I got the same reply when I met with a stem cell doctor.

I first watched a webinar from the Mayo Clinic on stem cells and how it works for arthritis and knees etc. I then bumped into a friend who had his knee done with stem cells and he was very happy with it. I did not want another tkr because of what i went through on my first one. In fact my surgeon, 6 years later, thinks i should redo the first one. If i had a do over i would have not had the first one.
Back to stem cells. I had my MRI and my surgeon wanted to do a tkr on that one. I took my chance on stem cells. They took the cells and fat from the hip, mixed it with my blood for three hours and then injected them into my knee. I laid around 2 weeks. , watched tv, read books, took no pain pills and then the adventure begins. Felt good, then pain, repeat. Meanwhile i had my back done with stem cells and its been 3 years and pain is gone.
Back to the knee. I did PT on the left leg and wore my stem cell brace every day. I followed up the stem cells a year later with PRP which is an injection of blood designed to take care of the arthritis. That really worked. I have not worn my brace and i garden and play golf, but no tennis. PRP is designed for a once a year if needed injection.
I also studied stem cells and what is going on in the industry. I advise anyone to read up on stem cells with Mayo, Regenexx , who i used. They have been very helpful. That is who my Dr studied , and they have a tremendous amount of information on what is good and what is bad in the profession. Bad actors out there who are using dead stem cells from babies and charging a lot of money.
In Toledo we are seeing more companies insurance paying for Regenexx stem sells. What i like about Regenexx is you can read up on their research, read about what success their patients are having and also where they are located. They are close to me so i did not want to travel to Mayo.
Now i read where Drs say it does not work. Who are the Drs? are they examining the research being done ? I know of Drs who hold seminars on stem cells, buy the dead stem cells and inject them and charge a high fee. Nurses, chiropractors etc have opened up shop and people are not aware and then have no luck.
I was examined by the Dr and he said i had a chance for it to work. It has. i have to be careful when i am out on ice and snow as i did twist it, back to the brace, but feeling good again.
What is interesting is to read the web and talk to the people on line at Regenexx. I signed up for weekly newsletters. My regular Dr is now sending his patients to Dr Kruse. Yes, some times it does not work. My tennis friend had it done and played tennis that night. Another one was shopping the next day. WRONG. Follow the advice.
Finally my current tkr was bad from the beginning. I worked out in water and the knee swelled, the knee has remained swollen for 6 years and now the surgeon says he thinks it loose. If the next one does not work, what is next , amputation? So i work on both legs three days a week. I am 77 by the way but feel younger.
So , do your homework, investigate on line and go to the professionals. It is expensive but i wish i had a do over for my tkr. I read about those who have had success and i am envious. I also read of those who suffer like i have. Good luck to all. Questions , let me know.

Was the Dr an actual stem cell Dr trained in stem cells? Did you ask where he got his training? Many drs have no clue on stem cells. I have educated my family DR and now he is a believer.