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Age 40, USA

We'd like to thank Shanan for preparing this Patient Experience text for us.

Condition

I was born with underdeveloped Optic Nerves that were also slightly deformed.  The diagnosis is Optic Nerve Hypoplasia with very mild Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) however no affects of the SOD have ever been present.  Before going to China I had a little light perception in my right eye and 20/2400 vision in my left eye.    

Reason for Coming for Treatment

I am 40 years old and the mother of two young children.  I live a very full life of working, volunteering in my children's classrooms and activities, reading, bike riding, running and generally raising my family as any sighted mother would do, but anybody with a visual impairment knows that it takes a lot of work.  I went to China with the hope of making my life a bit more simple and enjoyable.  While I would love to drive a car or wave at my children across the playground, I knew that probably wouldn't happen after returning from China.  My hope was to be able to tell the meat was done without having to stick my hand in the frying pan or help my children with homework without having to use more than one magnifying glass. 

Treatment in China

I traveled to China in September of 2009 with my Mother and seven year old daughter and received nine umbilical cord blood stem cell treatments over a period of 35 days.  Five of my treatments were given intravenously and four were spinal injections.  I also worked twice a day five days a week with Forrest, who was an amazing therapist to do Acupuncture, Electro wave therapy, Massage, Ear Point therapy and Fire Cupping.  I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

Condition After Treatment

Within a week of two treatments my eyes began to track better.  The first eye exam showed that I could see the chart at 120 cm and after one week I could definitely see the eye chart better.  After two weeks I could see the eye chart from 162 cm and I could read some icons on our laptop computer that I could not see when we arrived.  Over the rest of our stay, my eyes continued to track better and when we left I could see the chart from 200 cm.  The distance had almost doubled.  We were thrilled!

Condition Today

I have been home now for over three months and my vision continues to improve slowly.  A few short weeks after returning home I went to a football game and could see the time clock.  We always sit in the same seats and I could never see that before so I knew that was a change.  We were very excited! 
A major change is that my eyes constrict normally now.  Before going to China, I couldn't go from sunlight to a dark room and find my way.  One day we went to a dark restaurant in which I have never been able to maneuver and I was able to find my way with no help.  That is a wonderful improvement that many may take for granted unless they have been in the difficult situation of not being able to find their way. 

After Christmas I pulled out a manual that I previously read with a monocular and a magnifying glass and was pleasantly surprised to find I no longer needed the magnifying glass.  I could read it easily with just the monocular. 

We have a beautiful mountain range where I live and have lived my entire life.  Since the snow has fallen this year, I am always amazed when I see how beautiful they look.  At first, I kept asking my husband why he thought they looked so amazing.  It took me the better part of a day to realized that it was the improvement from the stem cells.  Now I am surprised every time we drive into the city nearby to see how rugged and huge they look. 

In general things do seem a bit easier for me.  I chopped apples the other day without bending over the counter and I seem to recognize people easier.  My trip to China was incredible for me as well as my Mom and Daughter.  We have no regrets in our choices and wish the best to all those who choose to go. 

Thank you Beike,

Shanan