revalidatiecentrum

MS rehabilitation after stem cell transplantation (aHSCT)

MedifitReha heeft inmiddels ruime ervaring in het behandelen van MS-patiënten die een aHSCT hebben ondergaan in Moskou, India of Mexico. De ervaring heeft geleerd dat het standaard MS behandel- en revalidatie protocol niet van toepassing is voor deze groep MS-patiënten.

Na de aHSCT behandeling heeft deze groep patiënten vaak meer potentiele mogelijkheden tot verbetering en herstel. Daarnaast is ook het energieniveau verbeterd, waardoor men intensiever kan trainen om het maximale uit de revalidatie te halen. Het is van belang om na de aHSCT de maximale potentie te benutten!

Revalidatiecentrum Medifit biedt in tegen stelling tot wat er in Nederland wordt aangeboden, intensieve multidisciplinaire revalidatie trajecten van 8 weken. Met 3 tot 4 uur revalidatie therapie per dag. De therapie is een combinatie van (neurologische) fysiotherapie-en ergotherapie, psychologie, psychotherapie, ontspanningstherapie en cognitieve training. Daarnaast is er oefentherapie in de revalidatie zaal en in het zwembad.

Het revalidatieprogramma is onder leiding van onze revalidatiearts. De eerste dag zal er een intake plaats vinden met de revalidatiearts, Fysiotherapeut, Ergotherapeut en Neuropsycholoog. Vervolgens wordt er een revalidatie plan gemaakt aangepast aan de mogelijkheden en wensen van de patiënt. Iedere week wordt in de multidisciplinaire vergadering van het behandelteam de vooruitgang geëvalueerd. Ook is er eens in de 2 weken een evaluatie consult met de revalidatiearts. Op elk moment wanneer nodig, kan het programma individueel worden bijgesteld om het maximale potentieel van verbetering te behalen tijdens het revalidatie traject. NA afloop van de revalidatie krijgt de patiënt duidelijke instructies mee hoe nog verder te werken aan herstel. En houden we contact over verdere voortgang in thuissituatie.

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.

Interested? Contact us immediately!

References

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.”

David,

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

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.

Ab , Muller

My name is Ab with years of experience with Medifit.
  • First time was October 2015 after knee prosthesis from HCB Benidorm to Benitachell: it was wonderful!
  • Second time January 2018: was for back surgery at HCB and another stay in Benitachell!
  • Third time August 2021 after my wife's long admission to HCB, 2 months rehabilitation in Moraira / Benitachell.
  • Fourth time and hopefully the last time! November 2023 for a hip prosthesis in the new HCB Denia and since November 6th rehabilitating at Hotel Danyia in Denia with Medifit.
In my opinion, the best formula for rehabilitation so far! Amazing help from Ray with transport from the hospital. Nothing seems too much for him, and that's been true all these years (I've known him since 2015). Very kind help from him and the Medifit ladies upon arrival. Everything is considered to make you as comfortable as possible. Being able to get food independently is a huge improvement. Help if needed from Medifit also on-site five days a week. Physical therapy that is very personal and patient, but also experienced - I find it wonderful and professional. To conclude, I think Medifit with this formula (four days admission for hip or knee surgery) and then 3 weeks of rehabilitation in a beautiful location with absolutely everything you need, has succeeded in thinking about the person behind the patient... Bravo... Bravo... Bravo! With my thanks to the amazing team at Medifit, I now conclude and wish all new patients for hip or knee prostheses this wonderful experience, despite the initial discomfort (which is just part of the process). Kind regards, Ab
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.

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."

Liliana L., Netherlands

My rehabilitation stay at MedifitReha in DĂ©nia 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.

Armand , Herzberg

By tailoring the training to my needs and applying a customized approach, I found the rehabilitation to be effective.

Chiel (Michael) & Aty Visser-Dekker, The Netherlands

Michael arrived in Moraira in a wheelchair and left with only a cane as a (temporary) support when walking. Far better than we had ever hoped for!

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....

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!!

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 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!

Linda, , 39 (Amsterdam)

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

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!

Ann, Ireland

“I was due to fly home after a week, but I extended my stay to get extra physio. The extra physio is reimbursed and the standard is second to none.”

Chiel (Michael) & Aty , Visser-Dekker

Michael arrived in Moraira in a wheelchair and left with only a cane as a (temporary) support when walking. Far better than we had ever hoped for! Far better than we had ever hoped for!
review debbie

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!

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!”

Contact

Revalidatiecentrum Medifit is op 25 mei 2019 bekroond, door de “Academy of Health Sciences Ramón y Cajal”, als erkenning voor onze professionele deskundigheid in de revalidatiegeneeskunde en innoverend multidisciplinair revalidatiecentrum met geavanceerde individueel gerichte behandelprogramma´s.

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Contact

Rehabilitation Centre Medifit HCB
Ctra. Moraira – Benitachell 22,
03724 Teulada – Moraira (Alicante)

You can reach us by phone:
Monday to Friday: 09h to 19h
Saturday: 10h to 13h

T (+34) 966 495 448


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