1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees

Posted by tropicallady1276 @tropicallady1276, May 10, 2017

I am a 77 year old woman with arthritic knees where it's difficult for me to walk and I'm trying to avoid knee replacement. I have done the Synvisc injections and physical therapy-- to no avail. Is there anyone here who has had stem cell therapy for arthritic knees and I would like to know your outcome. I know there are two, one where bone marrow is removed and the other where they take fat from the abdomen and regenerate and inject into the knees. I would like to know the cost and how long the procedure takes and any other information which would be helpful to me. I live in North Jersey and am currently looking for clinics in my area who perform this procedure. I appreciate your help.

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GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Sep 3, 2017
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@talan

Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA approved and insurance will not cover it. However, my stem cell doc is a retired orthopedic surgeon with a wonderful reputation. For years he had felt there should be a better way than invasive surgeries to correct joint problems. He retired, studied for 4 years, then came back to part time practice just doing stem cell therapy on joints. I am almost 6 weeks out from mine. No joint pain at all, just some soreness and stiffness where my knee is still swollen---but not as swollen as it was before the procedure. I have had two PRP's (one prior to the procedure and one just a week after) and will have another in a few more weeks. The PRP's help the stem cells to heal the joint. My stem cells were taken from both bone marrow and from fat cells in my buttocks. I am delighted with the results so far. I would not go to one of the "advertising clinics" that do stem cells. I would not want a chiropractor or non orthopedist to do my procedure. Mine was also done in a sterile room which could be important. A lot to think about, for sure, but do careful and lengthy research before you commit.

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@mari, As Soon As Insurance Gets Involved the cost will rise exponentially and you'll still end up pay 20% copay which would be higher than the current cost! Leave well enough alone is my advice. Gail B Ledesma

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mari | @mari | Sep 3, 2017

FYI -- FDA launches a crackdown on questionable stem cell clinics--but will it follow through?
http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-stemcell-clinics-20170831-story.html

REPLY
GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Sep 3, 2017
In reply to @tropicallady1276 "Thanks for getting back to me. It's funny you mentioned not going to an "advertising clinic"--..." + (show)
@tropicallady1276

Thanks for getting back to me. It's funny you mentioned not going to an "advertising clinic"-- I am going next week. I do not plan having it done with them but I want to see what they have to say and see if I can learn anything. I'm trying to find a reputable doctor in North Jersey with good reviews and even see if I can speak with one of their patients. I'm going to check Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Thanks, again.

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@mari, you DON'T WANT embryonic stem cells. They are dangerous and are illegal in the US. Placental and umbilical cord stem cells are what you need. Be careful that you know and understand the differences. Gail B Ledesma

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mari | @mari | Sep 3, 2017
In reply to @tropicallady1276 "Thanks for getting back to me. It's funny you mentioned not going to an "advertising clinic"--..." + (show)
@tropicallady1276

Thanks for getting back to me. It's funny you mentioned not going to an "advertising clinic"-- I am going next week. I do not plan having it done with them but I want to see what they have to say and see if I can learn anything. I'm trying to find a reputable doctor in North Jersey with good reviews and even see if I can speak with one of their patients. I'm going to check Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Thanks, again.

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GAIL, OK.
RE INSURANCE, I have Medicare and SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE. Don't pay anything.

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jenapower | @jenapower | Sep 3, 2017
In reply to @mari "Wonder why there are posts from May and some from August. Shouldn't it be in chronological..." + (show)
@mari

Wonder why there are posts from May and some from August. Shouldn't it be in chronological order?

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If you hit reply under a post it will insert your answer to that post. If you just reply at the bottom it will be in chronological order. Hope that helps, Jennifer

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GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Sep 3, 2017
In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)
@bonlgd

Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end of Nov 2016…but,
I had an appt with a regenerative medicine doc at a clinic about placental stem cell injections in both knees that is leaving me confused about what to do! I would love to have this done but I’m unsure of the REAL outcome of this procedure compared to Tkr! This Dr says that cartilage will regrow and the knees will heal to some degree, but I cannot find any info in online research that states stem cells can make cartilage regrow! I’m concerned about the high cost of the shots esp if it doesn’t work and it’s not guaranteed! They will repeat the injections 6 mos later if I’m unhappy with the results at no extra cost. I’m also concerned about how long this effect may last and if my arthritis will come back in the knee joints within 5-10 yrs.
I wanted to know if anyone has tried stem cell shots a few years ago that have proven to last over time? Online research implies cartilage cannot easily regrow YET, but probably in the future! Also seems there have been no large studies done with stem cell for knee arthritis. With Tkr it’s a done deal, outcome is assured, new knees that last 15-20 or more years! Albeit with pain, meds, and long recovery, etc!

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No. See my posts about insurance elsewhere. Insurance companies are in healthcare for profits only! They dont help, and actually put restrictions on you and what they cover. You don't need insurance for this inexpensive procedure. Pay doctor directly and keep costs down! Use a credit card if you need to, or get a small loan to pay for it. Respectfully, Gail B Ledesma

REPLY
winning | @winning | Sep 3, 2017
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@talan

Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA approved and insurance will not cover it. However, my stem cell doc is a retired orthopedic surgeon with a wonderful reputation. For years he had felt there should be a better way than invasive surgeries to correct joint problems. He retired, studied for 4 years, then came back to part time practice just doing stem cell therapy on joints. I am almost 6 weeks out from mine. No joint pain at all, just some soreness and stiffness where my knee is still swollen---but not as swollen as it was before the procedure. I have had two PRP's (one prior to the procedure and one just a week after) and will have another in a few more weeks. The PRP's help the stem cells to heal the joint. My stem cells were taken from both bone marrow and from fat cells in my buttocks. I am delighted with the results so far. I would not go to one of the "advertising clinics" that do stem cells. I would not want a chiropractor or non orthopedist to do my procedure. Mine was also done in a sterile room which could be important. A lot to think about, for sure, but do careful and lengthy research before you commit.

Jump to this post

Doctor said he doesn't want to use a babies etc because of potential problems. He used my cells.

REPLY
GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Sep 3, 2017
In reply to @mari "Wonder why there are posts from May and some from August. Shouldn't it be in chronological..." + (show)
@mari

Wonder why there are posts from May and some from August. Shouldn't it be in chronological order?

Jump to this post

@mari I have noticed the same thing about the timing of the posts here and on other threads as well. I find myself replying to posts from a year ago by accident because they are in with current posts.

REPLY
LynetteGable | @lynettegable | Sep 5, 2017
In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)
@bonlgd

Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end of Nov 2016…but,
I had an appt with a regenerative medicine doc at a clinic about placental stem cell injections in both knees that is leaving me confused about what to do! I would love to have this done but I’m unsure of the REAL outcome of this procedure compared to Tkr! This Dr says that cartilage will regrow and the knees will heal to some degree, but I cannot find any info in online research that states stem cells can make cartilage regrow! I’m concerned about the high cost of the shots esp if it doesn’t work and it’s not guaranteed! They will repeat the injections 6 mos later if I’m unhappy with the results at no extra cost. I’m also concerned about how long this effect may last and if my arthritis will come back in the knee joints within 5-10 yrs.
I wanted to know if anyone has tried stem cell shots a few years ago that have proven to last over time? Online research implies cartilage cannot easily regrow YET, but probably in the future! Also seems there have been no large studies done with stem cell for knee arthritis. With Tkr it’s a done deal, outcome is assured, new knees that last 15-20 or more years! Albeit with pain, meds, and long recovery, etc!

Jump to this post

Dr Smith did mine also. I hope it works for you. Unfortunately it didnt work fir me

REPLY
mari | @mari | Sep 5, 2017
In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)
@bonlgd

Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end of Nov 2016…but,
I had an appt with a regenerative medicine doc at a clinic about placental stem cell injections in both knees that is leaving me confused about what to do! I would love to have this done but I’m unsure of the REAL outcome of this procedure compared to Tkr! This Dr says that cartilage will regrow and the knees will heal to some degree, but I cannot find any info in online research that states stem cells can make cartilage regrow! I’m concerned about the high cost of the shots esp if it doesn’t work and it’s not guaranteed! They will repeat the injections 6 mos later if I’m unhappy with the results at no extra cost. I’m also concerned about how long this effect may last and if my arthritis will come back in the knee joints within 5-10 yrs.
I wanted to know if anyone has tried stem cell shots a few years ago that have proven to last over time? Online research implies cartilage cannot easily regrow YET, but probably in the future! Also seems there have been no large studies done with stem cell for knee arthritis. With Tkr it’s a done deal, outcome is assured, new knees that last 15-20 or more years! Albeit with pain, meds, and long recovery, etc!

Jump to this post

Dr. Smith from where?

Mari

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