Hi RIS,

Doctors generally do not try stem cell transplants on MS patients for a few reasons. 1. It is very dangerous. 2. The data to support doing it is not large. 3. Durability is a question.

I am a member of two groups on daily strength, this one and a leukemia group. I was diagnosed with both in early 2015. The MS was considered secondary to my main problem, which was the leukemia. After multiple drug tries it was determined that the only way I could be healed from the leukemia was a stem cell transplant.

It is important to know that there are two types of transplants, autologous and allogeneic. Autologous is when you harvest and use your own stem cells for transplant. Allogeneic is someone else's. Autologous is less dangerous than allogeneic for a variety of reasons.

Without going into too much detail, most MS patient data on stem cell transplant comes from autologous. Mine was allogeneic. Today is Day +265 post transplant for me. In addition to what is hopefully a lasting leukemia remission, my neurologist told me that my lesions are fading, there are no new ones and none are enhancing. All of my MS symptoms have gone. My doc says my MS is also in remission and likely cured.

If interested I can give you more info, but it is important to remember that most docs will not give you an allogeneic stem cell transplant for MS. Your risk of dying in the first year is around 20%. First 3 years is higher than that.

For some, this risk is worth it. Others, no. I am sorry for your situation and hope that God and science will find a way to make something work.

John

My Neurologist & I have talked about it. He isn't pro for me trying
it yet. Says its too early & still has many side effects/kinks to work out yet, plus it's not guaranteed to work for everyone. 25% of the people have either stayed the same or got worse.

Thanks for all the feedback. I will not do anything until it's guaranteed to work as too scared now. I was excited that there might have been a cure.

That is some helpful information, John! Several people have pointed out the stem cell therapy - I think the most recent one in the news is the autologous with chemo. I would love to hear more about your treatment. How wonderful that your leukemia and MS are cured. Congratulations!! You must be feeling loads better, have your life back! Would love to hear more about it.

Lorrie, It does feel good. :) All in remission for now and I hope that is what it stays. Hematologists won't say I am cured until 2 years post transplant. Please direct people my way if they have questions regarding stem cell transplant therapy. I lived it in real time and would love to help people make the right choice moving forward.

Congratulations to coin lieutenant! I hope things remain as positive as they are now.

Wow! I hope that stem cell treatment improves & can eventually be an option for most of us!