Born in Ghana, West Africa, I migrated to the United States in 1995. Born with Sickle Cell Disease SCD), I was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), in 2003. In 2010, I underwent Stem Cell Transplantation, which cured me of SCD and MS both of which were known to be incurable diseases. Granted Stem Cell Transplantation was still in its experimental stage. However, I was fortunate to have gotten a two for one deal. Experiencing this breakthrough cure, I have made it part of my mission to promote Bone Marrow Transplant by highlighting how life-changing being a donor can be.
I lived with SCD for almost 38 years. I experienced multiple pain crises a month. MS flare ups and pain crises affected my daily life. Even though I carried the SCD, my whole family suffered through it with me. As a woman, I dreaded each time I went into my menstrual cycle. Something that was exciting for most women was of great dread to me because every time I went through a cycle, I would end up with a pain crisis of some sort.
After my diagnosis with MS, I went through a period of anger, frustration and depression. How was I to live a productive life? I was angry at the world and angry at God and severely depressed. To me there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I could not see a light there. I woke up in pain and went to bed in pain. The list of medication I was taking was quite lengthy. I struggled to maintain a part time job. I was addicted to opioids and struggled to balance life by knowing when to take the medication for pain and when not to. I did not have hope I would be where I am today.
Thanks to Stem Cell Transplant my life has changed. My life has made a 360 degree change. A lot of the things I am able to engage in now, I was unable to engage in not too long ago. Although I had heard of Stem Cell Transplant being a possible cure for SCD, I never dreamt I would even be considered a candidate for this procedure. I never thought I would ever have the opportunity to undergo such a ground breaking procedure.
In 2010 after a series of testing of my parents and siblings, I was informed my mother was a match for the bone marrow transplant. It was an exciting day. Although she shared with me how happy and grateful she was to have this opportunity in assisting with a cure for me, I can only imagine the anxiety she had considering the possibility the transplant could not work. My mother and I had great faith and we placed our complete trust in God.
The momentous day occurred on November 18 of 2010. It was a day like any other to most people. But for me it was the day my life would change forever. This life which had been filled with pain and struggles was about to end. I was aware of the complications that could arise. I was aware of all of the possibility of rejection. I tried to think positively and not dwell on the negative aspects of this process.
As the cells made their way into my veins on this day, I knew my life would never be the same. After being in the hospital for weeks, it was confirmed that not only had the bone marrow cured the SCD, it had also cured the MS and a Neurologist confirmed this months later.
Although occasionally I am told the percentage of the donor cells in my body are decreasing and could potentially cause the Sickle Cell Disease to return to my body, I still press on with faith. I do not allow this news to discourage me. Many times I have been told this news. Yet nothing has changed. As of now, the donor cells are at 18% and I have been advised if they go any lower than that, I will have to get re-transplanted a second time. As usual, I am not experiencing any symptoms nor am I feeling any different. I know when god does something He does it once and for all. There is no do over and there will not be a do over in my case.
In November of 2015, my doctor advised me she had seen three blood clots in an artery in my brain that was growing to a point of concern. I went to John Hopkins where further tests revealed there were actually five clots. Two of the clots were behind each eye and one was at the base of my brain. The clots had enlarged over time to a point of great concern to my Neurosurgeon. The interesting about this was that I was not experiencing any symptoms whatsoever. I was experiencing an occasional headache, but there was nothing out of the ordinary or different about those headaches. My medical team feared they would rapture at some point and could cause major complications and hence advised me to get the, taken care off immediately.
The months following this revelation were quite trying for me and my family. But as God had always had a hand on me and brought me through some difficult medical issues, we had faith that He would work this out too. We scheduled 3 different procedures about six weeks apart for each one to get the clots coiled to prevent further enlargement. Thankfully my employer was gracious and understanding of my situation and allowed me time off for each procedure. That shows me how great God is.
I thank God every day for what He has brought me through. All this has strengthened my family and my faith. I know God is in control and there is nothing for me to fear. I am writing an autobiography to share my story with others, because there is a purpose for me, is why I am still here.
I have since been able to live a productive life with no pain or MS flare ups. Not only do I have a full time job, but I am able to engage in activities I could never image myself engaged in before. I have been living on my own for the last 5 years and able to walk several miles a day. I am excited about the possibilities life has to offer and I am most grateful to Science. New developments in Science, most importantly advancements in gene therapy specifically are what have brought me to this place. A place free of pain, numbness, depression and no joy. I encourage people to be a donor because you never know what a difference you can make in someone’s life.
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