so, i've been helping my partner (34, dx 2001, rrms) apply for dr. burt's stem cell trial at northwestern. dr. burt is working in conjunction with dr. balabanov, a neuro at rush university. so, today we got a call to schedule the on-site evaluation! i was so excited that all our initial forms and paperwork seemed to qualify my partner. but then i thought, let me get clarity on the walking component. my partner recently relapsed 3x in a row and each time her legs have been hit hard. right now she is in a wheelchair and can walk with a walker, but is still awkward at it. she has leg spasticity and pain combined with muscle weakness. anyway, i was concerned she might not qualify for the trial and the nurse told me that based on how my partner sounds right now, she won't qualify. i'm beyond crushed.
so, i've been trying to figure out everything we can possibly do to improve her odds at walking at a edss 6.0 level (to qualify). the nurse said she would need to walk down the hall with only minor balance help from touching the wall. i'm hoping a combination of meds and exercise will help get her to where she needs to be to qualify.
anyone familiar with the eval process for the northwestern study? how good did your walking need to be? if you don't qualify for the study, is there still a way to get this procedure done some way, some how?
i'm scared and feeling desperate at the moment. my partner is just getting by and i've barely accomplished anything due to the high level of support that has been needed of me these days. i can't picture a future like this.
so, i've been trying to figure out everything we can possibly do to improve her odds at walking at a edss 6.0 level (to qualify). the nurse said she would need to walk down the hall with only minor balance help from touching the wall. i'm hoping a combination of meds and exercise will help get her to where she needs to be to qualify.
anyone familiar with the eval process for the northwestern study? how good did your walking need to be? if you don't qualify for the study, is there still a way to get this procedure done some way, some how?
i'm scared and feeling desperate at the moment. my partner is just getting by and i've barely accomplished anything due to the high level of support that has been needed of me these days. i can't picture a future like this.
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