Patient story of Iarina Muresan, 2 years, Stroke /Updated
Year of birth:
2006
Disease treated: Stroke
As told by Iarina´s parents Ioana and Lucian Muresan
Updated in January of 2010
How it happened: Massive stroke at birth
"Iarina experienced a development explosion"
Our daughter, Iarina, has suffered a massive stroke sometimes around birth, with very serious consequences: secondary epilepsy, severe motor retardation, hemiparesis on her right side. Iarina was experiencing 50-60 epileptic seizures daily (possibly more), even though she was taking antiepileptic medicine. Her right foot and especially her right hand were very affected. Iarina was not even able to open her right fist to pick up a toy. When she was 1 year and two months old, she was not able to sit up on her own; she could turn over on her side only with great difficulty. During the night we had to turn her from one side to the other so that she would not remain in the same position for 8-9 hours. During the day, she was happy enough to remain sitting in a baby chair for 2 hours or more. But even more frightening for us as parents was the fact that Iarina was not trying to speak at all, although we constantly encouraged her. We could only hope that she understood us. We do not need to describe how upset we were as parents, knowing that the chances for improvement for our daughter were minimal or even non-existent.
Stem cell treatment in Cologne / February 2008
With these feelings we arrived X-Cell Center, two devastated parents searching for a miracle! We had the wonderful opportunity to see Dr. Angy Etou to whom we explained our situation. She carefully examined our daughter and studied her MRI images. She patiently listened to all the details concerning Iarinas case and decided to proceed with the stem cell transplantation. The stem cells were extracted from Irina´s hip and were re-injected into her spine. Fortunately, there were no side effects related to the anesthesia or to the transplantation procedure. Right after the treatment one good thing after another occured.
The results: A development explosion
Subsequently Iarina experienced a development explosion. Three weeks after the stem cell transplantation we noticed that the number of her seizures decreased, which was also confirmed by a neurologist and an EEG. After introducing another drug, her seizures gradually disappeared. A month and a half after the treatment Iarina began to say "mama" and "papa" (papa means food in our language). After that, there followed other words (like "ups, "goanga"-meaning little bug, "dei"-some sort of "give me"). At present, she understands absolutely everything we tell her and she interacts with us in a perfectly normal fashion. Two months after the treatment Iarina was able to turn over in bed by herself and change into whatever position she preferred. At night, when we put her to bed on her stomach she immediately rolled over on her back. If she wanted to get a toy, she could easily roll over towards it. Four and half months after the treatment she succeeded in sitting up by herself. Now she does this routinely. Eight months have passed since the transplantation. Now Iarina is able to stand on her own and when we hold one of her hands she walks around the whole house. She can even take up to 15 - 20 steps all by herself. Due to the stem cell therapy, her daily physiotherapy exercises are showing great results.
At present Iarina still exhibits a delay in her development, her motor functions are still affected and she is under epileptic medication, however this transplant has given us more than we could have ever hoped for. It has given us more than just minor improvements; it has given us our child back! Finally Iarina is a child, not just a tortured soul strapped in a car seat!
Second stem cell treatment in January 2009
By the time that we arrived at XCell-Center, Iarina was already able to walk by herself. Her balance was not the best in the world: she was falling every few steps, but still- the progress that she had made was obvious. In spite of the progress we saw in Iarina, we were somehow hesitant to do another transplant. Like any parent, we wondered if there might be possible side affects. But after speaking again with the clinic's doctor and after being reassured that there is no risk of tumors and only good things can come out of this treatment, we decided to do it.
Just like the first time, Iarina went thru the intervention very well: no nausea, no back pain, ho headaches. Once again, she was surrounded by the attentive and caring medical staff of the Clinic. Iarina was able to leave the clinic shortly after the procedure. Positive affects started to show soon: she became capable of lifting her right hand up to her head; her vocabulary was a little bit improved. But the most important progress was that in a few months her right heel finally was able to reach the floor when she walked. This was not happening before the second transplant. We had been told that in order to achieve this, Iarina would probably need to have an Achilean tendon surgery. We also had her wearing a leg orthosis (to prevent genum reccurvatum) for about 10 months. Since then, her leg position has become better and no one is expecting her to need tendon surgery! With the stem cells as a foundation, and with doing a complex set of exercises twice daily with a specialized physiotherapist, we hope we will manage to "fix" that leg for good!
Third stem cell transplant in August 2009
Fortunately, this third transplant was made possible by the financial help of friends and unknown individuals who understood our needs and decided to help give Iarina another chance. "Lion's Club Cluj" provided us the biggest financial support this time.
Based on Iarina's fantastic progress, we had no hesitations this time- we did it without blinking. And once again, we were right! It was the right decision. Iarina's speech progress was astonishing this time. Little by little, she becomes a "sponge". She is reproducing more and more words; she is constantly trying to express her thoughts. Of course, this is only the beginning, but this is a huge step for a child who initially was considered to have almost no hope regarding speech development.
The transplant itself went well this time too. Right after the procedure she was under strict supervision until the minute she left the hospital. All the needed information was given to us, with no hesitation.
This time, she had 3 strong headache episodes during the next few days. We could tell that she was in pain: she was holding her head, crying and acting like never before. Fortunately, the pain was gone just as suddenly as it appeared. The pain medication provided by the clinic's doctor was also helpful. This was the only "inconvenience" connected to the transplant.
From the first stem cell transplant until now, Iarina's progress has been constant and evident. We still have a long way to go, but if we look back to where we were, we realize how lucky we are: lucky to live in modern days with unbelievably advanced medical procedures; and above all, lucky that our daughter is a fighter! In spite of her complicated life, the smile on her face and the sparkle in her eyes become brighter every day!
Our advice:
If your child needs help, do not hesitate to give it to him. Do not hesitate to give him access to stem cells, this golden mine that "exists" in all of us! Take this chance- and most importantly, do not let days and years pass by being indecisive. Time is your enemy, not your ally. And yes, sometimes miracles do happen!
Treatment Evaluation Process
In order to be evaluated for treatment, patients must complete an online medical history form. Once you've completed the online medical history and submitted it, a patient relations consultant will contact you. He or she will assist you with the rest of the evaluation process. Upon treatment approval, your consultant will also assist you with treatment scheduling and trip preparation.
