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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

John, I forgot to mention that I looked at your article from Mayo Clinic and I will review it more indepth. I appreciate this lead.

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@yellowbuffalo

<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>

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Since it’s not stem cell what is PRP?

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@san72

I’m sorry, but what is PRP?

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Where did you get PRP?
Cost?
Dr name and #s?

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@yellowbuffalo

<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>

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I dont know about knees..but my husband went to mexico for stem cell treatment . Brought his heart function uo from 32% to 52%. Stem cells work!

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@sueinmn

@cobweb & @ellye - PRP is Platelet Rich Plasma - another type of injection sometimes used for knee pain. You can read about it here:
https://sportsmedicine.mayoclinic.org/service/regenerative-medicine/
Sue

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Hi, thank you for your response! My right knee is so bad, I actually gasp
with a shock-like pain at times because it’s so unexpectedly. We have 13
stairs going up to our bedrooms. And as you probably know, stairs are
killer pain….lol….

I had laparoscopic surgery on my left knee in 2002 fr a torn meniscus. It
worked out very well for years, of course I’ve much older, do the pain has
returned somewhat and now I am going to have my right knee x-rayed, it’s
like electrical shocks when I walk, the pain just grabs me. I wondered
what PRP was also and if it would help me.

I had a hemorrhagic stroke 20 years ago in my right thalamus that has left
me with a horrific 24/7 pain condition, oh the pain is terrible! the few
medications I have do not help much but I’m thankful to have them. Then
Because of a 90 percent blockage had a stent inserted in my right coronary
artery and then Scoliosis surgery from my T3 to my L4-5 and into my hips.
I’m s walking scrap metal- pain from that surgery 9 years ago is another
whammy to live with…..so I’m a walking robot in pain…..lol. My best to you
and hope you’re doing well. Sandy

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@yellowbuffalo

<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>

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I have BAD knees the right one swells ominously every day and after twenty minutes of walking .
I am trying NATURAL WATER PILLS, made of Dandelion Green Tea and CRANBERRY....just started.
AM insulin DIABETIC now for 27 years. Am twenty pounds overweight and am working on that for the knees to have less pain. ANYBODY?

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@yellowbuffalo

<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>

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I feel for you we are all WALKING ROBOTS when we can walk..THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR ILLNESS. I PRAY FOR CURES FOR ALL OF US...AMEN TO THAT...Margaret O

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@petman56

I was a runner when I was young and now I have no cartridge in my knees. Dr says full knee replacement!
I have had 3 DVT's (blood clots) and 2 other clots that made it to my lungs. (PE) The thought of having knee replacement surgery scares the heck out of me because of possible clots. I really don't want to die from a clot to fix my knees. What do you suggest?

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Much of your concerns can be allayed by the selection of the surgeon, and his/her team. I understand your concern about clots and the possible consequences. Ironically I recently had a "full" right knee replacement and shared your concerns. The reason for the procedure was playing competitive one-wall paddleball for over 30 years. Have you considered testing your blood for several proteins that should be present to avoid issues of clotting? The major issue with the procedure is the risk of infection. Get an extensive review of your blood before you continue. I wish you success with your decision.

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@winning

The day I had my stem cell procedure done, I notice two others who followed me and they were younger males. The drilling in the hip for the stem cells had very little pain. Blood was taken from both arms, it was mixed with the cells, three hours later the cells and blood was injected in the knee. I needed a cane to go home. The next day I had one more injection. Four weeks of relaxing, reading, tv etc and I was good to go. My knee was bone on bone. I was fitted with a neat knee brace and I do wear it when I golf, bike and garden. Not sure if I need to but it's my crutch. Having had a terrible time with total knee replacement I just use it for peace of mind. I have been told by the doctor if I feel I need a booster shot that can be done.
There are a lot of doubters out there but I ignore them. Downside is no insurance coverage. I suspect it will happen some day when you consider the cost of a total knee replacement, three days in a hospital and many trips for p/t. It was a bad time for me and my frustration was I went into the surgery in good shape. I had worked out for a year to have good strength etc. did not work out for me. I do have friends that it worked for them. If you have the finances then you must weigh your options.

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Im sorry Im a little dense. The stem cells were successful? And the replacement did not work? Is this correct? Im in need of stem cells for my thumb arthritis. I am a classical guitarist and Im terrified of surgery. I would love to be clear on your experience.

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@mari

My knee is "bone on bone" have a brace to Push knee joint open to receive stem cells.
Does anyone agree that we should petition and get insurance co. to pay for stem cells- less costly than surgery?

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Yes we should! However, Ive been told that we are behind the rest of the world on stem cell research because the US put the brakes on that in the early 2000s. I think they need more research/testing for the FDA to pass it, no? I would happily to help with any petitions that might speed things up.

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