Signs and Wonders

We just got back from Los Angeles and our visit with Dr. Perlman at UCLA. After a thorough examination, Dr. Perlman determined that Richard has a 3 point improvement in his SARA (Scale for the Assessment & Rating of Ataxia) score which demonstrated a measurable difference in his condition post-stem cell treatment.

As we understand it, the SARA scale ranges from 0 to 40 with 40 being the worst possible ataxia score. Just prior to our China trip in early March 2007, Richard's score was around 16 or 17. His score this past Monday was about 14. Of the eight areas (gait, stance, sitting, speech, finger chase, finger-nose test, fast alternating hand movements, and heel-shin slide) that SARA measure, Richard showed improvements in gait, stance, alternating hand movements and heel-shin slide. Richard demonstrated that he can now stand upright without support for an extended period of time. His gait while ambulating on his walker was much steadier. When asked to walk while holding unto my arms, he surprised me by only placing his hands lightly on my arms. In previous times, his grip was vice-like. His alternating hand movements appeared to be smoother as was his heel-shin slide.

We are very encouraged by these quantifiable improvements and believe that Richard will continue to do better as his ankle is almost all healed and he can resume his exercises at home and at the gym. Our daughter, Andrea, has just finished her year at college and flew back home with us today. We hope that with Andrea's, my and Jovie's (Richard's new CNA) assistance, Richard will be able to get enough PT and OT workouts most days of the week. Jovie is a great asset since he is quite familiar with PT exercises and is able to make suggestions to Richard while accompanying Richard to the gym at the Y.