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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I would say go to regenexx web site to see if they have a dr near you. I trust them. Had my procedure in toledo with them. We have had some new people coming in and one is using sheep stem cells. Danger, stay away.

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Have had knee pain for years. go down steps 1 at a time. Have gotten POOL PT> it really rocks. go down steps 2 at a time - even played a little v-ball on the beach. PT is 1 hour at a time. Good luck,

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@mari

Have had knee pain for years. go down steps 1 at a time. Have gotten POOL PT> it really rocks. go down steps 2 at a time - even played a little v-ball on the beach. PT is 1 hour at a time. Good luck,

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I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS MEMO.

A RECENT ARTICLE ON STEM CELL THERAPY INDICATES THAT IT HAS LIMITED SUCCESS;THE CELLS USED ARE ONLY GOOD FOR THE SAME TYPE:FAT BECOMES FAT, ETC.

ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO A LADY IN HER LATE 70S OR 80 WENT TO MEXICO AND LOST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN SURGERIES FOR BOTH THE HEART AND KNEES. ANYTHING DONE OUTSIDE THE US IS NOT COVERER BY MEDICARE!

SHE LATER WENT TO UTAH AND SPENT THOUSANDS MORE, ALL IN VAIN.

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Anyone looking at stem cells should do their homework. I first learned of stem cells from the Mayo Clinic on its use with arthritis. I found a dr in toledo who was using it with knees, hips, back etc and found he was working with regenexx. I researched regenexx and they publish their research on patients.i talked with people who had it done and I noticed a famous female professional golfer had it done just before I did. I had and still have problems with my TKR. I made the decision to have it done for my knee and back. So far it has worked. Yes, it’s out of pocket money BUT I did not spend time in a hospital and weeks in painful PT. I can everything that I used to do. Golf, biking, gardening, which means I can get on my one knee, work out etc.
my suggestion to all of you is to do your homework, interview the Drs, their qualifications and what research they have to show results. We now have in nw ohio someone using sheep stem cells. It’s cheaper I have been told. Only drawback is you make a baa sound. Chiropractors are now doing it. What training do they have?
As they say, a sucker is born every day. Good hunting for all those considering stem cells. By the way my dr says their research is recommending a booster to ward off arthritis. Makes sense.

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@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 went to a "seminar" on stem cell regenerative medicine put on by one of theses advertising clinics . They claim stems cells from amniotic fluids and tissues will assis re growing of knee cartlidge . My orthopedist said cartlidge can not be regrown . Now trying to sort out what's real. Need repalcement surgery and stem cell injection sounded so good . But is it just advertising ?

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@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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Sounds like my story. I tried the TKR as I was told how wonderful it was. For me it was not. That is why I did my home work. Sounds to me if they are advertising etc I would look carefully. I have noticed places opening up around our area. Be careful and research the firms. If they cannot give you any data, move on.

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@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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You raise a very serious question about efficacy of placental stem cells ; my orthopedist said it will not re grow cartlidge. Stem cell injection costs $5000 includes but I can't find any science reports that show it works long term ! Does any one have a place to investigate this issue ?

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@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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Is the group recommending the stem cell run by Orthopedist or Chriopractor and P.A. Did they tell you the injections would replace the damaged or missing cartlidge ?

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What was wrong with your back? Stenosis? what section of back.

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@mari

What was wrong with your back? Stenosis? what section of back.

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L4 L 5 rubbing on a nerve. Took blood out of arm,treated it, , next day injected it into back,went home laid around, did some light gardening, walking etc and in 4 weeks back playing golf and biking.

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