Therapy
When Liz learned she had MS, the first thing she did was look for solutions. “The best way to get my old life back is a stem cell transplant. Intense, but what works best. This treatment can – in the best cases – halt the disease for a long period of time, or even completely. Other medications do not work nearly as well as this treatment.
Stem cell transplant is tough, but I have thought about it carefully. I want it as soon as possible so it isn’t my last option. I have to go all the way to Mexico for the treatment: in the Netherlands they only do this with cancer patients or if you have finished treatment for MS. Mexico also has the highest success rates next to Russia.”
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Living with MS
MS has completely changed Liz’s life: “I used to go to the gym six times a week, but my body no longer allows me to do that. I also went to school three times a week instead of every day. It was simply too heavy. My energy is just gone. My attacks got worse after the first time. Going on holiday is especially difficult. With MS you cannot tolerate heat and cold, which triggers the disease. I had it during my last holiday, when the left side of my cheek fell out.
My parents still can’t believe it, they were in shock for a long time. They hate to see me like this. I actually hate to see them so sad. I don’t talk about it very easily, I prefer to keep it to myself. I prefer to deal with bad news alone.”
Crowdfunding
Just like talking about her illness, setting up crowdfunding was difficult for Liz. “I find it difficult to ask for money from people I don’t know. When I posted the photo I was hesitant because I thought everyone would think I was sad. At the same time, I also liked that everyone knew. The fact that I have already raised 51,000 euros brings tears to my eyes. It is indescribable that so many people want to help me.”
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Operation
Although Liz has almost raised the amount for the stem cell transplant, she feels a lot of tension. “I usually don’t say it, but I am scared. Still, I have a lot of confidence in it because of all the information I have received. I actually can’t wait.”
Liz gets a smile on her face as she talks about her life after surgery. “I hope to have my old life back. I want to go away for days, shopping, walking and exercising. I also hope that I will get my (mental) energy back. The rehabilitation will take a year, which will be difficult. I am also having chemo, which is causing my hair to fall out. I think that’s the worst. The operation may also make me infertile, so I am also considering freezing my eggs.”
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2023-12-06 14:05:16
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