The Future of Medicine?
 

I recently attended an informational meeting regarding NON-SURGICAL REGENERATION, with respect to reducing or eliminating joint pain. To summarize the process: Over several weeks a series of injections, using processed blood, stem cells and bone marrow from the patient's own body, are given directly into the painful joint. This substance is then expected to stay, and even regenerate, in the joint providing the lubrication necessary to relieve pain resulting from arthritis, scar tissue from previous trauma, overuse, etc.

The process is FDA approved, but not covered by insurance. There are many testimonials from patients which have resulted in, at least, partial success and a few patients have reported they are completely pain free. However, internet research shows some patients have not been helped at all and are calling this process a scam.

Does anyone have experience with this process? Any thoughts?

My only thought is "scam".

There is no evidence that these treatments will regenerate tissue. They aren't "FDA approved". They're approved for study. That's why insurance doesn't cover it. The treatments are said to be temporary, between 3-6 months depending on the treatment, and costs anywhere between $500 and $10,000 depending on the treatment.

Cartilage repair and restoration has, however, offered actual restoration success in over 80% of the patients. One of these types of treatments is prescribed, and costs between $10,000 and $14,000. More are coming, and will be approximately 40,000 once approved by the FDA for use.

The Future of Joint Repair

Really interesting, there is hope! Thank you OBB!

I was at the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa for some skin surgery in June, and I asked the Physicians Assistant if she enjoyed her job. She said she loved her job. She had read the book, "The Emperor of all Maladies" and it had really inspired her.

I bought the book and thought it was great. It is sub-titled "a biography of cancer", and it tells about all of the people, including the author, trying their best to deal with cancer. I am reading it now for the second time.

Yes, there is research going on. But, some stem cell clinics have been scamming people for more than 20 years with worthless, and sometimes, harmful injections. The FDA has rules about using stem cells, but many people are encouraged to go to other countries for these treatments. If it is not covered by insurance, it is probably bogus.

is this like the place that advertises on VillagesRadio, Q.C. Kinetics???

You nailed it!

Great link, important to note that most of these therapies are for early onset arthritis, not bone on bone issues. MACI is what I would trust, but $40,000 is quite a steep pocketbook endeavour!!!

My hip replacement is going to cost around $25,000 - and insurance will cover all except the first $9100 of it (I think - hope - that's the theory in any case, according to my insurance documents for next year).

So would I spend $40k or even $10k on a treatment that /might/ help? Nope. I'll go for the surgery and spend a couple of months being sore. I'm nearly bone on bone. My 3rd and final cortisone shot is starting to wear off.

A good friend paid for this procedure and had no improvement whatsoever in her joint.
She didn’t say it was a scam. She thought maybe if she’d had it done earlier it might have worked for her.
Two years later she had the joint replaced.

Makes sense. All the best to you.

Stem cell therapy is the real deal. It may not cure everything but its effectiveness is improving rapidly.

Jack Nicholas is one who has experienced dramatic improvement in his health.

Golfer Jack Nicklaus says stem cell therapy cured his back pain | New Scientist

If you might be a candidate, I recommend Tony Robbins book Life Force. It may take years before it is covered by insurance but the progress being made is substantial.

Ohiobuckeye
 

With all of the Drs. & Dr. office in & around TV, does anybody really think you’re getting what you want & do you think your Dr. is doing what’s good for you or like some people say here in their comments, it’s a scam!

My father recently went this route for a damaged knee. So far the last 6 months he has been going through the process. He actually grew back his minicus and the doctors were thrilled. But the electrode stimulator (no idea on the correct name lol) they used and the compression brace actually made his entire leg extremely week. He could ride his bike for 20+ miles a day but when he came to visit me this November it was difficult for him to walk. First time I've ever seen him weak physically. They have now stopped using the compression brace and the stimulator but they believe he will still need surgery. So 6 months and he's no better. Hopefully they can figure it out better.