This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Actress Selma Blair has been open about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and treatment journey. In a recent Instagram post, she shared a photo of herself testing makeup and contouring her nose in the hospital, where she's been undergoing stem cell treatments.
Blair, who was diagnosed with MS in 2018, has been sharing her health updates with her fans on social media. In her latest post, she revealed that she's 'improving' thanks to her treatment, which includes hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
HSCT is an FDA-approved treatment that helps reboot the immune system and combat active relapsing MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The treatment involves collecting and storing stem cells from the patient's bone marrow or blood, followed by chemotherapy drugs to deplete the immune system, and finally reintroducing the stored stem cells to the body.
Dr. Richard Burt, MD, chief of Immunotherapy and Autoimmune Diseases at Northwestern, is a lead author of a preliminary trial of the treatment and calls it a 'win-win.' Blair shared that she's been doing a lot more than playing around with cosmetics, and has undergone stem cell treatments for MS.
She also shared that she's been experiencing some side effects, including swelling and joint pain, but is hopeful for the future. 'I need to start physical therapy and get moving more,' she wrote. 'It will feel better. The beginning is hard. Remember. Sending love to you all.'
Blair's post has sparked a lot of interest and support from her fans, who are encouraged by her positive update. As she continues on her treatment journey, she's inspiring others to stay hopeful and focused on their own health and wellness.
