Patient story of Aubra Philips, 59 years, Parkinson's disease
Year of birth: 1950
Marital status: married, 2 children & 4
granddaughters
Disease treated: Parkinson's Disease
I started to notice tremors in my left hand and began to lose my gait and drag my left leg. Then I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 36. I had remarried one year earlier and was literarily caught in the middle of life. I was still a young man and often had to face weird reactions from people who were not aware of my illness. Some thought my shaking came from alcohol deprivation and asked me if I needed another beer and once the police arrested me in my car; assuming I was taking drugs. It took them a few hours to check my story and all of my medications.
Although my Parkinson's progressed, I remained active and continued to work for another 15 years. I was working with heavy equipment (a bulldozer) and eventually, work became too unsafe. I was not able to turn my rigid head and look behind me. I retired in 2002.
I underwent a pallidotomy treatment in 2000, which stopped the tremor in my right hand, but I lost my coordination. I used to fall a lot prior to the pallidotomy, because I was tripping a lot. This also improved.
Despite this crushing diagnosis, I remained a positive attitude all the time. My wife and I had decided to travel as much as possible while I was still fit to do so and live our lives in the present, instead of waiting for retirement. Over the years, we've managed to see a good chunk of the world.
Sometime in 2008 I started to get depressed and my right hand also started to have tremors. I got tired of taking so much medication. In September 2008, we started to research the internet about adult stem cell therapy. On December 10, 2008 I underwent my first treatment at XCell-Center in Cologne.
It was a scary experience to fly abroad to undergo treatment, but it did not worry me much since I saw no other option. I was unhappy and had to do something.
Progress after my stem cell therapy
When walking to dinner one night, my wife noticed that I was not dragging my feet. I always shuffled before but I did not notice it as much as she did. Very soon after that, I was walking faster than my wife and looking younger. I had a smile on my face, had more expression, became more talkative, and regained my confidence. Prior to treatment, I used to freeze; standing in the corner of a room unable to move. After the stem cell treatment I would no longer freeze. My handwriting has improved. It used to be really small and narrow.
I felt much better, my depression improved and I just wanted to keep going; like being freed after having been tied down for a long time. I got on the bowling league again and had to teach myself how to bowl all over again. Now, I am bowling with guys who average age 92 and still beat me, but I am improving! I volunteered for forest service and pick up trash to keep the forest clean now. I am taking walks with my father-in-law, go boat fishing and hunting.
However some months ago, I noticed that my depression was returning. The physical improvements remained stable. Therefore, I have returned for a second stem cell treatment to treat my depression again.
I have learned in life that people tend to take a lot of things for granted. Parkinson's has taken half of my life away from me, but I still treasure it. To other patients who consider stem cell therapy for Parkinson's I would say: "Do not expect a big change. If it is just little things that improve then that is it. It is a step in the right direction."
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.
