In a recent Facebook, Instagram and YouTube live, Global Medical Director, Dr Nasir and Patient Representative, Vea hosted a live Q&A joined by Dominique, one of our quadriplegic C6-C7 incomplete spinal cord injury patient from the Belgium, who shared her experience of epidural stimulation and stem cell treatment she received at our hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dominique’s Life After Spinal Trauma: The Road to Rehabilitation
Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your accident?
Hi, I’m Dominique from Belgium. One year and nine months ago, I had an accident at home where I fell down about 20 stairs. I was unconscious for about 20 minutes, and when I woke up, I couldn’t move. As a nurse, I immediately understood that I was paralyzed. It was a difficult time, as I was alone at home, but I stayed calm and waited for help to arrive.
What was your condition before you started treatment at Verita Neuro?
After the accident, I was diagnosed with a broken cervical vertebra at C6 and C7, which led to an incomplete spinal cord injury. I spent seven weeks in neurosurgery, relying entirely on the nurses for basic activities. I then moved to a rehabilitation center for 11 months, where I did intensive rehab for three hours a day. While my condition remained stable, I wasn’t seeing any significant progress, and I knew I wanted to do more.
Exploring Spinal Cord Stimulation as a Recovery Option
How did you discover epidural stimulation as a treatment option?
I found out about epidural stimulation when I was in the rehabilitation center. I never gave up searching for ways to improve. I went on Google and typed, “Where in the world can people with spinal cord injuries get help?” and that search led me to Verita Neuro. I spent months researching their website and reading patient testimonials, which helped me decide to pursue this treatment.
Can you explain the treatment you received at Verita Neuro?
At Verita Neuro, I received a combination of epidural stimulation, stem cell treatment, and physical therapy. The epidural stimulation involves implanting a neurostimulator that helps optimize movement by enhancing the signals between my nerves and muscles. I also received stem cells to help heal scar tissue in my spinal cord. The combination of these treatments, along with tailored rehab, made a huge difference.
How soon did you start seeing progress after the treatment?
I started noticing changes around eight to nine days after the surgery. The progress was subtle but significant. I could feel the beginnings of improvement, particularly in areas where I had previously seen no change. My blood pressure, for instance, was much more stable, and I could stand up for longer periods without feeling faint.
What was the mapping process like for you?
The mapping process was new to me, and I didn’t fully understand it before I arrived. It’s a very individualized process where the team identifies what residual strength you have and how much additional stimulation is needed to optimize movement. For example, I still had power in my left leg, but my right leg was quite weak, so the mapping adjusted the stimulator to provide more support to the right leg. It was fascinating to see how tailored and specific the approach was.
Milestones in Dominique’s Rehabilitation and Progress
What improvements have you seen since starting the treatment?
There have been several improvements. One of the biggest changes is my blood pressure. Before, I couldn’t stand upright for more than five minutes, but now I can stand comfortably for an hour. My temperature regulation has also improved—I’m no longer always cold. I’m less tired overall, and my bowel function has gotten significantly better. I can also lift my right ankle now, which I couldn’t do before, and I can stand between parallel bars while supporting a large part of my own weight.
How did the stem cell treatment feel? Were you nervous?
Honestly, I was quite nervous about the stem cell treatment—I’m not a fan of needles, despite being a nurse! But I have to say, it wasn’t painful at all. I received stem cells intravenously and also had injections into my spine. The process was much easier than I had anticipated, and I truly believe that the stem cells have helped reduce scar tissue and enhanced my overall progress.
Staying Determined: Dominique’s Reflections on Recovery
What are your long-term goals for recovery?
My goal is to continue building on the progress I’ve made here. Now that I’m less tired, I can exercise more at home. I want to focus on improving my strength so that I can stand up with a walking frame and possibly transfer from my bed to my wheelchair independently. I’m also planning to return to the rehab center in Belgium to continue working on standing exercises and further developing my walking abilities.
What advice would you give to someone in a similar situation as yours?
My mental outlook has completely transformed. Before this treatment, it was hard to stay hopeful because progress felt so uncertain. But now, after seeing the improvements, I feel empowered and motivated. I have a clear path forward and I know recovery is possible. It has shifted my perspective on what’s achievable, and I no longer feel like my future is as limited as it once seemed.
Family, Expectations, and Support
What were your expectations before arriving at Verita Neuro?
I knew that it would be challenging and that results would take time. However, I was hopeful that the combination of treatments would lead to some improvement, especially since I had seen stagnation with my previous rehabilitation. I wanted to regain some of my independence, even if it was just small steps forward.
How did your family react to your decision to seek treatment in Thailand?
Initially, my family was concerned, particularly about my age. I’m 64, and they wondered if I was too old for such an intensive treatment. But I had made up my mind, and once I shared my determination, they were supportive. Dr. Nasir reassured us that age was not a limiting factor for this kind of treatment, and that was very encouraging for both me and my family.
How do you feel the team at Verita Neuro supported you during your treatment?
The support I received at Verita Neuro was incredible. The entire team, from the doctors to the physiotherapists, was highly professional, caring, and positive. They kept me motivated and made sure that I understood every part of the process. It made a huge difference to feel surrounded by people who genuinely wanted me to succeed.
Breaking Barriers: How Dominique Faces Challenges and Finds Inspiration
How did you overcome the emotional challenges that come with a spinal cord injury?
Maintaining a positive mindset has always been my approach. It was challenging—especially being unable to move after the accident—but I reminded myself that every small victory counts. Staying hopeful and taking it one day at a time helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
What does your daily rehabilitation routine look like now that you’re home?
Now that I’m home, I’ve set up a routine that includes standing exercises, strength training with weights, and using my standing wheelchair. I’ve also continued to do exercises for my arms and legs. I’m trying to keep myself as active as possible to build on the progress I made in Thailand.
What has been the most significant change in your everyday life since the treatment?
The most significant change has been the ability to stand for an extended period without feeling faint. Before, I could only stand for a few minutes due to low blood pressure, but now I can stand for an hour, comfortably. This has given me more freedom and made daily activities much more manageable.
How do you keep yourself motivated to continue the rehabilitation journey?
I think about how far I’ve already come and the small victories that I’ve achieved, like being able to lift my right ankle. Progress may be slow, but it’s happening, and that keeps me motivated. Also, staying in touch with other patients and seeing their successes is really inspiring. It reminds me that every step forward is worth it.
You can watch the full live session on our YouTube channel, where Dominique, Dr. Nasir, and Patient Representative Vea discuss her experience with Epidural Stimulation, Stem Cell treatment, and tailored rehabilitation programs at Verita Neuro. Hear firsthand about her challenges, achievements, and the progress that’s helping her reclaim her independence.
