Bunbury 25/8/2010

Hi Everyone,
Sorry about the lag in postings, but had to wait for my new mouth controlled mouse! Also, had a suspected heart attack last Monday, which turned out to be a strained chest muscle putting pressure on heart area. Recovered now!

Heading to Perth today for a weeks respite at the MS respite centre in City Beach. Back home on 1/09/10.
Peace & love
Michael.

6 weeks after India - 7/06/2010

Hi folks,
Unfortunately in a very short space of time my MND has worsened. Since India my ability to walk has declined, left leg has gotten very weak. The second trip to India was not as successful as the trip last year. However, I think that I have had some slight improvements ie. breathing and neck strength have had a small improvement.

For now I am putting a further trip on hold, will wait until later in the year and assess then whether its worthwhile. Also please no need for any further donations, in case I don't go back to India.

One weird improvement, which I will take! My grey hair has darkened to its natural colour making me appear years younger! Makes me wonder what other good things could be going on inside? Have stuck to my gluten-free diet as well as taking supplements, thankfully my appetite is as good as ever.

Now in the process of getting as much home support as possible, be it through home carers and or specialty equipment. Spirits are high and enjoying life.
Love and Peace, Michael.

Radio Interview 06/05/2010

Hi Everyone
Home one week already, incidentally, today (05/05) is exactly 2 years since I was diagnosed with MND!
Trip home took a bit out of me but then again it would have to anyone. Its great to be home with family and seeing friends, What a wonderful place we live in!
Originally i was going to be interviewed today, however, I will now be interviewed tomorrow at 10am on ABC 720 Perth. This will also be streamed online.
More updates soon
love and peace
Michael

Final Day in New Delhi 27th April 2010

Hi all,

Last day in New Delhi.....Fly out tonight. Just like to thank Dr Shroff, Dr Ashish and Dr Sudeep, all the staff here in Nu-tech especially Jyoti, Gaurav, Neeti, Ajo and Joan.

Good luck to all the patients we have met here.....Remember if you think and stay positive the rest will come.........

Love and Peace

Michael

Week four Day 4 in India

Hi Guys and Girls

Not long now and John & I will be home.....This last week was very busy with procedures last Wednesday and Friday in theater.....loads of stem cells...... These procedures were complemented with many, many, many injections (IM &IV) and drips......I have not noticed any major improvements however breathing and stamina are good.

There was a security alert in New Delhi from the US and Oz authorties this week and a few explosions at the Cricket in Mumbai.....avoid all markets and public squares...........They will have fun at the Commonwealth games to be held here in October.....

I will have an exit interview with the Doctors on Monday which will help with some future decisions. Then it's bye bye to our friends here on Tuesday Night. I will continue to update this site when I return to Perth to keep everyone informed.

Love and Peace

Michael

Week three Day 7 in India

Hi everyone

I have not had any procedures or operations in the last seven (7) day; however IM & IV injections have been more prolific - normally we have two (2) injections per day, yesterday I had eight (8).

Since the three (3) day procedure last week, I have noticed two improvements; my breathing is stronger and I have slight extra strength in my neck..... I can measure my breath strength daily with a simple metering device........

For those who don't know, I was here last year for 6 weeks.....The main benefit I got was approximately 10% improvement in my throat, especially my ability to swallow food and drink.

Only eight (8) days to go....and hopefully a few more procedures before we leave with lots of stem cells.

Hottest April in New Delhi in fifty years........average well over 40 degrees Celsius every day


Love and peace

Michael

Week two Day 5 in New Delhi

Hi there,

I've just returned from a three day procedure at another hospital. A pretty stressful three days spent in bed. 250 Million (yes a quarter of a billion) stem cells were injected into my back via an epidural catheter.

The aim is to retard the degenerative process associated with MND. Retardation hopefully will be achieved by using the right antibiotics (Ceftriaxone), injesting good quantities vitamin E to neutralise 'free radicals' and using Creatine to promote muscle growth. The stem cells will hopefully regenerate damaged motor neurons.

I am curretly on high protein diet to ensure sufficient energy is available for stem cell growth.

I am feeling slightly stronger but no immediate gains experienced just yet. Time out this weekend, we might visit the National Art Gallery if my energy levels are up for it.

They are really pumping the stem cells into me on this tour, which is good, even if the needles are a bit of a drag. Please stay tuned for more updates love Michael

Week 2 Day one in India

Hi there,

Easter is just over; and we had a community gathering last night for Sunday Dinner. So many stories of accidents and injuries; many spinal cases and other unusual diseases, including blindness.

I have put on a kilo of weight in one week....this is a good thing...eating a lot of protein foods to ensure the Stem Cells have nourishment and for me to pursue the physio twice daily.

I'm starting to exercise more frequently and trying to walk every day.....did I mention the heat ....40 deg Celsius. I had a cut-throat shave for $2.50 Aussie. Prescription glasses are also a bargain at less than half the price. The average daily earning for a tuk-tuk driver is $5.00 per day.....

Tomorrow going across town for another operating procedure under the knife....basically they are working their way up the spine with lots of injections of Stem Cells.....

On a daily basis I get up to six local injections in various parts of my anatomy and this can be painful because there is not a lot of muscle in some places.

Will write again after the next op........ ciao for now.......... love Michael

Week One: Day 2 in New Delhi India

Hi Guys,

Well John and I arrived safely in New Delhi and within hours I started the treatment which includes loads of physiotherapy; intense physio has been excellent feeling much improved from that alone.

On the previous trip there was lots of testing and base-lining; this time we are straight into it. Tomorrow I have a procedure in theatre, eppidural in lower spine. Not looking forward to op. but definately the results. This should take only 3-4 hours.

Weather here is 39 Deg celcius and its the beginning of Spring!

Some good news for patients; one lady here is doing her utmost to try and ensure stem cells will be available in Oz in the near future. Lots of legal and political wrangling still ahead with both the Indian and Australian officials.

Major efforts are afoot to clean up New Delhi for the Commonwealth Games; just like they did in Sydney for the Olympics and Freo for the America's Cup.

Many of the same patients are here from my last trip so the company is great. That's all for now; please stay tuned and I will write again very soon.

Hooroo for now Love Michael

1 Week to go, 2nd trip to New Delhi

Hi folks,,, finally I have a blog site ! Just in time for my 2nd trip to India (29/3), for stemcell treatment.

The idea of this blog is to let you know what I'm up to, both here and in India, with regards to trying to overcome Motor Neuron Disease (MND) ... and to have some fun ! Please don't be shy and 'post' something when you can.


Thanks to the generosity of all my family, friends & communities, this trip has been fully funded & paid for. I thank you all.


Last trip my son Dylan accompanied me for 6 weeks in New Delhi, thanks Dylan for all the care, patience and good company. This trip my brother, John, is travelling with me for the 4 week trip. He is armed with a movie camera so look out Bollywood here comes Jac & Bing !

More coming soon ...