I was diagnosed with emphysema and COPD in 2014 at age 57, mainly from cigarette smoking and also having lived in a mining environment until age 18. At my first diagnosis, I was stage 4 Severe with lung function of about 30%.
Initially I was treated with inhalers, prednisolone ,some anti biotics on a daily maintenance basis and also changed diets and life style . I had given up smoking in 2007 having smoked around 20 cigarettes a day for 22 years.
In 2015 I qualified for lung reduction coils which were inserted by Dr Theron in Cape Town. Ten coils were inserted in each lung in two separate procedures and the benefit was immediate. I enjoyed a stable lung function and reasonable health until 2018 when I suffered multiple exacerbations and infections on an almost monthly basis with frequent hospitalisations. The main infection was Pseudomonas and I had at least 3 episodes of pneumonia. This lasted until 2022.
In May 2022 I contracted COVID and a very significant decline in lung function and general health ..it was later discovered to have progressed into “LONG COVID”. Scans revealed no scarring or other damage to lung tissue other than the already present emphysema. I was extremely fatigued, blood pressure and blood sugar levels were badly affected, osteoporosis
from steroid use had left me with 3 compressed thoracic vertebrae, pneumonia and an e coli lung infection. A 24 hour nurse was required for 2 months as my strength had almost completely been exhausted. Brain fog and memory loss functions were present.
By September 2022 after extensive online searches to find a suitable treament, I made a huge effort to rehabilitate and get some strength back and went to London to see Dr Khan in Harley Street, London, who had reviewed my case and affirmed I was a good candidate for autologous Goldic therapy to treat my illness. After my initial assessment and drawing of blood, I received 8 treatments over 25 days where the serum was re-introduced into my blood stream by IV and also directly into my lungs by nebulisation. The treatment at that time was not widely available.
After my third session I was able to walk unaided to my car and by the 8th session I was driving myself to the treatment. Within a month, my blood pressure and sugar levels were undercontrol with only minimal medication, my lungs were clear and no infections were found in my entire blood system. I was alert, able to function and resume running my own business on a mornings only basis . The pain from the thoracic vertebrae had lessened considerably and most importantly, my immune system had “rebooted” and I was able to function as a human being with a hugely improved quality of life. This in itself is remarkable as my Specialist Physician here in Harare had put my chances of survival at 15%.
As my recovery progressed and continues to do so. I made contact with Dr Shipper in the Cape and he advised that the treatment was now available not only in South Africa but also locally here in Zimbabwe through Dr Solanki due to its proven success. I received a four course booster treatment late last year and can vouch for the benefits without any reservation. My good health and progress continues and I am now infection free after 22 months and my quality of life is immeasurably better.
Best Regards,
Brian
Highlands, Harare, Zimbabwe