All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth... - Page 3

WillowTheWhisp · 26-02-2005, 09:18

For your sake and others like you garinda I hope that research is able to find a cure. There are probably many other things too which with a little investment, time and resources could be helped. I know this is a slight tangent but an awful lot of money is wasted on stupid pointless things which would be better directed to medical research.

I do agree with you that it has to be done ethically and it's the sensationalism which has been bandied about with headlines like "harvesting dead babies" and "growing embrios for research purposes" that gives people the fear that we are entering a nightmare scifi scenario. If these cells can be harvested from umbilical cords then surely it should be done as that doesn't affect anyone else. It just goes to show how uninformed we are and how useful it is discussing these topics on AccyWeb when we find people whop know more about it.

I think it's great that a blood sample is taken from the cord like you said Lettie because when I had my eldest daughter and they had to take blood from her in the hospital I felt like the cruelest person on earth as she screamed when I was holding her so they could put a needle into her. she seemed so tiny and the needle so huge by comparison. Then to make it worse they didn't get enough blood and had to come back and do it a second time just after I'd comforted her saying it was all over.

garinda · 26-02-2005, 09:26

Cheers Willow. like l said l don't want to be a moaning minnie, but l have to be quite selfish in my hope for a cure. l never thought l'd end up with this bloody disease, it's good we all don't know whats round the corner!
lt's hoped the research could lead not just to treatment for loads of diseases, from MS to some cancers, but to total cures.

Acrylic-bob · 26-02-2005, 13:29

Do you suppose that those protesting against the great evil of stem cell research would be as staunch in their refusal to accept the help that may come from such research? Or would their deeply held religious beliefs crumble at the prospect of being offered a cure for their illnesses?

WillowTheWhisp · 26-02-2005, 15:00

It probably depends on the person. I knew a woman who was a devout Jehovah's Witness and whose life could have been saved by a blood transfusion but she was set against it because of her religious beliefs and sadly she died, leaving a husband and small children.

It seemed so tragic to me because those children were heartbroken to lose their Mum and it could so easily have been prevented but to her beliefs it would have been worse for her to survive that way and risk eternal damnation.

Margaret Pilkington · 26-02-2005, 15:33

I, too have watched helplessly while a Jehovahs Witness died for the want of a blood transfusion and I have to say it was one of the most disturbing incidents of my career.
It is truly horrifying to watch someone bleed to death knowing there is a simple solution......however, that persons faith was strong enough to see them through......sometimes I wish I had a faith like that.

A-B you are so right.....I used to work with a Medical Professional who was dead set against abortion.....even for medical reasons, she soon changed her mind when she found herself pregnant after having an affair......her husband lived overseas and she could not go back home with a baby. I am not being judgemental in this matter(at least, I think I'm not) but all of a sudden abortion was OK because she saw it as the only way out of her predicament.

Margaret Pilkington · 26-02-2005, 15:37

Michael Fox was in a similar position Garinda.....but he has had some kind of treatment and is much better. I have to say that I can't remember what the treatment was......I wish now I had taken more notice. But then I am sure you have looked into what is available.

garinda · 27-02-2005, 08:44

Bit of a tangent from teeth l know; But currently the only drugs available, only work for so long before any benefits stop. l'm just about to start taking the last one[ the one with the most side effects.] After that theres nothing except surgery. This is an 18 hour op, were you have to be awake while metal rods are put in your brain, you have to be awake the all time, so they can see if it's working. lt's only done @ 1 hospital in this country & the effects aren't always that successful. So l'm crossing my fingers for stem cell research as l plan to live well into a disgaceful old age, & l'm only 40!

Acrylic-bob · 27-02-2005, 09:01

I baulked at the prospect of having little umbrellas shoved up my arteries to widen them. I cannot imagine what it must be like to have to face the prospect of them messing around in my head while I am awake, so I cannot empathise with you. You said you do not want sympathy, so would a wish for the Best of British Luck be OK?

garinda · 27-02-2005, 09:13

Cheers A-B,l know l'm certainly not the only person here with problems & l appreciate that, this bloody thing won't kill me. There are far more horrible things happening eveyday.

Acrylic-bob · 27-02-2005, 09:17

Quite right too! Chin up and soldier on!

WillowTheWhisp · 28-02-2005, 00:55

No, I cannot begin to imagine having anything done to me whilst I'm awake! I don't care if they numb it or not I'd much prefer to be well zonked out before any surgery took place so the prospect of having to be awake while they put metal rods in your brain would be something I'd be hoping to avoid too if I were you garinda. Hang on in there and lets hope research comes up with a better alternative.