Restoring hope: Navigating Multiple Sclerosis, a complex autoimmune disease

Life is a journey full of challenges and marked with twists and turns, and this couldn’t be truer for 56-year-old Alaid Montessa Saulong. She is the first Filipino to undergo stem cell transplantation in the Philippines for the indication of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Since her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 1996, Alaid Montessa Saulong has been actively seeking treatment for the condition until she found help from St. Luke’s Medical Center

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, primarily the brain and spinal cord. This autoimmune condition arises when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and spine, destroying the protective covering of nerves known as myelin. As a result, the transmission of nerve signals becomes disrupted, leading to vision loss, arm weakness, and bladder control problems.

According to various research, genetic and environmental factors can influence the disease. Some genes boost vulnerability, with identical twins being at a greater risk. Other risk factors include living in colder climates, obesity, and smoking. 

Saulong started experiencing numbness which prompted her to seek medical advice. After undergoing multiple tests and consultations, including MRI scans, she finally received her diagnosis.

“As a nursing graduate, I  understood the implications of my condition. I still vividly recall the day I got frustrated holding a glass, only to see it slip through my hands. Despite the frustration of living with MS, I  embraced resilience and learned to cope with everyday challenges through reading books that will help me manage my stress,” Saulong shared.

The treatment options presented to her included interferon injections and disease-modifying drugs, which made her develop adverse reactions. She was starting to feel dejected until she discovered stem cell therapy. 

With guidance from Dr. Francisco Lopez, Section Head for Bone and Marrow Transplant at St. Luke’s Medical Center, she decided to pursue this treatment.

From left to right: Dr. Francisco Lopez, SLMC Section Head for Bone and Marrow Transplant  & Dr. Ludwig Damian, SLMC Section Head of Neurophysiology

St. Luke’s Medical Center’s commitment to research and innovation allowed them to offer cutting-edge therapies, including Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT), to patient like Saulong.

HSCT’s goal is to “reset” the immune system by eliminating and regrowing it with the patient’s stem cells. While HSCT is commonly used to treat cancer, it has shown encouraging outcomes in slowing disease progression and relieving symptoms in MS patients.

St. Luke’s Medical Center is renowned for its excellent patient care, providing comfort and support throughout treatment. The hospital’s experts painlessly performed Saulong’s stem cell harvest, the first step in HSCT treatment. At the same time, Dr. Lopez and his colleagues offered continuous management and reassurance.

By becoming the first Filipino to undergo this treatment in the country, Saulong paved the way for other individuals with MS to access this innovative therapy. 

“Alaid’s experience with Multiple Sclerosis and stem cell transplantation exemplifies the life-changing opportunities accessible at St. Luke’s Medical Center,” Dr. Lopez said. “St. Luke’s stays at the institution’s mission and vision, bringing hope to patients living with complex autoimmune illnesses, thanks to an ongoing dedication to excellence, research, and patient-centered care.”

Discover the innovative possibilities at St. Luke’s Medical Center if you or a loved one is facing the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis or other autoimmune disorders. At St. Luke’s, your health and well-being are our utmost priority, guided by our internationally renowned experts who are ready to accompany you on your journey towards improving your quality of life.

To know more about this service of St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City, please call St. Luke’s Product Information Hub at 0919-057-7744, 0998-534-2768, 0928-520-0239, 0947-993-0471 (call), 0919-160-7744 (text), or email [email protected].

ADVT.