Michelle Gerard

It is time to let people in on what is currently going on in my life..........here it goes:

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2 years ago I went to see an orthopedic about issues with my right knee. It was dismissed as possible early arthritis. I knew there had to be something more. After seeing a 2nd orthopedic, I was referred to a neurologist after MRI’s confirmed my diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis. Not the answer I was looking for, and I was a bit taken back. I did not tell my parents or my sister until now for a variety of reasons, the main being that I was diagnosed the same week my dad was released from being in the hospital, and what my mom was going through with my Aunt Carrie, I didn't think she would need to hear another dose of bad news.


The MRI showed the concentration of lesions are in my spine, very few in the cranial area. That being said, I was given the comparison that my case is in the “bottom 10%” as far as advancement. A positive thing. Doesn’t really matter in my eyes, it is still MS.


My life since that day has been full of appointments. I have seen 4 neurologists before finding one that I feel comfortable with, a holistic/wellness doctor (she has me on numerous supplements), nutritionist (I have eliminated gluten and dairy from my diet), physical therapist, and chiropractor. Up to this point, I have resisted disease modifying medications. 

As far as symptoms that I am dealing with: weakness on the right side of my body (hip and glute weakness attributes to the gait when I walk), “heavy leg” syndrome (when I tire, the best way I can describe it is it feels like I am walking with my foot in cement!), balance issues, leg spasms (mostly at night), fatigue to name a few. I am anxious in crowded places because I can’t walk fast. I have difficulty navigating stairs unless I have a railing to hold on to. I can’t walk long distances. Walking short distances makes me tire quickly. I can’t run, or ride a bike.


My MRIs have remained stable, but it does not mean that my damaged nerve tissue will not worsen. As recommended by my neurologist, I have agreed to start prescribed infusions, once every 6 months.


James has been my rock through all of this. After giving it much thought, research and having communicated with the world’s foremost authorities on stem cell treatment we have made the decision to seek Stem Cell Therapy. There is no cure for my chronic condition. Stem Cell Therapy is the only known “hope” to repairing myelin that has been damaged. BUT, to do this means traveling out of the country.


We are in route to Thailand as I write this. We will be gone for 19 days I can’t imagine leaving my girls that long, BUT if this venture will give me some quality of my life back, that is all that I ask. It scares me even more to know that I could be in a wheelchair at a relatively young age.


I have been overwhelmed with everyone's kindness and willingness to help! Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️


Positive thoughts………like my dad said to me, “you are going to fight this and beat it."


The girls are doing ok with the news, I know they will be in good hands with Nana and Papa while we're gone.


Now that my family knows everything, I feel ok letting others know, too.



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