Anybody hear of Wharton's Jelly?

I live in Massachusetts. I am considering Stem Cell with Wharton’s Jelly for my lower back and neuropathy in my feet and plantar Fasciitis. I am not sure what to do.

Hi @coops, Welcome to Connect. I haven't read or heard about any stem cell therapy treatment helping neuropathy although I've read a few research papers about their possibilities. @colleenyoung mentioned that there is a great deal of hope and a great deal of hype with stem cell therapy in her post above. You might want to consider the free consult offered by Mayo Clinic that will tell you about the availability of approved stem cell therapy at Mayo Clinic and elsewhere, and for what conditions.

Have you done any research on the procedure being done, possible risks and the cost?

We have a clinic here , Maragal Medical and I have been evaluated by them . Medicare pays for the treatments. I have very low grade numbness in my feet and they think it may stem from my lower back and I have Plantar Fasctious . One of their specialties is neuropathy and they recommend the procedure. They would like to inject my feet and lower back. I am still thinking about it. It is part of a treatment plan to include chiropractic, PT, Plalets(PRP) and orthotics. And laser. I am still giving it thought. Thanks fir your thoughts.

I would want that insurance/Medicare coverage statement in writing and signed by them. PRP injections and stem cell therapies (2 very different things) are only covered by Medicare under highly specific circumstances and for specific issues.
As far as I can see, neither neuropathy nor Plantar Fasciitis in on the list yet. So while their basic visits and evaluation may be covered, the treatment might not be. My insurance + Medicare does not accept recommendations from a chiropractor for either PT or orthotics, so please be a wise consumer.
Finally, the jury is still out on PRP for neuropathy, except possibly for diabetic neuropathy. So make sure, by contacing your supplementary insurance or Medicare BEFORE treatment, that not only is the procedure covered, but the provider as well.
I wish you luck - so many of us are searching for answers to the aches and pains of aging. We would love the answer to be as simple as a few injections. But as I have found, more likely it is a combination of a little therapy, maybe a little medication, and a lot of work on my part to get better.
Sue

Thanks Sue. It seems here in MA that the stem cell injections are covered 80% Medicare and 20% My supplement. The PRP is not covered. Your comments are really helpful. I just want to get back to some long walks so I am working on that. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me.

I'm looking into Wharton's Jelly treatment - stem cell. I've verified with two different offices that it has not been approved by the FDA. However, it is regulated by them. Also verified with two different offices (Louisiana and Florida) that Medicare does not cover the injections.
Has anyone used this treatment and Medicare paid for it?

If you are referring to an infusion of embryonic stem cells - a friend had that done in the Caymans to treat her Chrohns. We are still waiting to see if the MRI shows improvement. I’m considering it to treat my son’s UC but waiting to see if it is successful for my friend

Dear Rita, I am wondering if since your post of Nov 24, 2022 your friend has had success following her embryonic stem cell therapy. I have been very interested in considering it for my lower back. I came very close to handing over quite a bit of money to a group that was soliciting patients who wanted to use this therapy to cure various physical ailments but I decided I should wait because their group could not truly be evaluated in the minimum amount of time I had to join them, and I was not sure of their honesty.
Barb

The link you provide above does not work. Is there a new link?
I am considering Whartons Jelly injection in my knee to help with a meniscus tear. The company is Amplified Wellness. They gave a very good lecture at a local restaurant this week and it sounds like a better initial option to total knee replacement.
Have you heard of them?

In my research, I've discovered the following things: (1) There are only a few places that provide commercial access to Whartons Jelly for therapeutic purposes that are not associated with a clinical trial; (2) They charge huge fees for their services (~$15,000 minimum/treatment) and it is not reimbursed by Medicare; (3) although some do have (what appears to be) good results, none provide any data as to how often such treatments would be required.

Is this similar to what others have seen?