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Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees
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 didn't answer your questions @scsm! So here are my replies:
Q: How long did your PRP injection work for you? Was it a couple of months or longer?
A: Still working! Lower Back -- Over 2 years and still OK. Knees -- Over 1 year, but I heard a "crack" 2 months ago, as I hyper-extended my left knee, so I am having some pain now (going up the stairs). I fear I have a tear in the lateral meniscus! But didn't get it checked yet.
Q: Were you still having pain two or three months after your PRP injections?
A: Yes, but less pain. It really took 4 months to see progress. From the 4th month, the progress steadily grew for both lower back and knees. At around 20 months or so, my back was painless!
I will add that I fell twice (on steps) in 2018. I thought I would not be able to even move! But nothing like that happened. I had NO back pain, NO issues! My falls were about 23 months following the back procedures. I fell forward and down 3 flights of stairs in my first fall ... Somersaulted down several steps and hit my back several times as I was falling, and ended up in the sitting position ... NO back pain!
Q: What made you want to have stem cell injections instead of continuing the PRP injections?
A: The doctor suggested Stem Cells for my knees right away (in place of PRP), because Stem Cell treatments are a much better AND permanent solution. However, I was and still am taking Statins for my cholesterol. In order for Stem Cells procedures to be effective, you need to be off of Statins for 3+ months. My Primary Doctor did not agree with staying off the statins at that time. He wanted to see if PRP would be sufficient. Now, he agrees I can be off Statins, "IF" the pain, and/or tears in the meniscus reappear.
My doctor put me on certain vitamins that help promote the PRP and Stem Cell healing process. Different vitamins for the two procedures, I am still on the ones he gave me for the PRP!
If you have any additional questions, do send them my way! I will be glad to provide my experience!
--Dee
Dee, What vitamins were recommended ?
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1 ReactionHi Mari @mari, I TOTALLY agree with you! We should do something to change things! However, I believe it takes more than a petition. In line with that, a number of entities may be willing and able to help. I am thinking of various associations, including retirees associations; Investigative TV, newspaper, and cable journalists; and of course our elected officials.
What do you think?
-Dee
Hi Mari @mari. These are the three prescribed by my doctor at Regenexx to support the healing process before and after PRP (NOT covered by insurance): "OmegaPure EPA"; "CurcuPlex CR"; and "SynovX Tendon and Ligaments". You can't find them in a "regular" pharmacy and they are costly, but in my experience, they are well worth the money!!! For Stem Cells procedures, the supplement is different. I have not had the treatment and don't recall the name of the supplement.
Do you go to a Regenexx clinic? If so, the doctor you will have will tell you which supplements are needed (may be different for you). However, if you want to know more about these supplements, I can give you the name and phone number of the pharmacy used by my doctor at Regenexx.
--Dee
Dee, Great ideas.!
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1 ReactionHey @mari ... Thanks, all we need is a lot of other people interested, so we can get some help in moving forward with these and many other ideas! 🙂 🙂
I wanted to mention I recently found out from a friend that the VA Hospital in my state is covering PRP injections. I cannot say for certain this is true, but if any veterans are aware, please let me know if that is the case. Thank you.
I am almost 66yrs old I had knees scoped and cleaned out at about 58yrs old. I still feel some pain going up and dwon stairs and getting out of a chair but manageable. My right knee was never really much better. I just had my right knee re scoped where the surgeon ( a different one ) found a bone spur. I am back to fast walking with no problems or pain,I can kneel on my knees but still have pain banding down on my right knee. I wonder if you have bone spurs that could be removed it has made such a difference to my life. We have long history of osteoarthritis on my mum's side so trying to do everything I can to stave off have to have TKR. Hope this info helps you,stay strong.
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1 ReactionCBD cream from the health food store.
<p>I have osteoarthritis in both knees. I heard that stem cell injections are a substitute for knee replacement. I am interested in hearing from people who have had this treatment. Does it work? Is the cost covered by Medicare and Anthem supplement?</p>