I’m here in Moscow – eight years after being diagnosed with MS – finally about to be given the chance to get rid of it.

So, Monday morning, we got up bright and early, ready to hit Heathrow for around 6:45 am. Had to get all the bags in, and BBC Radio Surrey wanted a live chat around 7 am before I left. Can’t say no – I’m such a media tart these days.

All went pretty smoothly, other than the flight missing its slot. And then, on takeoff, I glanced across at another passenger’s screen just in time to see Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl) slipping Bob and the twins back between his legs… That guy never does any role by halves, does he?

We arrived in Moscow and made it to the A.A. Maximov Hospital in good time. We were immediately met by Anastasia and Dr. Fedorenko, who gave a brief rundown of what’s to come before settling me into my room. Big hugs and smiles from both – a lovely welcome indeed.

With just enough time to point my video camera at the television and toilet, edit it up, eat a bit of stew, and then off to bed. (Both video and radio interview below.)

Day 1

Got woken up around 7 am by a nurse wanting a swab of my mouth. Not exactly the best time to go anywhere near that fly trap – maybe that’s why she chose then? Then – ‘Nose.’ ‘What do you mean, nose?’ …I closed my eyes and laid back down, knowing this probably won’t be the worst thing to happen to me this month.

Not long after, another nurse arrived with a couple of pots. I’m guessing she wants some fluids from me. Just as I was considering putting my head back down, yet another one walked in with a handful of empty blood vials. I just laid back, listening to several popping noises as each one filled, shook, and was scrutinised in the light. Not sure what she was expecting to see… Fish?

Then onto an action-packed day of X-rays, MRI scans, and multiple ultrasounds – enough for Dr. F to get a complete roadmap, periodic table, and dipstick test of this semi-functional lump of a body of mine. Far more than my neurologist has ever done for me back home.

Pretty much on the final test, I returned to my room to find my mum and wife, Jen, waiting for me – my entourage, giving me all the support, love, Coke, and Pringles I could need. I told them how I’d been pulled, poked, and pushed in the name of medical science, hoping that was the last of it.

Then Anastasia came back to the room saying there was going to be a little party at 4 pm – and we should all come along. A small ceremony for those who had been through most of their treatment and received their stem cells back. A chance to celebrate their re-birth – their new life. The worst is behind them, and now, it’s about recovering as much as possible from what MS has taken. Congratulations to Sandy and Berit! (From Washington, US, and Norway, respectively.) I’ll post their ceremony video soon.

Then came the best news – all my tests completed, I didn’t have to stay in the hospital that night and could enjoy a night away with Jen! So, we made the most of it – room service and a film. Chicken burgers and chips, and we watched Morning Glory – for those who need the detail.

What a couple of days!!

The tour!

BBC Radio Surrey Bon Voyage Interview