Today, I got the best news since I got my stem cells back.

It has now been 18 months since my last infusion of rituximab, which was my final "chemo" follow-up from the stem cell procedure. (My MS neuro considers that a DMT.) It has been almost 30 months since I got my stem cells back.

Yesterday, I had a brain MRI, the first one in a year. Today I got the results:

"No new significant abnormality seen to suggest progression."

 I've been DMT-free for 18 months without any flare-ups or progression!

Every now and then, I have a bad day, and I suspect that the progression has returned. But sometimes there are really good days, and I feel great. Well, this is empirical evidence that there has been no progression in my brain. Six months ago, I had a C-spine MRI, and the lesions in my neck are stable, too. This is all clear evidence that I no longer have MS. Of course, I'm still left with the damage that MS did to me while it was active (but that's another story).

Today, I also met in town with another pain specialist about my left shoulder pain. He hasn't had enough time to make a concrete diagnosis yet. He did ask if I would be averse to more surgery, which I'm not. Whatever I need to do to reduce pain, that's what I will do. If I can get my shoulder fixed, I'm going to hit the gym.

I've been doing a little yoga every day now. I also do some meditation. Together, they have really helped me stay calm, and this seems to help keep pain at bay. I've also been on Lyrica CR for almost two months now, and it has really helped. Lastly, I take cannabinoids twice daily. I use a 4:1 tincture. This also contributes to relief.

Speaking of cannabinoids, I've been working on a book with a PhD about medical cannabis. I'll keep you updated, but it should be out by the end of the year.

Happy Holidays!