Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
I saw a news report about the effects of a treatment being trialed for post-stroke symptoms. The trial was being run by Griffith University in Queensland, so I searched for the researcher and found his contact details. He told me that they were running more trials and were looking for participants. I expressed interest, but also contacted the Stroke Foundation to see if they knew about the trials, as it wasn’t listed on their website at the time They got back to me with information about another trial being run by Austin Health in Melbourne, which would be much more convenient.
The aim of the trial is to support the Australian registration of perispinal etanercept treatment for the treatment of post-stroke symptoms. I contacted the study organisers and expressed interest. After supplying them with some answers about my medical history, age, etc. (including proving that I had suffered a stroke), they agreed I would be a suitable candidate for the trial. We had an online video meeting to go over various things to do with the trial (such as what effect Covid-19 vaccination might have) and the timing of various phases of the trial. I’ve had some blood tests as part of the pre-screening process and I’m scheduled to receive my first injection in a couple of weeks. Of course, I have a 50% chance of receiving a placebo injection (a necessary part of any clinical trial)
Why am I doing this?
It’s not entirely self-interest. As a trained scientist with a long career in research, I’ve always been keen to investigate and solve problems. Participating in the trial is a way I can help other people do that, given that due to post-stroke issues I can no longer work (or drive, or various other things). It may not help me directly (no guarantees that the treatment will alleviate any or all of my symptoms), but my participation will help the research and may help other stroke sufferers. I’m not risking much. If it doesn’t work for me, then there is no change for the worse to my current situation. As with any clinical trial, I have been informed about any possible side effects of the treatment, and also been informed that I can withdraw from the trial at any stage if I am concerned. I know that my health and welfare will be paramount to the researchers, so I’m quite agreeable to proceed. Whatever happens, it should be an interesting journey and may provide a light at the end of the tunnel for many stroke patients.