From Wheelchair to Walking Again: A POEMS Syndrome Patient’s Recovery Story in Beijing
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From a “Mystery Illness” to a Clear Diagnosis
For Ms. W (a pseudonym), an Indonesian patient, her journey to recovery began with uncertainty and fear. Several years ago, she started experiencing numbness in both feet — a symptom she initially dismissed. But as time passed, the numbness spread throughout her body, accompanied by muscle weakness and atrophy. Eventually, she lost the ability to stand or walk and became completely dependent on a wheelchair.
After years of visiting different hospitals and undergoing multiple examinations, Ms. W was finally diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, a rare multi-system disorder associated with abnormal plasma cell proliferation and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels.
The name “POEMS” represents the five major clinical features:
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Polyneuropathy (nerve damage)
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Organomegaly (enlarged organs)
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Endocrinopathy (hormonal disorders)
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Monoclonal gammopathy (M-protein in the blood)
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Skin changes
This disease acts like a “systemic storm,” where abnormal plasma cells release excessive cytokines, disrupting the nerves, endocrine system, and multiple organs. For many patients, traditional treatments offer limited relief, leading to progressive disability and a diminished quality of life.
A New Hope: Stem Cell Transplantation
In recent years, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has become one of the most promising approaches for achieving long-term remission — and potentially a cure — for POEMS syndrome.
The therapy works by using high-dose chemotherapy to eliminate diseased plasma cells and the patient’s damaged immune system, followed by reinfusion of the patient’s own preserved stem cells. This process effectively “resets” the body’s immune and hematopoietic systems, allowing healthy cell regeneration and immune recovery.
After several rounds of induction chemotherapy, Ms. W and her family decided to seek specialized care abroad. They traveled to Beijing Lu Daopei Hospital, where she was admitted under the care of Professor Yang Dan and her experienced hematology team. Following comprehensive pre-transplant evaluations, the team confirmed that Ms. W was an appropriate candidate for AHSCT.
Through Challenges and Triumphs: The Transplant Journey
The transplant procedure, though promising, tested Ms. W’s resilience to the limit. During the pre-conditioning phase, high-dose chemotherapy placed severe stress on her heart and lungs. Soon after stem cell infusion, she developed life-threatening complications including heart failure, respiratory insufficiency, and septic shock.
At this critical juncture, Professor Yang and her team initiated an intensive emergency care plan. Around-the-clock monitoring, precise medical interventions, and tailored infection management kept Ms. W stable. After two weeks of relentless effort, her stem cells successfully engrafted, signaling a major turning point in her recovery.
Walking Toward a New Life
Today, Ms. W has been discharged and continues with regular follow-ups. During a recent check-up, she brought tears of joy to the entire medical team — she walked into the clinic without assistance. Just six months after her transplant, she had regained full mobility, symbolizing a complete transformation from wheelchair dependency to renewed independence.
Grateful and emotional, she personally presented a thank-you banner to Professor Yang’s team, expressing heartfelt appreciation for their dedication and compassion.
Ms. W’s story is not only a testament to the exceptional skill and commitment of the Beijing Lu Daopei Hospital hematology team, but also a powerful reminder of what modern precision medicine can achieve. With early diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and comprehensive care, even the rarest and most complex diseases can be managed — giving patients the chance to live fully again.
A Beacon of Hope for Rare Disease Patients
For patients facing rare and debilitating blood disorders like POEMS syndrome, Ms. W’s recovery offers real hope. Her case demonstrates how cutting-edge medical technology, multidisciplinary teamwork, and compassionate care can transform outcomes — turning despair into possibility.
As advanced therapies such as stem cell transplantation continue to evolve, more patients around the world may one day reclaim their health, independence, and dignity.