REASON FOR TREATMENT:
James suffers from MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) a type of Parkinsonism that attacks the central nervous system. Shortly after experiencing his first symptoms in April 2004, James began his search for answers and relief. After many months of tests, seeing different specialists and trying different drugs that failed to relieve his symptoms, James was finally diagnosed with MSA in late 2004 and given a prognosis of 6 to 7 years to live.

Treatment:  4 injections of neural stem cells delivered via lumbar puncture (spinal injection) + a daily IV of neurotrophic factors (proteins responsible for cell proliferation).

Beginning of treatment: October 8, 2007

Condition before the treatment:
See Videos:before1, before2, before3

From the onset, James' isease progressed rapidly, gradually limiting his overall mobility, and affecting his speech. His legs were stiff, and his four limbs suffered occasional uncontrollable tremors. He also suffered from freeze ups, a common symptom causing the patient to suddenly freeze when initiating a movement.

James motor skills deteriorated significantly, causing him to suffer from many balance related incidents and falls. He moved slowly with a stooped posture and shuffling gait. His arms would not swing by his sides as they normally did. His motor skill problems affected his ability to work with a computer or even write, ultimately forcing him to give up his job. At home, his motor problems limited his ability to perform daily routine activities and tasks like dressing and bathing, turning around in bed, and rising out of a bed or chair.

James also had difficulties with swallowing and his speech. These symptoms, common with MSA, caused him great discomfort and anxiety. When drinking or eating small foods like peanuts and chips, these foods would get stuck in his windpipe and cause him to choke. His speech was slurred, especially under stressful situations, and was getting less and less understandable. He experienced a consistent inability to form words, requiring those around him to constantly request that he repeat conversations. This caused him great stress and further aggravated his symptoms. He became emotionally unstable and depressed.  

Other symptoms James suffered from were a lack of facial expression, drooling, constipation and urinary frequency/urgency.

Condition after treatment:
See Videos:after1, after2, after3 

Few weeks after starting the treatment, James saw noticeable improvements and reported a dramatic reduction in his debilitating symptoms. Gradually, during the 8 weeks of treatment James'overall condition improved significantly. His walking became almost normal, walking much faster and fluidly. His balance improved dramatically and taking the escalator, for example, which he avoided doing in fear of falling, became easy and natural.   

Before the treatment, getting out of bed was a slow and long procedure which James could only manage with great difficulty. Since treatment, James can now get out of bed or a chair easily and without need of aid. He is much less rigid than before and more flexible in his movements. A difficult movement, like squatting down and rising straight up with the knees can now be done easily. He could even jump straight up into the air which was impossible for him to do before. 

Before treatment, someone would have to stay with James while he ate, in case he choked while eating. After the treatment, he no longer experienced problems with swallowing. His urination and constipation problem has also much improved. His voice has also become stronger and clearer.

His fine motor skills improved and he could complete tasks that were previously impossible, such as buttoning his shirts, writing and typing on his computer.
James noticed that his general energy increased. He is not as anxious and stressed as before, and he feels that the improvement that he gained brought back his will and determination to fight the disease. "I'm really determined to beat this, and I will. I'm trying to buy enough time to get a cure" said Haywood after returning back home from China.

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An Article that was published on James Haywood after returning from Beijing to his home in Napa Valley, California, can be found at: http://www.stemcellspuhua.com/n54.html