Week 33.
Generally the same as week 32
Week 34.
Same as previous two weeks
More Rambling:
I was thinking of this for several days, and the comment
from Anon on March 16th prodded me into putting the words down. Looking at the “story so far”, it is quite
clear that there has not been a major improvement. Now I am coming to
the9-month point (the limit of the Cerenday trial). I was not expecting
anything major – the Cerenday trials only suggested an average reduction of 0.5
on the high scoring EDSS figures. Since I am EDSS 6.5, I am in the curious
position that the 0.5 average improvement would mean that I could walk with
only one stick (and give up using a tri-walker).
True I have been able to “walk” (lurch or stagger might be
better terms), but only under controlled conditions in a physiotherapy session.
This would not be enough to justify a 0.5 improvement. What has not shown any improvement is the
intention tremor in my left hand (it is slightly worse). So what conclusions can be drawn?
I have regained a small amount of left leg function. Is this
due to the creation of new neural pathways, or the recovery of damaged existing
pathways – and does it really matter which? If these small changes add up to
better function of the left leg and FES combination (as evidenced by there
having not been a reduction in my 25 foot walk time over the past year), then I
am certainly pleased. Since that result,
I have started on a diuretic to deal with some peripheral oedema, and that will
mean that the upper FES electrode will be
somewhat nearer the nerve track, and that will also have a beneficial effect.
Which brings me to my next point: if you make two changes, and see an
improvement, how do you know which change was responsible?
The quick answer is that you don’t know! To avoid any
wishful thinking, I have only recorded improvements that have been
independently observed by others (usually physiotherapists). I have not changed
my Vit D supplementation, or started anything new. The diuretic is not reducing
the size of my left calf, and this is making it harder to position the top
(nerve) electrode for my FES. How much this is
masking any further improvement from the Biotin is something that can only be
guessed at.
Week 35.
As the previous week. I now have an appointment with a GP to
discuss the oedema.
Week 36.
Same as, same as …
Week 37
Looking forward to seeing the GP about my swollen left leg.
I think this is masking any improvement from the Biotin.
Week 38.
See the GP this week for blood test results and a look at my
leg (still enlarged).
