A Stem cell treatment for IV osteoarthritis does not provide a cure and nor does a hip replacement, both have their risks and successes. The following is a letter sent by Bev a nurse to World Stem Cells, LLC as to her feelings and stem cell treatment outcome. A must read for anyone trying to make a decision:
I have grade IV osteoarthritis (severe loss of cartilage leading to bone rubbing on bone) of my right hip. I have seen 3 orthopedic doctors, all of which have said I need to have surgery for hip replacement. Additional options for treatment were limited. As a nurse, and at my age, having seen both good and bad outcomes following hip replacement, and also knowing hip replacement is not without risk, I chose to seek other options of treatment for myself.
Prior to stem cell treatment, I rated my hip and groin pain on a " 1 to 10" scale, a number "1" meaning mild or no pain, the number "10" meaning severe pain. My pain level prior to treatment was a fairly constant "6. To me, this pain signified difficulty being comfortable while resting, and painful to walk after being on my feet for long periods of time. I also could not walk up and down stairs without great difficulty, and could not flex and bend my right knee to my chest. I experienced extra pain when changing sleeping or sitting positions. Having been an avid hiker in the past, this was discomforting to me, to say the least!
I had tried 3 treatments with Platelet rich plasma therapy, physical therapy, cortisone injections, pain medication, anti inflammatory medicines, acupuncture; all to give only mild and/or temporary symptomatic relief from the pain and discomfort I was experiencing. So further research led me to seek Dr. Alan Kadish.
I now am so grateful to have made contact with him and his group, World Stem Cells. The World Stem Cell team providers are top of the line care providers in my mind. They provide knowledgeable and compassionate care in their treatments of their clients. Dr. Kadish is outstanding and takes considerable time and care answering all questions. Such support is most remarkable in this day and age! Hes a rare find!
Through World Stem Cells, LLC contract clinic I had a combination treatment of autologous (from myself) bone marrow stem cell treatment (bone marrow aspirate) with platelet rich plasma therapy in Cancun, Mexico. the end of September 2011. I am now 6 months post treatment!! Everyday is a new experience to write about!
From the moment I landed in Cancun for treatment, until the conclusion of therapy, the World Stem Cell staff supported me and made me feel at ease every step of the way! Transportation from the airport to my hotel, transportation to clinic and hospital treatment appointments, and the option of additional transportation, for local sightseeing was made available, too. A phone was provided to me from World Stem Cell with all of my care providers numbers programmed into the phones memory for my medical use while in Cancun. As a nurse, I had many questions and concerns prior to treatment. However, all were addressed as soon as I voiced them.
Upon arrival, Rudy, my personable yet professional care coordinator, met me at the airport, and accompanied me to my hotel. My husband also accompanied me on this adventure for support. My husband stated, in retrospect, he wasnt even needed in that regard, as care was so well orchestrated! I later discovered that other clients had come to Cancun for treatment on their own, and also had done quite well solo. Rudy helped to get me situated, and introduced me to staff where I would be staying. Rudy would be my daily support person, answer any questions, assist with transportation for extraneous needs of mine, and would check in via phone on regular basis to see if any other needs were required.
The day after arrival, I went to the World Stem Cell clinic for evaluation by Dr. Kadish, and Dr. Abblitt, a hematologist/oncologist. They discussed my plan of care; which included pretreatment sessions for 2 days prior to stem cell implantation. Dr. Kadish helped me understand all aspects of care to be provided, addressed any questions or concerns, and was a veritable "fountain of information" regarding stem cells, treatment expectations, etc. Dr. Abblitt, would be performing the bone marrow aspirate portion of the procedure for me on day 3. She also was an absolute gem! Her sweet, caring demeanor, and her expertise, put me at ease! . For me, day three, was a day of cellular implantation. My procedure took place in a hospital surgical suite setting after admission. The hospital was "state of the art; well equipped. The staffs were professional and caring. Dr. Carrillo, an orthopedic surgeon with great skill and bedside manner, performed my cellular implantation following bone marrow aspiration by Dr. Abblitt. Dr. Abblitts technique in bone marrow extraction was efficient and painless!
My procedure went extremely well. The World Stem Cell team worked well with me and with one another.
The results of the treatment greatly exceeded my expectations! Within 24 to 48 hours of stem cell implantation, my hip pain was diminishing!! Today, I am able to comfortably walk up flights of stairs. I still walk with a little limp, but I am hopeful with continued therapy the limp will get better every day. I am also able to flex and bend my knee to my chest without any difficulty. I attend local Pilates class, and regular gym workouts.......to me, these changes are monumental!
Dr. Kadish recommended post treatment physical therapy which was started in Cancun after my procedure with an enthusiastic Physical Therapist, Aurora. Dr. Kadish also recommended continuing Pilates treatment in the states thru a local certified trainer.
My stay in Cancun was fun, my husband and I did some great side trips to local ruins, experienced the rain forest, and local culture and cuisine. The people of Cancun are rich in culture and history, and ever- patient with our minimal Spanish speaking skills! People have asked us in the states about the safety of traveling to this area. I can say our experience was delightful, safe, and need not be a worry!
I began a Pilates reconditioning program several weeks after my return. My provider, Deb, felt quite strongly that major muscles in my right leg were very weak due to inactivity prior to treatment. She worked with me 2-3 times a week to help "restructure" how my body works to improve muscle firing and function.
One month into therapy, I began going back to the gym on my own. Today, I continue to go to the gym regularly. I utilize the elliptical trainer and recumbant bike regularly. I also do resistance training for upper body strength, and, am now doing water walking and swimming exercises as well. As part of my catch up, I also welcome regular massage therapy sessions that help relax over worked muscles.
I know it is a challenge to make the appropriate long term decisions for yourself. I know for each person there are no guarantees; everyones body is unique, and everyones bodies signals, repairs, are different. I still have work to do, but I am happy I did stem cell treatment. I hope as more time goes by, there may be yet additional changes I will experience.
We owe it to ourselves to find solutions which are the best for us individually. I hope your heart will guide you in finding what is right for you... Be kind to yourself, no matter what your choice may be, have patience, and know that there are people out there who really care about you, and your treatment. World Stem Cell group is one that does, and I am extremely grateful to them in what they were able to give me! My life!!
I, too, will be "rooting for you" and hope which ever direction you choose, your treatment will be successful!
