Multiple sclerosis clinical trial changes Brisbane man’s life

AFTER more than a decade of living with multiple sclerosis a man’s life has changed after he was accepted into a Brisbane-developed clinical trial.

AFTER more than a decade of living with the debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis a man’s life has changed thanks to a Brisbane-developed clinical trial.

Gary Allen, who lives in Brisbane’s north west, went on his first holiday in 10 years after being patient zero in a clinical trial to treat his multiple sclerosis (MS).

Mr Allen was diagnosed with the disease as a young adult and has spent the past 11 years relying on a wheelchair to get around.

“I need visits from community carers twice per day.

“I need help with hygiene, to unhook unpleasant stuff, and food. During the day I am confined to bed for about six hours.

“Going out anywhere requires a lot of planning and support,” he said.

MS affects the central nervous system and causes symptoms such as muscle spasms, balance issues, continence problems, and fatigue, as well as a host of other neurological and neuropsychological problems.

Gary Allen hopes research will bring him closer to a cure for his MS.

In the trial, samples of Mr Allen’s blood were taken and exposed to the Epstein Barr Virus vaccine to create immunity cells, and then reinfused back into his body.

“All of my symptoms improved and some disappeared altogether.

“My productivity at work was completely transformed and for the first time in a decade my family and I were able to go away on holiday,” he said.

May 30 is World MS Day and the theme is “bringing us closer”.

MS Queensland, and ambassadors like Mr Allen hope research will bring them closer to a cure for the disease.

MS Queensland will also celebrate 60 years of support to people living with MS across the state.

Mr Allen said the organisation is an important resource for all affected by MS.

“Reaching out for the help you need is not an admission of defeat and isn’t an invitation for your MS get worse.

“So reach out to MS Queensland for help, information and services — they truly help and care,” he said.

For more information, visit msqld.org.au or call 1800 177 591.