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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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winning | @winning | Nov 25, 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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I had a TKR and have had problems ever since. I have had friends who have had mixed results. Some good and some with problems. I met with dr kruse of toledo who specializes in sports medicine and stem cells. We met and he looked st my mri and said I was a candidate. The stem cells are taken from the hip and mixed with your blood. Then the cells are injected into the knee. You go home, lay around, watch tv and read, and ten days later I notice the improvement.
I took no pain pills but they gave me a prescription that I did not use.
I have the same flexibility and can kneel down on the knee. I bike, golf, walk, but no longer play tennis. Downsize is cost. $7000 is not covered by insurance. Good luck

REPLY
mari | @mari | Nov 27, 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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Ok, where, what Dr.? Cost? Why did it not work? What did Dr. Say.?

REPLY
winning | @winning | Nov 27, 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

I have mentioned before that I had DR Kruse in toledo, ohio. Cost $7,000, I first heard of stem cells for arthritis from Mayo Clinic. It worked so far for me. Have a friend that took about a year but he said it is working for him. Same dr. My dr looked at my mri and had me walk. He felt I was a candidate. I knew others who were rejected. I trust him and the procedure. Good luck.

REPLY
debbiekh | @debbiekh | Dec 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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Would you please post contact information for Dr. McClish?

REPLY
talan | @talan | Dec 4, 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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Am happy to post concerning Dr. McClish. Have been very happy with my results and the price was same as Mayo at $4700.
Laurence McClish MD
605 Sierra Rose Dr Ste 4
Sierra Metabolic and Cellular Medicine
Reno, NV 89511

Phone number (775) 348-8100 Leave name and number and someone will get back to you

REPLY
debbiekh | @debbiekh | Dec 4, 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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Thank you for your reply about Dr. McClish. Were your knees arthritic and how bad were they?

REPLY
Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Dec 4, 2017
In reply to @mschock "I need resources regarding stem cell therapy. I have. great knees but shoulder neck back and..." + (show)
@mschock

I need resources regarding stem cell therapy. I have. great knees but shoulder neck back and wrist issues. The osteoarthritis just takes turns with flaring up in what ever joint. I have never seen a rheumatologist. I see orthopedic Drs I really need a better plan than my current one. Feel great overtrain then spending weeks w the ice bag and heating pad. You guessed it I'm frustrated. I'm very young 67 and have lots of playing o want to do. Have a blessed day

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@mschock,

I recently learned more information regarding stem cell treatments at Mayo Clinic and the process for a patient to obtain information. I apologize for the delay in response, but you may find the following information worth your time:

Regenerative Medicine Consult Service Process

Transplant Call-in Center
844-276-2003

What to expect when you call the number:

- An employee will answer and ask the nature of why you are calling
- Say you are interested to stem cells for osteoarthritis or whichever joint ails you
- The employee will funnel your call to the appropriate coordinators from there
- For joint issues, you will be transferred to PMR (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)
- Appointment coordinators will ask more specific questions (inclusion and exclusion criteria)
- If you meet the criteria:
- You will be asked to send in your records and a doctor will look at it in a case-by-case basis

Important Notes to be Aware of:
- PMR is a busy practice, so wait times may exist but answers will be given
- If a treatment exists in the clinic for a diagnosis (i.e. Leukemia) stem cells are not offered
- Price is out of pocket
- Types of stem cell treatments offered are Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections and Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. You can find more specific information on these types of injections here, http://mayocl.in/2AUIoAn.

REPLY
debbiekh | @debbiekh | Dec 4, 2017
In reply to @mschock "I need resources regarding stem cell therapy. I have. great knees but shoulder neck back and..." + (show)
@mschock

I need resources regarding stem cell therapy. I have. great knees but shoulder neck back and wrist issues. The osteoarthritis just takes turns with flaring up in what ever joint. I have never seen a rheumatologist. I see orthopedic Drs I really need a better plan than my current one. Feel great overtrain then spending weeks w the ice bag and heating pad. You guessed it I'm frustrated. I'm very young 67 and have lots of playing o want to do. Have a blessed day

Jump to this post

Great information Justin. Thank you.

REPLY
Rob | @robseverson | Dec 15, 2017

Can't see it here, but article on Mayo site said stem cells were being tested for knees. Is there progress and is this good alternative for obese people?

REPLY
2 replies
winning | @winning | Dec 15, 2017
In reply to @robseverson "Can't see it here, but article on Mayo site said stem cells were being tested for..." + (show)
@robseverson

Can't see it here, but article on Mayo site said stem cells were being tested for knees. Is there progress and is this good alternative for obese people?

Jump to this post

I was advised that for every pound I lost was like losing 5 pounds off the knee. My knee feels good from weight loss and has helped out my stem cells on the knee.

REPLY
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