My name is Merita Graddy Hanna and I am on the journey to have Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation or HSCT to stop the progression of my multiple sclerosis (MS).  I was diagnosed in April 1992 after an onset of numbness and tingling in my feet. This started on Thanksgiving Day 1991.  I had just married Jimmy in October and we sure didn’t realize what kind of ride we were in for.

When my primary care doctor (PCP) sent me to a specialist, I knew they were barking up the wrong tree!  I knew it was from back problems from a wreck I had in May ’91 totaling out my fiancé’s new car(one payment made)!  They sent me to a neurologist, so I went by myself knowing more than my PCP, and did I get a slap on the face.  I was given the ‘follow the finger’ test.  He drops his hand and says “95% sure you have MS”.  What???  As he leaves, he tells me to get an MRI and make an appointment!  I went to the closest pay phone and called Jimmy and sobbed.  I never dreamed that would be the diagnosis.

I feel that I have had MS since I was 7 years old, when I woke up and couldn’t move my left leg or walk.  I spent one week in traction while in the hospital.  I also went through physical therapy.  The diagnosis then – could had settled in my hip joint!!

I have been on Betaseron, Avonex, and Tysabri and I slowly continue to decline.  I have been in a power chair since last of 2013.  I am hoping for HSCT anywhere to stop the progression of MS.