Summer is here... Lots to do, see and experience. Plan on making it a summer to remember... I do. Healing, digital story telling, bbq's, pool parties, rafting, biking, concerts, gardening, friends family....Enjoying your life, enjoying everyday. That's living and it's healing.

I've been tripping over my foot all day; actually for the last week. Change. Change always a constant! Exciting but, sometimes pretty tiring... always in search of balance. I feel blessed and grateful as I continue to gain strength, improve my gait and use better form with new balance and better posture. I'm standing taller, straighter. Not as distorted. This is happening because my body is finding new pathways enabling muscles to fire, activating more movement. Qi gong, yoga and pilates my favorites for unwinding a twisted body, letting go of tightness and staying flexible. Lots of work, time and patience required. Sorry, nothing is magic that I have found so far. However, I do believe that the Stem Cell Therapy has enabled the healing process to move at a more rapid pace.

I continue to learn about food; raw foods, superfoods, sprouting, rejuvelac... live food! One of the missionaries from The Optimum Health Institute, Stephanie, came to my home and helped me set up my kitchen. I can't wait to share my new recipes with my friends. I want my body to want for nothing. Healing on every level; mind body and soul, every cell, one at a time, faster and faster with optimum health.

The highlight of the month: I received a scholarship from the Aspen Writers Foundation giving me the opportunity to take a digital storytelling workshop. Everyone created a personal narrative. To my surprise the whole process became yet another healing experience. I was unprepared for how emotional I became. Reading old hospital journals, thumbing through photos. My body began to shut down for the first 2 days of the workshop. I notice with each release; emotional or physical a space becomes available for more movement, less pain and tension. With the help and insight from the instructors Daniel and Allison I made it through the entire 4 day workshop not skipping a single class. I created a short 3 minute narrative called snapshot.

Ms. Potts:

I can't explain why I came across your site, I was on a friend's Facebook page and noticed some friends, who I thought I knew previously.  Thought I knew you (I didn't) but your story just leapt off the page, and as I went to your website I was drawn even more by your story.  

I have read your blog and your postings, and I've just been struck by it all.  I will just skip all of the statements regarding your commitment, courage, endurance, spirit and humanity.  I do so because the breadth of those qualities which you possess (and more) are beyond description.  

What I am writing to you about, as a complete stranger, is my wonder as to how you live your life in those smaller moments, the minutes and seconds when challenges face you when you're dead tired and don't have the discipline.  Or even yet, in those moments, where perhaps, you are back "in the dark," if that has even come to you.  Moments where the sheer weight of what occured faces you, or that challenges ahead.  Does boredom even hit you?

This isn't to suggest in any way that you cannot overcome.  I believe you have, can, and will.  But instead I want to know, put simply, if you're ever down, depressed.  How does it hit you, and how do you deal with it?

I'll admit, I am luckier than most people in the world.  I'm an attorney in Michigan (relatively new one too, I'm 26), with a family, friends, working, seemingly "on track."  but there are moments when I almost can't face it all, life.  I can't explain why, or if it reflects a deeper problem.  The passion fades, the spark goes out.  I even used to exercise, keep myself healthy, enjoy the outdoors.  now those moments are more sporadic.  But then I read someone like you, who has done what you have done, and literally it gives energy to me as the reader.

I suppose at the end of the day the question I have for you is this: how do you live your life?  It's a loaded question to be sure, but one I'd like to ask you.  And of course I'm sorry if I come across as deranged, but again I am a rational person who was struck by your story and who felt compelled to write you.  I'm a stranger I admit, but just someone trying to find that spark, that meaning, that love and passion of life you so clearly have.  I won't bug you, but just figured I'd ask you the questions that came to mind.

Needless to say, I wish you all the best in your journey.  From what I can see your treatment has progressed amazingly well, and you face even better prospects.  I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

All the best,

A

Click "Read More" for my thoughts... 

Hi A,

Thanks for the email.

As you and I both know life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows.. I think of it as the eb and flow of life. No one can escape;  rich or poor, abled bodied or not. In fact I don't think any of us are to get out without a few obstacles, we all have something to overcome. I actually believe that the dark days are when we grow as a living animal called the human being. Not saying it feels good or I enjoy the moment. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger... Right? 

Talking dark side and depression, I hear pain, anxiety, overwhelmed, stressed, lonely, hungry tired...the list goes on. It's a time to listen to the body and actually hear what it is trying to say. Awareness, understanding and forgiveness. Forgiveness is a big one; forgiving yourself first and then others. Sets you free.

Yes, I have down days. I'm human; I feel pain. I wonder why me? I beg for a few moments to be out of my body and experience life again with less pain, struggle, walking, dancing, roaming freely... When the "why me" begins to resurface, I acknowledge it, support it, give it what it needs and move on. Over time I have come to realize I'm usually overwhelmed, tired, or hungry...possibly all three. After I have had time to rest, recover and restore (eat and sleep!) I wake with a whole new mindset. Back on track, thinking positive.... When I need to cry, I cry; when I need to scream, I scream (preferably at home, alone)...releasing the energy. I also talk to friends. The ones I can vent to without judgement. 

In order to stay positive I work towards balance, a little bit of everything. Work, exercise, diet, rest, hanging out with friends... By the way, your too young to stop exercising, it's a lifestyle.

These are some of  the things that keep me motivated:

Prayer, Visualization, Meditation, Forgiveness

Daily Exercise- to release endorphins, build strength, gain flexibility, which also relieves stress. 

Healthy Diet- fruits, veggies, good fats, lean protein, water.

Positive Thinking

Setting  Goals

Good Friends

Life Experiences, Exploring, Learning

We all have obstacles or something to over come. Staying healthy and  fit keep me positive, motivated and that in return keeps my spirit high and full of life. It's when I quit moving or get lazy that my body shuts down, thoughts become negative, depression begins to creep back in. Little changes everyday with forgiveness and understanding for yourself and others. 

Your Assignment! Write 5 things you are thankful for every morning before you have your breakfast, tea or coffee. Perspective is everything.

Hope I answered your questions and this gives you some insight. Let me know.

My Best, L

The healing journey continues...

Breakfast 

The month of May I find myself in San Diego at the Optimum Health Institute for 3 weeks in total. Not knowing what to expect other than a healthy, healing, cleansing, detox center. My expectations are exceeded with 3 classes daily on the topics I'm most interested in; digestion, raw foods and food combining, self esteem, meditation and visualization. Overwhelming amounts of excellent information. My focus, to continue healing on a deep and connected way, every cell, one by one; body, mind and spirit.

Juicing on the Lawn 

Quickly, I realized people go to OHI for many different reasons, some with "health opportunities," some to lose weight or to rest, but people come from all over the world in search of optimum health. In between the classes we meet for breakfast, lunch and dinner...all raw foods. Sprouts, salad, veggies; the best meal of the week in my opinion are the tacos on Saturday night. The pizza and spaghetti is a nice change for the pallet as well. The highlight was on the use of wheatgrass and rejuvelac.

WheatGrass Galore

It's spring, suns out and I want to play. I also want to heal. Where is balance in a healthy healing world? Play too much, too tired to heal. No playing way too rigid, too routine, no fun and lose social skills. Too much food, digestive system shuts down, the result, no energy. Too little sleep again no energy. Balance is different for every individual; goals are different, but that is what makes us unique. However, we are still similar. In search of love, peace, happiness and security. We get lonely, but we are not alone... We are AL-ONE! So, I continue on my path remembering to hold on, embrace, and enjoy the ride... And so can you!

I feel strong this month as I work to weave the neuralgic patterning deep into my unconscious body. At the same time, I must let go and unwind the spots that continue to hold. The yin and yang of healing. Time, patience and daily work (for years) required in order to see results. In the beginning it looks like nothing; with consistent work and repetition something beautiful does appear. Life! Movement! Circulation! Less strain, less tension, and less pain! What would you give up? What would you do to bring life back into your limbs? I want to play, run, dance in the suns' rays. As I ease my mind I think to the day with clear vision that there will be less pain, more movement and no cane....Freedom and feeling good the goal.

PreSki: Leah, Shana Kelly, and Sam Ferguson. 

Bring on the spring weather...

I'm grateful to see the sun. Can anyone say, Spring Fever. With the end of March and the beginning of April my body has turned a another corner, peeled another layer, it has been 4 months since returning from my last stem cell treatment in India and I finally feel comfortable in my body. Energy, Enthusiasm and Ideas come easier.

I have learned a lot about myself, human embryonic stem cells and what I can endure. I have experienced my first disturbing SIDE AFFECTS... and by the way, worked through them, settled my body and survived! What happens to someone when they are injected with 619 million human embryonic stem cells in a single month? I have first hand experience and if you want to know, email me! An extremely frustrating and lonely time... For a few days I considered this my last stem cell treatment. However, once through the damp dark side the light appears! My desire IS to return to India one last time. I'm not ready yet, as I must work the cells I have but, another trip will be needed to complete my journey.

Leah Skiing on Aspen Mountain

 My focus has been getting on the mountain for some outdoor recreation therapy... skiing! The weather is perfect and the snow is fresh.... excellent spring conditions, I just can't get enough. My body proves to be stronger and for the first time in years, my quads are able to "let go"; I now flow with the terrain instead of fighting it. Credit goes to them stem cells for allowing me to teach my body to "let go". 

I continue a dedicated and strict routine of daily chi gong, breath work, visualization, meditation, a healthy diet, physical therapy and exercise. My exercise routine changes daily. I also attend weekly sessions of biofeedback, acupuncture, physical therapy; which I do NOT skip. The magic comes in the work. One cannot pop a pill or get an injection and think they will walk again. Little bits everyday and something beautiful will appear. 

As I come closer to balance, my goal is to help others help/heal themselves. If you have friends, family or loved ones that need support, ideas, or simply someone to talk to they are welcome to email me. leah@leahpotts.com. 

Pushing On in order to make a difference.

Thank you for the love and support.

Namaste,

Leah 

This month has been a quiet and difficult month. I have had no desire to leave my house, no skiing...a few days but, not much. I really have no energy. Glad the Olympics are on. They have become the highlight of the day; a nice spinach salad, couch and The Games. 

My body continues to detox and I just go with the flow. I reach out to the universe for support, guidance and love... Detox appears all around me. I've found some new supplements that I'm slowly adding to my routine. My favorite product is called MMS. Google it. It's an inexpensive and powerful detox tool... so be pre-warned! Go slow with the drops!! 

I have become a believer in the fact that as I release the toxins from my body, add needed nutrients, a healthy diet; my body begins to balance its many different systems. I have also learned sometimes its about what the body is NOT taking in. The body wants to heal, it wants to work properly. My focus is to give my body whatever is necessary, I want it to want for nothing!  I want any nutrient available for each and every cell to grab in order to have every opportunity to heal sufficiently and as fast as possible. 

For more support and knowledge in the detoxing progress I have decided to go to a detox institute in San Diego. Working on the details and financial situation. However to my excitement they do have a scholarship program. Did you know it can take one month of detoxing for every year you have been alive? So, since I've been around for 34 years it could take me approximately 3 years to cleanse. Not that I want to live forever. I want to feel good, have energy, and HEAL!

Erica and I at The India Gate 

India was AWESOME and extremely intense. Massive amounts of stem cells; creating new opportunities, new obstacles and in the end, new movement, new life in my body. I've been home for about 6 weeks, still working on a routine, starting to settle in...waves of energy and then days of the deepest sleep...the healing process.

Paralysis, quite the puzzle... right now my focus has been all about releasing toxins, organ support (especially for the liver and gallbladder) and digestion. Detoxing! Healing from within.

IMPROVEMENTS: 

I'm noticing all kinds of changes in my stride, balance, posture and core.  My walking and gait movements come easier (less mechanical). I must constantly remember to fire, activate and actually use my glutes and hip flexors on the right leg, it does NOT come natural (yet!). The patterning is of great significance and if not paying attention is easily distorted, including the arm swing.  Time walking on the Alter G has given me the confidence to allow a more natural weight shift onto the right side, trusting the knee can and will hold proper weight without hyperextension. Hours of repetition needed.

The Alter G

Seeing improvement in my right hand function.  Intricate “daily life” activities come easier.  Simple moves like holding a fork, changing earrings, gripping a zipper and zipping a jacket, all DO-ABLE! Tightness and spasms seem less and I'm more connected with my individual fingers. I can actually choose which finger to move and only move it, without compensation or help from the other fingers. 

These improvements are slow and may seem small but, in the day and life of a former quadriplegic this is HUGE... and only the beginning. Once the body begins to receive a signal, we must repeat (sending the signal) millions of times in order to strengthen the pathway;... perfection in the practice is most helpful. That means knowing when the muscles are fatigued, the signal gone, before compensation sets in. Muscles, tendons,  ligaments, can fire only so many times before exhausted. (When the movement is new.)

I'm excited and continue to be amazed with my progress, especially my walk,...It's happening! HOWEVER, not without daily stimulus and loads of work. It's not magic; It's not like you can pop a pill or get an injection and think your gonna walk again, not after almost 11 years of paralysis. Stem cells are only a piece of the pie. We must have the patience, time, and support in order to teach the stem cells what to do.

THE FUTURE: 

I plan to stay dedicated to my INTENSE routine until December 2011. At that point,  I will re-evaluate my progress and decide if I want to continue on or... change my focus. Dr. Geeta Shroff and Dr. Ashish Verma, my Stem Cell Docs in India, would like to see me return to India for a fourth treatment in September, we will see. Right now I need to heal, balance my body and integrate the 619 million cells I just received. 

The Best Therapy! Skiing with Maggie. Aspen Mountain. 

Thank you all. I remain grateful for the support.

My Best,

Leah

Yoga on the Rooftop with Guru Rawat 

The heart of India, alive all around me as I sit in my hospital room, lights on low, reflecting the past month; the sound of the band across the street begins to play yet another set, the drums beat loudly to a random rhythm, it's wedding season, a time to celebrate. I listen to the stray dogs bark as the yogi chants to the full moon, the cars, buses and auto rickshaws honking for position. After 28 days, Erica, calls this white light and we have both found peace in the chaos.

A Random Street 

Dr. Ashish Verma and Dr. Geeta Shroff 

The schedule is full as I embrace the last four days of my third trip, here for human embryonic stem cell therapy. I have just finished my second Lumbar Puncture Procedure, exhausted but, to my surprise, without a headache. I will have two more major procedures before departure, both on the same day, Friday. By, Sunday, evening I will have a whopping 616 million new cells in my body. (I added them up.) Enough to work with over the next year. What will the future hold? Change is certain, the work a must. My desire to prove anything is possible if you put your mind to it, at an all time high. I remind myself to center, relax and stay grounded. Everything will unfold, I must be patient.

Procedure #6... The Lumbar 

Walking with Precision, No Cane!

Over the last few weeks I have gained new movement; extension in the fingers of my right hand. I have begun to eat my meals and do some writing using that hand, something I have not done in 10 years.  The muscles are weak but, continue to gain strength daily. I stand taller with new found strength in my right knee, the hyperextension more controllable. With this I can hardly wait to see my new moves on the mountain, more control of my skis. The fight is not over, there is work to be done. My destination is unknown. 

I take this moment to say thank you, to share with you all my gratitude. I would not have chosen this path, the universe chose me. Perfect in every way, I know I cannot do it alone. It's not just about me. I'm a drop in the ocean to the amount of people who could use this science. I simply blaze the path for others to follow. I have a dream and believe everyone deserves a second chance to heal, to be released from their own binding constraints. It's about quality of life, about being better, and as another patient said, shouldn't we all strive to be better?

Thank you for all the love and support along the way. See you back in Aspen, 4 days left...and yes, I'm counting!

Seven days, and yes, I'm counting. This Thanksgiving was spent in a Three Day Procedure. One of my favorites procedures because of the results, the return. This is a difficult procedure due to the fact that I'm to stay in one room for, well, 3 days. It does however, give me time to reflect, to set new goals and intentions for when I get back to my routine in Aspen.

Looking a bit ragged. Half-Way... Thanksgiving Dinner! 

Erica and I were transported to Gautam Nagar Hospital, a 15 minute taxi ride. Dr. Ashish was ready and awaiting my arrival so, the sisters (nurses) had me moving. Gown on, IV in, which she missed the first time and my hand is still bruised. It doesn't happen often but when it does they really start to poke around. I think they feel bad and want to make it right on the first go. Not cool, no fishing, I told her to stop do it again. The second one stuck and the antibiotics began. Big fat syringes full of this yellow liquid. No wonder my digestion is upset. Planning a big detox when I return home. Colon, gall bladder and liver lasting up to 10 days. My body is actually craving it.

Antibiotics... 

Anyway, back to the three day... Gown, IV, vitals, antibiotics, transfer to gurney and downstairs to the operation theater. The Three Day consists of a catheter inserted next to my spine starting at T8 or T9 and running up to T2. The insertion and weaving of the catheter didn't take long as Dr. Ashish and I have an excellent working relationship. Attached at one end of the catheter plastic piping is a piece that looks like a medallion. That is where the stem cells are injected. 50 million in a dose. I'm inverted and rolled to my right side on the operation table. Once I was back in the room I was to stay in this position, on my right side for the next 4 hours. I must lay still and inverted. The idea is that the cells are to “hone” in on the injury site and attach to where I need them. 

Dr. Ashish injecting 50 million Stem Cells 

Over the next 3 days, once in the morning and once at night, Dr. Ashish comes to the room and administers the cells. At this time we have the opportunity to connect with him, ask any questions and show improvements. Another 300 million stem cells in total. When I told my dad he asked if I was floating away yet! I told him no just emotional.

Removing the Catheter 

Spinning Starts at 7:30AM-8:30AM at Club X-Cell 

Back at NuTech. Physical Therapy with Soniya from 9AM-10AM. 

Dr. Ashish Makes His Rounds.