Still Cured

[FONT=”Microsoft Sans Serif”]Greetings all.

I am so pleased to see an increase in SCT interest and chatter. What was once a seemingly forbidden topic has become a trend full of hope and health.

I rarely post anymore as I feel not only has my story been brought to light, but others are now carrying the torch and passing the word with new vigor and renewed strength. It gives me great joy as I know that the more people that report being cured by SCT from the attack of CIDP, the more the skeptics will venture towards educating themselves in the same vain. You torch holders know who you are ))

At this moment, Sophie and I are vacationing in Paris. I say this not to brag or taunt– but rather to illustrate the level of health I have regained. There is no longer any limit to my abilities. We walk across the city and back, climb the metro stairs and traverse museums and gardens. I have always loved travel and one of my biggest regrets/fears when I became sick was that I would never again be able to properly enjoy Europe, meaning without a wheelchair or other such devices. Thanks to Stem Cell Transplant, I have attained this goal!

Also, as I have previously mentioned, I returned to work full duty as a San Francisco Police Officer in February. I am not at a desk. I work 10+ hour days in full patrol capacity in the city’s worst neighborhood. I run, chase, fight and debate. This was my other goal, being able to do the work I love and thrive within it. This goal too, I have attained.

A couple months ago, Sophie and I jumped out of an airplane from 13,000 feet altitude as skydiving has always been something I wanted to do, at least once.

Had I listened to my neurologist, I would be an unemployed cripple by now as none of the traditional treatments worked well enough for me and I was already paralyzed at 6 months post dx. I left my neurologist and sought treatment from Dr. Burt, an Immunotherapist, to treat the root of the problem– my immune system had gone bad, and the neurologic manifestations were mere symptoms of that pathology. Neurologists attempt to modify these symptoms but don’t make any claim to treat the root of the problem; in fact they would not know how, it is not within their specialized toolbox. Sometimes they are luckier than others and give some people relief, other times they fail miserably. But all the while, they almost always refute the value of SCT despite their own inadequacies and deficiencies. And as Yuehan has so eloquently put it, the “doctor on a pedestal is always right mantra” is a deeply dangerous one as it is absolutely essential to be one’s own advocate throughout the healthcare experience.

To choose or not to choose a given course of action, SCT or not, is entirely for the individual and his or her family to make. My efforts here, my website and the Facebook page have only been to share my story and the great success SCT provided me. I felt it necessary to push back at times to make certain that new folks that lurked and came along later would have a full understanding, so that they could make their own informed decision.

There is no need for blame or hard feelings. I harbor none. Some people felt it necessary to caution readers about what I wrote, I countered them– we all said what we had to say and that’s a beautiful thing. It is democracy at it’s best and in accordance with our country’s 1st amendment. All good stuff.

Let Yuehan express is frustrations now. Let him get it out. If you disagree, tell him– but don’t crucify him. Embrace him, even if you disagree.

Drummer, Yuehan is a beautiful name. An example of our wonderful diversity which makes us awesome.

Kelly, what is so wrong with revisiting difficult dialog? Perhaps we can learn from it, come together and/or better understand how things got so difficult to begin with. I have never been an advocate for burying things. The mere fact that any mention of that timeframe creates such flares indicates to me that more dialog could only benefit the culture we call this forum.

Kelly, we have had hard times you and I. It is clear we both have much to offer and learn. Hold your own kelly, stay in play. It always feels like you are about to shut the door, both with threats to do so and with deleted posts. It is okay to disagree. It is beneficial for debate and disagreement so that not only one point of view dominates. And most importantly, I implore you, please don’t dread revisiting unresolved dissension. There is no hate here. My heart is open. And although you “don’t hug,” I personally open my arms to hug you now. I’ll respect you if you can’t accept that. Peace.

It’s okay to argue friends. It’s okay to disagree too. Without dialog, there can be no relationship. This forum represents a labyrinth of relationships. Let’s care enough to do two things: (1)engage, as in stay put and (2)respect.

Wishing everyone health!
Alice

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