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MS rehabilitation after stem cell transplantation (aHSCT)

MedifitReha now has extensive experience in treating MS patients who have undergone a stem cell transplant. Experience has shown that the standard MS treatment and rehabilitation protocol does not apply to this group of MS patients.

After stem cell treatment, this group of patients often has more potential for improvement and recovery. In addition, the energy level is also improved, so that one can train more intensively to get the maximum out of the rehabilitation. It is important to use the maximum potential after the stem cell transplant!

Contrary to what is offered in the Netherlands, Medifit rehabilitation centre offers intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation courses of 8 weeks. With 3 to 4 hours of rehabilitation therapy per day. The therapy is a combination of (neurological) physiotherapy and ergotherapy, psychology, relaxation therapy and cognitive training. In addition, there is exercise therapy in the rehabilitation room and in the swimming pool.

The rehabilitation programme is led by our rehabilitation doctor. On the first day, there will be an intake with the rehabilitation doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and neuropsychologist. The next step is to draw up a rehabilitation plan adapted to the patient’s abilities and wishes. Every week, the multidisciplinary meeting of the treatment team evaluates the progress made.  There is also an evaluation consultation with the rehabilitation doctor once every 2 weeks. Whenever necessary, the programme can be adjusted individually in order to maximise the potential for improvement during rehabilitation. At the end of rehabilitation, the patient is given clear instructions on how to continue working towards recovery. We also keep in touch with the patient about further progress in the home situation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) in MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. As a result of something going wrong in the immune system, the layer around the nerves (myelin) is attacked and damaged. Nerves are thereby exposed and do not transmit signals to and from the brain as well as they should. Sometimes this does not happen at all. This can lead to sudden symptoms of paralysis and invalidation.

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

In the Netherlands, stem cell transplantation for MS is not one of the options to choose from when it comes to treating the disease. In recent years, we have seen many people with MS going abroad to receive stem cell therapy. In many Western countries, this treatment is offered to MS patients.

Several studies show that treatment with so-called stem cells can be very effective. For example, research shows that as many as 85 per cent of patients three years after stem cell therapy notice no further symptoms of the disease. After six years, that figure is about 65 per cent, and after eight years, 60 per cent of patients continue to experience no symptoms. And should the disease recur, it is often in a milder form.

aHSCT

The aim of aHSCT is to “reset” the immune system so that inflammatory cells no longer attack the brain, as occurs in people with active MS. Stem cells are very important for repairing damage in the human body. From stem cells, several other types of cells can arise. In this case, stem cells from the blood are used; they can form different types of inflammatory cells and therefore rebuild the immune system. However, this type of stem cell cannot repair organs or tissues, hence aHSCT cannot repair permanent nerve damage.

Treatment

In summary, the treatment with aHSCT consists of three steps. First, stem cells are taken from the patient’s blood or bone marrow and temporarily frozen. Secondly, the patient is given chemotherapy and antibodies to eliminate the immune system. Finally, the patient receives his/her own stem cells back via an infusion, which rebuilds the immune system.

Effectiveness

Several studies have shown the treatment to be 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 stabilisation of the disease and, in some people, even to recovery of loss of function.

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References
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!
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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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!
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!

Armand , Herzberg

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

Linda, , 39 (Amsterdam)

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

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."

Thomas, Ireland

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

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.

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.

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.”

Ita, Ireland

“The care was unbelievable—no waiting lists, no being left on a trolley, no rushed appointments. The doctors took every precaution, the physio team was fantastic, and the hospital was immaculate. The staff knew me, remembered my case, and treated me like a person, not a number.”

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!!

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.

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.”

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.

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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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