They separated the stem cells from my fat. I'm only 120 lbs so they got the fat from my inner thighs. I was conscious through the whole process. The worst part was lipo - not that it hurt but is gruesome. Once the got the fat out they processed it for about an hour. I then had three injections in my spine and then the rest was given via IV. Total time was about 5 hours. The next day I flew home commercially back to Louisiana with no problems. Did it three weeks ago, Dec 23rd. Did it help? Don't know. I can consciously contract my quads now but no strength yet.
Post by freewheeler on Jan 20, 2014 11:24:01 GMT -8
dlevy, i am very interested to hear how your recovery goes, please keep us updated. It will be wonderful if the stemcell treatment is has some good effect on your recovery
That last link tracks the progress (or lack of in his case) of someone who received the treatment, inc ASIA scores etc.
I have to admit I feel rather uneasy about medical professionals charging an arm and a leg for what is essentially experimental treatment. It's rather unethical imo.
I have to admit I feel rather uneasy about medical professionals charging an arm and a leg for what is essentially experimental treatment. It's rather unethical imo.
I have to agree 100% sci, I think these Docotors and clinics are just preying on very vulnerable people and just ripping them off.
I remember very well many people posting on the CCC about cell treatments they have recieved, I don't want to spoil the fun but all end in oblivion. Any doctor that sells unproven therapy is in breach of the fundamental principle of medical ethics that is putting the patient at risk for a profit. Most serious Gov have legislative governance that hold these doctors criminally and financially liable or else may prohibit outright this type of practice. As to why these clinics or doctors set up operation in countries such as Mexico and the Domenican Republic, make your own conclusions. As for me i would think twice going for a holiday in some places never mind medical treatment
Just the fact that these places offering unproven therapies exist and thrive says something about the unmet needs of paralyzed people. We are in some cases desperate for some kind of treatment, something other than the standard of care and almost absence of any kind of treatment available to us now. Im not condoning the use of them, but they are there, and there for a reason. Just as any other black market exits. Supply what the people need and the rag tags will disappear.
Just the fact that these places offering unproven therapies exist and thrive says something about the unmet needs of paralyzed people. We are in some cases desperate for some kind of treatment, something other than the standard of care and almost absence of any kind of treatment available to us now. Im not condoning the use of them, but they are there, and there for a reason. Just as any other black market exits. Supply what the people need and the rag tags will disappear.
That's a good picture of how it works, and as long as people are willing to pay for frivolous treatments it doesn't give any incentive to big pharma to offer a treatment that works very well.
Stem cell treatment results may not be complete or proven. That does not make it frivolous or a scam. It simply makes it unproven. I don't understand the argument that it is a waste of money. It *might* help. I think the current evidence is such that there is a chance it helps. I think $10,000 is a reasonable price.
$9,000 for a Hasomed FES and $81,000 for a crappy wheelchair is a scam. FES box should be no more than $500. Chair should be $2000. Chair production processes are standardized. They built mine in 10 days.
State sanctioned approval is driven by money. When the medical industry aligns with a profit motive, they will dictate changes with the government allowing progress. There simply isn't enough profit in healing SCI. There is way too much money being made with equipment. If the number of SCI increased to an amount that affected the insurance companies that are paying to care for us, the insurance lobby will push through changes that find a cure.
Yes I agree dlevy, it's not a scam per se but it's unproven. $10,000 sounds reasonable to me because I've only heard of the treatments being in excess of $70,000! The prices of medical equipment however is a scam.
Stem cell treatment results may not be complete or proven. That does not make it frivolous or a scam. It simply makes it unproven. I don't understand the argument that it is a waste of money. It *might* help. I think the current evidence is such that there is a chance it helps. I think $10,000 is a reasonable price.
$9,000 for a Hasomed FES and $81,000 for a crappy wheelchair is a scam. FES box should be no more than $500. Chair should be $2000. Chair production processes are standardized. They built mine in 10 days.
State sanctioned approval is driven by money. When the medical industry aligns with a profit motive, they will dictate changes with the government allowing progress. There simply isn't enough profit in healing SCI. There is way too much money being made with equipment. If the number of SCI increased to an amount that affected the insurance companies that are paying to care for us, the insurance lobby will push through changes that find a cure.
If it cost more to supply people with equipment such as wheelchairs than for a cure don't you think insurance companies would be pushing for that break thru?
Also, it's not just that an unproven therapy may or may not work, it could be very harmful.
That's a major issue, even with FDA approval. They want to help get some treatments approved quickly where none exists now, but there are risks and sometimes even "legitimate" companies abuse that notion.
Grass roots advocacy fertilized by Big Pharma-DICHOTOMY at it's best
This is something that i have thought about bob..the cost of supporting someone with a Spinal Cord Injury is huge and lifelong.
I have a friend who needs 24 hour care and has two live in carers. The government pays for everything in the UK...so from rehab that includes the home adaptions, equipment and care. Then benefits and hospital treatments. Free transport is provided for hospital visits and if anyone is in rented accommodation then the government will pay the rent.
So...all this considered you would think the government would be putting all their possibly resources into researching a cure but to be honest i never hear about cure research in regards to the media here.