Christine’s Ataxia Blog

The Wisdom Of The East

April 20th, 2008

The History of Medicine

2000 BC “Here , eat this root”
1000 BC ” That root is heathen, Here, say this prayer”
1805 AD “That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion”
1940 AD ” That potion is snake oil, Here, swallow this pill”
1985 AD ” That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic”
2000 AD “That antibiotic doesn’t work anymore. Here eat this root…”

- unknown-

Wow…I’ve included this anonymous statement on medicine in my blog because I think it illustrates perfectly some of the conflicting advice we can encounter trying to improve our health and well-being . Since coming back from China after my stem cell treatment in January ‘07, I’ve tried to maintain my health and abilities and keep up to date on new research & treatments for, not only my condition (spinocerebellar ataxia) but other conditions as well. Medicine’s so interesting because many issues are intertwined. New discoveries in one area can help shed light on another. One thing my time in China taught me was to not accept any medical advice or opinion at face value. Sure it’s good to listen to the facts, learn what you can and make mental notes, but I’ve also learned that advice can be very subjective . There’s a lot of information out there about what I should be doing ( or not doing ) for my SCA, much of it conflicting. If I’d taken all of it to heart, I certainly never would have gone to China. It was the best thing I ever did. Although stem cells are not a “cure” (there isn’t one , at present), even many doctors in the west will agree that they is hope for treating many neurological conditions, spinal cord injuries, etc… with stem cells. Many conditions are easily dealt with using conventional medicine. It would be great if I could go to my doctor and, reaching for his prescription pad he said, “spinocerebellar ataxia? Sure, I’ve got just the thing to clear that up! Take these and come and see me again in a month” Dream on…

But, I stumbled on a study done in Japan posted last June, discussing treatment for SCA 6 using traditional Chinese medicine:

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/ggi/2007/00000007/00000002/art00017

In summary, with a Doctor of TCM near my home, I’ve been following this treatment , with a few modifications because I’m dealing with some other health issues too. I’m in my 12th week and can report that all my ataxia symptoms have show really good improvements. Of course, the treatment may not have similar results for another person, but it’s still an interesting area to look into if you were at all interested. I won’t go into details here, but you can always get in touch with me through this blog if you’d like to know more….

Keep in mind that, I feel, without receiving stem cells, I wouldn’t be doing well enough to even seriously consider another approach to treatment. I don’t think I’d have the emotional energy to pursue it. I was so impressed by the Chinese approach to healthcare during my stay there, that it only makes sense to me to try a tradition eastern medicine for my particular health issue. I may need to return for future stem cell treatments, but this is a complimentary method that has been very beneficial for me.

On the home front, well ,we’re all doing good . My son will be finished grade 10 in June so he’ll be thrilled (he’s a teenager…what can I say!) I continue with my physio/exercise routine and have upped my treadmill to 20 minutes, at a higher speed also because I’m doing so much better. It also helps keep me trim because, hey, I’m 49 now… It SNOWED here in Vancouver last night! What’s going on? It’s supposed to be spring*#@% I was in my shorts a month ago and now all the daffodils are covered in snow! Global warming?! By the way, I’m on Facebook so you can find me there if you have a profile. I’ve started a Stem Cell Recipient group and, so far, I’m the only memeber so sign on, if you’d like. Till next time…take good care…

Christine

P.S. The traditional Chinese medicine I’m taking, among other things, contains many different kinds of roots…

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