A MONTH after returning from Moscow where he received ground-breaking treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Albion Park Rail’s Troy Eccleston is starting to show marked signs of improvement.
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Thanks to the tremendous support of family and friends, more than $70,000 was raised to send him to Pirigov Medical Surgical Centre, Russia.
Troy is now back home and has already noticed some of the effects of the disease easing and he is feeling much stronger.
“I have a 100 percent improvement in my leg rigidity and spasticity, my heat intolerance has eased and there is around 80 percent improvement in colunas (involuntary bouncing) of my legs,” Mr Eccleston said.
“When I returned from Russia I was very weak as a result of my treatment and the long flight and required lots of rest and good food to help me recuperate, but I am getting noticeably stronger each day.
“I have just started walking short distances with the assistance of rail support after eight weeks in a wheelchair and I am due to start a rehabilitation program in January.
“At the moment I am on track to fulfil my ultimate goal and walk down the aisle with my fiancée, Ainslie (Sackey), when we are married on March 28 next year.”
Ms Sackey was delighted to have Troy home, and said while the results to date have been extremely pleasing, it was important to make sure he doesn’t get any infections post-chemotherapy.
“So far Troy's blood results demonstrate that he is responding well to the treatment, and we are encouraged by the fact that with autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) treatment, there is only a one percent treatment mortality rate worldwide.
"However this non-myeloablative HSCT has an 80-85 percent success rate at halting the disease progression in its tracks, and many people go on to experience significant improvement in their condition.
“Many people go on to experience improved health and reduced symptoms.”
Mr Eccleston had high praise for Doctor Dennis Fredorenko and his staff at the Pirigov clinic and also the support that allowed him to embark on his incredible, life-changing treatment.
“There is no doubt that without the support of so many wonderful people, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Ms Sackey said if anyone needs more information on HSCT they can visit his Facebook page To Russia and Back to Beat MS or HSCT Australia and New Zealand Forum.
