[JEZ]

I have AA and have been under the care of Dr. Melissa Baird since December 2006 when I was first diagnosed at UAB. When diagnosed, I was 56 years old. She is a physician in the Hematology/Oncology department at Kirklin Clinic at UAB. I have been, and continue to be, very pleased with the care I have received. I do not know UAB's success rate with BMT and you may want to explore that. My treatment has consisted of ATG and cyclosporine (Neoral). I achieved normal blood counts gradually over two years. I recently was switched to Imuran (generic form) instead of Csa when I developed kidney toxicity. My platlets have dropped to 71K but all my other counts have stayed at normal or just barely below. My kidney function returned to normal. So I am happy with how Dr. Baird has responded to changes in my status. If I ever did need to consider a BMT, I would not necessarily automatically have it done at UAB. I would explore the success rates at other facilities with my age group and compare to UAB before I decided. I know Dr. Baird would agree with this approach. Hope this is helpful. Best wishes in your journey... a knowlegable doctor you trust is important. I do not know how many other AA patients Dr. Baird sees but she consults other Doctors about my case.

JEZ