MS rehabilitation after stem cell transplantation (aHSCT)

Hematopoietic (aHSCT) in MS

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. Because something is wrong in the immune system, the layer around the nerves (myelin) is attacked and damaged. Nerves become exposed as a result and do not transmit signals to and from the brain as well. Sometimes this does not even happen at all. This can cause sudden symptoms of paralysis and failure.

Currently in the Netherlands, regular treatment with medication is aimed at slowing down the disease, reducing attacks and controlling symptoms. Given the erratic nature of the disease, there is no standard treatment, and for some patients the medications do not work, or hardly work at all.

aHSCT is not part of the options to choose from when it comes to treating MS in the Netherlands. In recent years, we have seen many people with MS go abroad to undergo aHSCT therapy. Many Western countries do offer this treatment for MS patients.

Several research findings show that treatment with certain cells can be very effective. For example, research shows that as many as 85 percent of patients stop noticing symptoms of the disease three years after aHSCT. After six years, that number is about 65 percent, and after eight years, 60 percent of patients still experience no symptoms. And should the disease return after that, it is often in a milder variant.

aHSCT treatment

The goal of aHSCT treatment is to “reset” the immune system so that inflammatory cells no longer attack the brain, as is the case in people with an active form of MS. Certain cells are very important for repairing damage in the human body. V In this case, certain cells from the blood are used, these can form different types of inflammatory cells and thus rebuild the immune system. However, this type of cell cannot repair organs or tissues. aHSCT therefore cannot repair permanent nerve damage.

Treatment

Briefly, treatment with aHSCT consists of three steps. First, cells are taken from the patient’s blood or bone marrow and temporarily frozen. Second, the patient receives chemotherapy and antibodies that eliminate the immune system. Finally, the patient receives their own cells back through an infusion; this rebuilds the immune system.

Effectiveness

Several studies have shown that the treatment is effective in a large proportion of people with MS. This group remained free of “relapses” for several years, and no new active lesions were found on MRI images. Remarkably, the treatment can lead to stabilization of the disease and in some people even restore loss of function.

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References

Janine , Vorstenbosch

What an amazing experience it was and it brought me a lot. 8 weeks of rehabilitation both physically and mentally. In the setting of a very nice care hotel, where I really lacked nothing. Where I could relax in addition to the daily exercise and training. A bonus was meeting fellow sufferers. Many beautiful conversations in the evening on the terrace.
review esther

Esther, Netherlands

From the first moment my wife Esther arrived in Spain until the very end, she received superb care. Both physically and mentally, they worked on Esther's recovery - and with success! We haven't regretted it for a moment and would truly recommend it to everyone!

David,

”The physio is intense—but unbelievable. Just a few days after surgery, I couldn’t believe how much progress I had made.”

Linda, , 39 (Amsterdam)

"The rehabilitation was intensive, but the results are fantastic. Less fatigue and much more energy."

Bert, Huizingh

To everyone who contributed to my recovery: for that I am very grateful. The enthusiasm and passion for the profession are bursting forth. Added to that the personal attention and your eye for the circumstances from day to day make me feel I have to leave some friends behind. So hereby special thanks to Ana, José, Maria, Marjolein and to you for your guidance! Should it come to further (medical) treatment/rehabilitation of the deficiencies in my left foot that you have identified, I will certainly do my best to return under the wings of Medifit!

Margaret, Ireland

“The attention to detail is second to none. Everyone I met—from the drivers to the doctors to the physio team—was absolutely fantastic. They take care of you from start to finish.” “Recovery has been brilliant. Five days post-surgery, and I already feel stronger. The physio started immediately, and they guide you through every step. Even before I left the hospital, they had exercises planned for me. I never expected to feel this good so soon.”

Jan, 52 (Utrecht)

"I felt heard and understood from day one. Now I can go grocery shopping and hiking with my partner by myself again."

Armand , Herzberg

By tailoring the training to my needs and applying a customized approach, I found the rehabilitation to be effective.
review henny vissers - witte

Henny, Fishermen - White

For all fellow sufferers, no matter how sad the circumstances are, when you visit the rehabilitation clinic in Moraira, you can learn a lot with the cooperation of this fantastic team of therapists, both physically and mentally!

Liliana L., Netherlands

My rehabilitation stay at MedifitReha in Dénia was exactly what I needed. Living with MS means dealing not only with physical limitations but also emotional challenges - and at MedifitReha, I felt supported in both areas.

The program is intensive, highly professional, and personalized. I trained for three, sometimes four hours a day, five days a week - always adapted to my capabilities. This level of intensity, care, and focus is simply not possible at home in the Netherlands. Yet it never felt overwhelming.
The team knew exactly how to challenge me in the right way.

I noticed real improvements: more strength, increased muscle mass, better balance, and most importantly - more confidence in my body. I also learned to accept certain limitations, which gave me peace of mind. After all, everyone has limitations - some due to illness, others due to age or life circumstances.

The daily hydrotherapy was particularly helpful - training in warm water allowed me to move freely and safely, without fear of falling. It was the perfect way to work on my balance and core stability. I also enjoyed the cognitive training with the VR headset - it was fun and playful, yet challenging at the same time.

Another important part of the program was the psychological support.

Sean,

“One of the best things about getting knee surgery in Spain is the Physio. I started a few days after surgery and had two physio sessions a day for five days. That level of care makes such a difference in recovery, and you’d really struggle to get that anywhere else. The fact that even the physio sessions are fully reimbursed makes it even better. Plus, the team are excellent, and their English is just as good as mine!”
Jos Jansen - Patient Meditit Reha

Jos Jansen, The Netherlands

I trained intensively with the therapists for 8 weeks. As a result, I now have much more endurance. I also feel much better. The healthy air at the Costa Blanca has also helped significantly.

Marije, Netherlands

At HCB Medifit, I knew from the first moment that I was in good hands, both literally and figuratively. What wonderful people. There is a lot of knowledge and expertise, but above all, genuine attention and careful coordination. For me, the other great strength of the PCS program lies in the combination of different treatments. What especially helped me in this was that all components were focused on both training and improving the physical aspect (namely the complaints I experience) as well as how I can deal with them.

Jego, Netherlands

Medifit, a rehabilitation center where you get the care you need. A great team, Anna, Gerard, Marjolein, Maria, Jef, and Monique. These people give you a boost of positive vitamins. I have made great progress, recommended for anyone who needs care. Thank you! Much love and health to all of you.

Frank Bierlee, Netherlands

On 09/11 I started the 8-week internal COPD Rehabilitation program at MedifitReha here in Spain. This was my last chance, I was no longer happy with this life. Everything due to the consequences of COPD. The gasping for breath, not being able to walk even 5 meters anymore, the lung attacks, and especially the gasping for breath. And it wasn't pleasant for those around me to see me like that either.

Jan-Luc , Coenen

After two knee surgeries in one year, I took the step to rehabilitate at Medifit Reha in Spain. The team of therapists and trainers took excellent care of me. In four weeks' time, they helped me so that I can now walk, climb stairs and cycle properly again. The collaboration between the highly skilled doctors and therapists is fantastic, which made me feel like I was always the center of attention as a patient. The high-quality care in a human environment ensured that I was able to make great progress in my rehabilitation. Thank you!

Nanda, The Netherlands

Really, what a fantastic rehabilitation center! Just got back 2.5 weeks after hip surgery. What a professional and lovely beautiful people! Highly recommended for anyone who gets "no" aftercare here, I recommend: go to Spain and Medifit ... health insurers reimburse this. Fantastic team!!
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Debbie, Netherlands

You can literally leave your daily worries at home and fully focus on your recovery, both mentally and physically. A wonderful concept and wonderfully kind people! I have a goal again and feel a bit more positive about the future; before this adventure, that was completely absent!

Thomas, Ireland

“The hospital is immaculate, the Medifit staff are outstanding, and the overall treatment is better than anything I’ve experienced back home.”

Karin , Takes

Wauwww surely proud of myself but especially of all of you. The warm feeling when I think back I keep holding on to. Courage, strength, confidence and zest for life all fantastic gifts I was able to receive from your top team....

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