Arriving back at the hospital after being let out on bail for the evening (figuratively speaking, of course – I’m actually loving the hospital stay), the good Dr. Fedorenko came to my room to meet Jen and I to discuss the test results.

The great news – my heart is fine, lungs and general health are top-notch. Slightly higher cholesterol, but more exercise and having the energy to cook better meals post-HSCT is all part of the plan anyway. My MRI scan did show that my rather aggressive MS is close to becoming Secondary Progressive, so I’m incredibly relieved to be nipping that one in the bud.

My neurologist back home argued that I should wait for the UK to provide HSCT. But according to the NHS, ‘HSCT only works for RRMS’. Reasons to take control yourself! …But that’s a big conversation for another day.

Back on topic… With a positive health check, Dr. F – with a great big smile on his face and a hug – told me I’m good for the treatment. I couldn’t be happier! Naturally, I asked where he thought my physical state could return to. ‘Where you were three years ago,’ he replied. But with determination and good physio, potentially wherever I want to be – saying that healing is a lot to do with the mind.

That’ll do for me!

Starting tomorrow (Friday), I’ll begin receiving steroid infusions and stimulation injections to encourage my stem cells in the bone marrow to make their way into my bloodstream. Round up the troops – kicking MS arse starts here!

I want to finish this post by thanking everyone for their support. I’ve never seen so many Facebook comments and likes on everything Jen and I post – they’re well into the hundreds! Honestly, being so far from home with support like that means the world to me.

To the HSCT groups on Facebook – those hunting the treatment and the veterans too – your advice and cheers are invaluable to someone currently going through it all.

Thank you!