those I’ve met in China and those I’ve met through “the Net”, have a peaceful, joyous holiday season and best wishes for 2008!

You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi

Christine

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized