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.

Pre-Cadual 

Today was a great day, I'm just tired, tired of the lifestyle, want my control back; love my home, miss my friends and the clean air. The cells and the improvements keep me hanging on. Another 50 million cells collected, feeling good and energized. Collecting points, doing the therapy, ready to go home and get back to my routine.

The Doctors Assistants 

 Propping Up the Bed

The highlight was the caudal procedure. After physical therapy I was taken to the operation theater where the stem cells where injected directly above the coccyx at the sacral iliac joint. Dr. Ashish was targeting the lower body emphasis on motor function. Looking for more stability in the right knee, ankle, and hips. A pretty easy procedure as far as they go. A 4 hour bed rest on my stomach, bed inverted. Early to bed. Keeping it simple tonight. Must listen to my body. Spinning in the morning.

X-ray First 

As I walk through the front door the attendant was surprised that I had come alone. Why? Because I walk with a limp, a cane, I'm a woman? They all feel the need to help with an arm while some want to just carry my bag. No problem. But, why wouldn't I come alone? It's a simple MRI.

I check in and sit down. As I scan the room literally every woman was accompanied by their mother, husband, care taker, I was the only loner. I wait a good 45 minutes to an hour and am finally called. I change my clothes in a hurry because I'm feeling pressure due to time; I want to make the 6:30 spin class before my next procedure, only to be told to sit here 10 more minutes and wait in the hall. 

I decide to have a little fun and play the I didn't understand card. I follow the attendant. I follow the guy right into the middle of a pizza party! Cokes, chia, pizza being passed around, seriously it was work party. The waiting room was overly packed and the appointments were running hours behind because the workers were, just eating pizza! I was shocked and when they told me the MRI was going to take 45 minutes I was like I'm out of here, we'll do this another day. I told them I was leaving, this said the workers jumped, I never saw Indians move faster. They took me right that second, threw me on the MRI table, started the machine and the scanning was under way. I came to the realization while deep in the tube, loud noise all around, meditating that I would not be making that class. Whatever, I'll go in the morning.

MRI complete I head towards the front door to my taxi when the man running the waiting room and most likely the pizza party stopped me mid stride. Madam, wait let me call you a cab, sit here, 10 minutes. I reply no problem I will get a auto rickshaw, I'm ready to go. He insists I wait saying there are no auto rickshaws available at this hour even, though two empty rides happen to pass right as he says this. OK, I think to myself I've missed the class, what's 10 more minutes. 20 minutes later I'm still sitting. Getting a bit irritated, I go outside to find my man. 

When I do, I ask where's my taxi? He's like, not sure, I called, lots of traffic, wait 10 minutes. I respond I'm upset. He says get cool. With that I say, Dandivat (thanks in Hindi), Namaste, I no longer need your help and turn to walk to the street for an auto rickshaw. I walk to the corner of the block him following me all the way and hail a ride. Talking to the driver, I give the address, barter a price, we make a deal, I get in. The man starts to talk with my driver, in past experience I know things get confusing with his help. So I say with a smile, in my assertive tone dandivat, namaste, I DON'T need your help, thanks but, no thanks. He finally gets it and walks away. 

I was home in 5 minutes and there was no traffic problems or misunderstandings. How liberating, how funny I laugh. Can you imagine trying to heal your body in a country where you can't even make an appointment? I wonder, how in the world did Geeta get to the lab? Or through all the political hoops when dealing with something as huge as Human Embryonic Stem Cells. She is the world first, a lady to look up to. Go Dr. Geeta Shroff, I'm following your lead, I'm not looking back, nor am I waiting on any man. However, a partner would be nice.

Until tomorrow. Good night and Namaste.

Birthday Dinner 

Tip of the day: 1 banana for loose motion; 2 bananas for constipation. Love the advice from the Indians.

A beautiful Birthday here in India, if you can't be with your friends and family at home there is no better place to be except  NuTech MediWorld. The hospital staff, doctors, therapist, patients love a birthday. Physical therapy as usual but, always time for cake! I'm dedicated to improving the function of my right hand; with that said, I cut the first slice of cake with it. My occupational therapist was sooo happy. Needed to find some more strength to actually cut the whole thing,  that would take hours. The Indian tradition on B-days is to shake the birthday girls had and say many happy returns. A past life thing is what I'm thinking.

Right Hand Shake 

Cake Cutting 

The day started when the manager Joti came to my room with a chocolate cake and an aloe leaf. What a great present as I eat aloe daily. It's a superfood good for the bowels, a cooling agent, hair, skin and as we all know burns. Try it if you haven't. You can purchase it at any health store.

 Joti and Fresh Aloe

After lunch, Erica, gave me the best oil massage I think I've ever had. She is extremely talented and passionate about her work. It shows in the way she listens to the body; the way she uses her whole self, hands, forearms, elbows. Just what the doctor ordered. I was transported home for that hour. (I miss home and my routine.) There couldn't be a better gift. Thanks Erica.

Feeling limber and rejuvenated we both went for the yoga session downstairs. Another care taker from New Zealand, Raven, joined us. A nice workout with meditation and breath work combined, even worked up a bit of sweat.

The 3 of us did a quick change and headed out, on the town towards Congunt Place destination; “Veda,” a traditional posh Indian restaurant. The best Indian I ever had. Didn't think to take a picture of the food. Bummer! Too busy worried about getting my share!! Awesome time thanks friends.

Back at the hospital I was tired but, instead of sleeping I opted to check some emails and facebook. (Getting addicted) Thank you all for the Happy Birthday wishes and love. It's your support that carries me through. The best gift one can receive, well, besides a birthday card from my mom. Couldn't believe she thought to send it to India. I go to sleep knowing I'm loved and supported no matter where I am in the world.

Back at you...peace and love to all. Why, because we all deserve it. Love.

Infussion 

Headache and all, I left Gatuam Nagar by 9:00AM, Saturday, morning ready to get back to the other hospital. Erica and I hung around the room relaxing until after lunch. I was tired with a some nausea from the procedure. No stopping Dr. Shroff, the flow of stem cells keep coming. (not that I have a problem with that.) Dr. Ashish says I'm a veteran, healthy and the plan is to fill in all the holes. I'm cool with that as well. Seeing more stability in that right knee. My aim is to lose the hyperextension. I'm most impressed with the way I walk the stairs in physical therapy. Can't wait to compare footage from a year ago. With a knock on the door, in came a sister with my next injection, a IV infusion. This carries the cells through the veins to my entire body. They're not messing around. Honestly I couldn't believe it. More?

We had an appointment with, Dr. Anup, our Ayurveda doctor. I thought I was OK but, soon realized that the auto rickshaws can get a bit bumpy. My head pounding I knew the day for me would be over after the appointment. He added a few herbs, gave me a book on the medicine and I was gone. Heading straight for my bed. Erica did some shopping therapy at Delhi Haat while I reached for my pillow, healing therapy. Sleep! We heal with rest and relaxation. No pain meds until the middle of the night when I just couldn't take it any longer. I wasn't sure if I was going to throw up or just keel over. By morning I was fine. 

Sunday, was a causal day hangin' out at NuTech (The hospital). Some of the other patients had organized a BBQ, “American” style so that was nice. We chatted it up a bit and I decided it was time for Erica to experience a real Indian market. Off we went. I had forgotten this was a weekend, family day and the crowds were massive. We went with the flow and totally enjoyed ourselves. We are in our groove. India is alive for us, half local; Same, same but, different.

Taxi to The Lumbar 

Anxiety is on high as I prepare my mind and body for The Lumbar. Patients know that this is the toughest procedure of them all. It's difficult because of the extreme headache that follows. 

Knowing this I began to brainstorm ways that could help the matter. I asked Erica if she knew anyway that we could soften the scar tissue around the site of injury. So, a half hour before time to catch the cab to the other hospital, we did some fascia work around my neck. The fascia is a layer of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, bones, organs, nerves, blood vessels and other soft structures of the body. It's one piece that holds the the body together. After injury, it is the fascia that creates an environment for tissue repair.

Sign Paperwork...Pre-Lumbar 

Chai as Sister Donna Prepares 

To my surprise, it worked! I was taken to the operation theater and Dr. Ashish entered. A quick briefing so I would understand where I wanted to put my mind, my intentions. I tend to have the same 3 questions. 1. Where are we going in at? Answer: C-7 Right below site of injury which is at C-5. 2. How many cells? Answer: 50,000 3. What are we targeting? Answer: Whole body especially right side. OK I was ready.

The Transfer 

I grit my teeth, prepared for the worst. Honestly it was the easiest lumbar poke ever. In the past I could really feel when he had to push through the different layers of the skin to get to the spine. I fear that pain. This time it wasn't bad. The needle felt like it slide right in, right into position. I was jolted by a zinger that went head to toe, only on the right side. The spinal fluid hit the floor, one drop and the stem cells took it's place. I swear I was rolled in the operation room at 1:00PM and we were done at 1:25PM. Amazing...

After Lumbar... Right Side 

I was told by Dr. Ashish that I must lay on my right side for the next 6 hours, bed inverted on some bricks. Can't even get up to pee. The idea is that the stem cells will “hone in” at site of injury and replace damaged cells. By 7:30PM I was allowed to roll over onto my back but, had to stay lying down and inverted until morning.

6 Hours Later... The Headache 

The headache started around 3:30PM building as the night went. I hated to have to take any pain meds but, did. I have nothing to prove the pain is intense and builds if you don't keep it under control. By morning I was pretty irritated and wanted out of the room. Having issues with my bowels. No movement or little for days now. Need more leafy greens, which are hard to come by.

My headache lasted about 2 days with some nausea, just to mix it up a bit. This is good as some patients have problems that can last up to 10 days. Some patients skip the lumbar all together. I hope this is the last lumbar procedure this round but, will do whatever the doctor orders.