Hi, I had a very successful hip replacement and knew for the past three years that I needed to address both knees and my other hip. I would like to avoid anesthesia and have been researching Stem Cell ( adipose vs bone marrow) therapy as an alternative. Do all Mayo locations offer stem cell therapy or is it only offered at the MN. location? I'm working to stay flexible (tai chi, yoga, low impact aerobics if I can work through the discomfort) but I think the time is right for the next step. Any recommendations?
Hello @hillcountrylady. I'd like to add my welcome to @debbraw's. I'd also like to share a few discussions you may find worth your time to read through where members discuss stem cell treatments and other options for knee issues:
– Stem cell therapy for arthritic knees, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stem-cell-therapy-for-arthritic-knees/
I did have stem cells done on my left knee. It worked for me but i do read where for some people it does not work. I kinda think its because of where u have it done I used Drs that are trained by Regenexx, only because i am nt close to Mayo and others. There are a lot of , what i consider hoaksters out there so do your home work.
Liked by Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor
Thanks Debbra, Saw my local ortho yesterday. Hip is not a candidate for stem cell, no joint space. Both knees are as I still have joint space. I will move forward with hip surgery (total hip, anterior approach) and will go for stem cell treatment on my knees in about 6 months, depending on my rehab from my hip sx. So I'm at least moving forward and am happy that my knees still have joint space – learning a new language it seems. Thanks to all for your kind assistance.
@hillcountrylady – Congratulations. I am happy for you. In my experience, having a plan to move forward is more than half the battle. Do you know yet when your hip surgery will be scheduled? Will you keep us posted on how things go?
Liked by John, Volunteer Mentor, JK, Alumna Mentor
It is quick, May 13th. will check back in post op. Thanks Debbra.
@hillcountrylady – I guess they don't mess around in the hill country! LOL. You'll barely have Mothers Day under your belt before the surgery. Just FYI, I've had friends who did hip replacements and they say they are easier than knee replacements. Best of luck and please do let us know how things go.
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor
Everything I've heard about knees is exactly as you said. My brother had his knees done and let me know it was not a picnic. When I had my other hip done in 2016 I had an amazing recovery with all aspects just perfect. The same surgeon is doing this procedure so I'm expecting the best. One of the reasons I was so happy to hear that my knees are a candidate for stem cell is to avoid that surgery and rehab. Will keep you posted post op, I'm doing pre-surgery prep this week, and I'm off,,,,
@debbraw
Hi @hillcountrylady – Welcome to Connect! Glad you joined this group. I'm going to share a link that @johnbishop posted recently. Thanks, John! (I don't know how to forward it so I'll just cut/paste here!)
Stem Cells Get Hip
— https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hip-replacement/multimedia/vid-20078372
Have you decided on whether you want to do the next hip yet or knees?
Liked by John, Volunteer Mentor