December 5, 2012 by

Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis: Juan Gramage

Reactive arthritis

“I could tell you a long story because the experience of having a chronic illness is a tragic and distasteful novel. Almost 4 years ago I began to feel fatigue and pain in my peripheral joints, especially the big ones. The pain was migrating and intensifying every day. I tried many ways to cure myself: synthetic drugs, natural drugs, special diets…

Three or four months ago I received the stem cell treatment and the results have been positive. My pain hasn´t disappeared completely buy I feel that the improvements I felt initially is continuing to strengthen, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and today I can go out. Also I have the confidence that this is the ultimate solution to the pain in my joints.

“I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and today I can go out…”

The first weeks after the injections I felt that the strong pains were decreasing day by day and a month later I felt no more discomfort, the episodes have almost disappeared and I am working with the body feeling new, or at least 75%. I feel better, much better and I believe that if there exists a treatment that is cohesive and successful and still doesn´t harm your health, this is it.

I am deeply touched that new technologies can cure and alleviate the suffering of so many people and at the same time the researches that control the funds of investigation and treatments of these technologies, accountants, administrators and funding-related policy research and treatments, to make this treatment accessible the majority. I have no doubt that health should be a universal right.

If you don´t believe me, talk to be after you suffered through a similar illness. Thanks to all the restless minds that have contributed to these advances.”

Filed Under: Osteoarthritis, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
December 4, 2012 by

Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis: Preston Walker

MS Stem Cell Patient Preston Walker

Preston Walker

A Different Approach

Sergeant Preston Walker
Courtesy Sergeant Preston Walker

After undergoing conventional therapy for MS for several years, Fort Worth police sergeant Preston Walker learned about a new therapy for autoimmune disorders. Researchers were utilizing adult stem cells derived from cord blood at The Institute of Cellular Medicine in Costa Rica. Walker inquired about the potential of using stem cells for multiple sclerosis.

“We knew that if the treatment worked, the potential benefits for multiple sclerosis patients could be limitless,” says Walker.

Dr. Neil Riordan, CEO of the Institute, suggested a therapy under consideration – using stem cells derived from a patient’s fat tissue. In May 2008, Walker flew to the clinic where doctors removed samples of his abdominal fat through a mini-liposuction, drawing out stem cells, which were later re-injected. According to Dr. Riordan, Walker and a colleague were the first to undergo this treatment protocol. “My quality of life has improved significantly,” Walker told the Post. “The problems with depression, fatigue, and balance have been corrected. I feel really good.”

In June 2009, Walker, who continues to take Avonex as a maintenance drug, plans a return trip to Costa Rica for a “tune-up,” as he puts it. “I’m curious to see if they can further improve my cognitive abilities.”

Fox 4 News: A Fort Worth police officer has returned from Central America after having a cutting edge medical procedure to help cure his multiple sclerosis. Last year we told you about Sergeant Preston Walker tonight Larry Barriger updates us on how he is feeling following his stem cell transplant.

Sergeant Preston Walker has always been active. With a demanding job at the Fort Worth Police Department, a wife, and young children, he doesn’t have time to slow down. But about 8 years ago he didn’t have a choice. MS started taking a toll making him limp when he walked, fatigue easily, even everyday conversation was a chore.

“I can sit here and talk but trying to come up with actual words to say and really construct a sentence that people would understand was sometimes very difficult.”

Medicine helped keep the disease in remission but Preston wanted more. A chance for a cure.

“I wasn’t prepared to just let it stay in remission without me trying to do something, especially if there is an option out there to address it.”

Sergeant Walker was initially planning to have his treatment done in China but he says the political situation seemed unstable, so he started looking online. He found another center that was doing adult stem cell treatment in Central America.

The procedure, a stem cell transplant was expensive but last October police officers from Fort Worth and Dallas teamed up to help raise money for the trip and the treatment. Last March Preston and fellow MS patient Richard Humphries flew to the Institute for Cellular Medicine, both underwent a stem cell transplant, a cutting edge medical procedure not approved in the US. Both took a risk on such a new treatment, both said they have seen marked improvement.

“I haven’t felt this good in 10 years. I don’t have any of the fatigue issues, all of the cognitive lack of clarity, that cloud has been lifted.”

Walker says doctors at the Institute will be keeping up with him and Richard over the coming months and years to determine how successful the treatment was. He is hoping his improvements last and that the research leads to a cure for his and other’s multiple sclerosis.

It seems like a pretty simple task for a police officer just sitting and working on a computer. Just a couple of years ago, multiple sclerosis made that almost impossible for Fortworth Police Officer Preston Walker. New at 6 CBS 11’s Joe Thomas says Walker credits friends for recovery some feel is a miracle.

A year ago Preston Walker did not think he’d still be in uniform. Walker found out he has multiple sclerosis. He suffered chronic fatigue and began losing use of his legs.

I felt like my cognition was really declining at a rapid pace. I really felt if I made it through the end of the year, last year, I probably wouldn’t be employed any longer because the cognition just wasn’t there.

His fellow police officers held a hockey-game fundraiser to help him afford a revolutionary treatment. Walker and another MS patient, Richard Humphreys, went to Costa Rica. For the first time ever, doctors took samples of their fat, drew stem cells from it, and reinjected it. Their symptoms nearly vanished.

I’ll suffer from any of those symptoms that we talked about, the depression, the fatigue, the little cognitive cloud. I mean it’ll still hit occasionally, but its no where near every day or every moment of every day like it was.

If we or somebody doesn’t become a guinea pig, then how can that benefit others?

They led the way to a treatment that is now helped ease the suffering of dozens of others. Joel Thomas, CBS 11 News.

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Stories, Patient Testimonials, Video - Stem Cell Therapy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
December 4, 2012 by

Stem cell therapy for autism: Victoria

It must be the stem cells…

Victoria explains the remarkable progress her son has made since undergoing stem cell therapy for autism in Panama at the Stem Cell Institute. He no longer needs to be placed into outside care. All of the professionals who care for him agree that “it must be the stem cells”. He has experienced a “rocketing of understanding”. He is now peaceful, calm and does not attack anyone. He can now be safely around his infant sister.

Filed Under: Autism, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
December 4, 2012 by

Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis: Mary Posta

“It was a great experience with a fantastic pay off. I highly recommend this program to anyone in need.”

Hi, my name is Mary and I am an adult stem cell recipient. I can honestly say, now, after the procedure, the program was well worth every penny, and more. The four week stay was well organized, structured, and preformed in a timely manor. It was a very intense program of stem cell therapy and physical therapy. But, I feel every minute of every intense workout was desperately needed if there was to be any improvement. The medical staff was very knowledgeable and professional. The hospital, equipment, and procedure were all very state of the art technology. Almost everyone spoke English, so there was never a communication problem. I felt very safe in the country and in the whole program. In my case, I can walk, talk, sleep without pills, and many more improvements. I definitely received for more than the 5% improvements I was expecting. I still have some problems but the improvements by far out weigh the problems. This was the greatest decision I have ever made. I have no regrets. No one ever told me stem cells were a “cure” and in some cases there has been very little to no improvement. But if I had not of taken the chance of maybe getting 5% improvement, I would not be experiencing all the blessings I have now. It was a great experience with a fantastic pay off. I highly recommend this program to anyone in need.

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , ,
December 4, 2012 by

Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis: Dana Bramlett

“I would recommend this treatment to anyone who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.”

“I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006. I was very scared when I found this out. My walking gradually became more impaired. I was dragging my left leg, and my balance was very bad. Some days I would be in a wheelchair. I have tried all the therapies including: Rebif, Tysabri and Avonex. Tysabri worked the best, but I was afraid of adverse side effects. I’ve heard many successful stories about stem cell treatment. I was recommended by the Physician I work for to contact the Stem Cell Institute. At first, I was leery about doing the treatment, but without many other options, I didn’t have a choice. I visited the Stem Cell Institute on May 31,2010. I was very impressed by the staffs’ caring attitude. Everybody was phenomenal. I completed the two week treatment including spinal injections and physical therapy. Although I first thought the treatment wasn’t effective, I am doing much better now. My balance is a lot better, and I am no longer dragging my leg. I have more energy and I am less fatigued at the end of the day. I am continuing to get better each day. Ultimately, I feel the treatment was a success, and I am very appreciative of the medical professionals who were involved in my treatment. I would recommend this treatment to anyone who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.”

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , , ,
December 4, 2012 by

Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis: Tosin Ajayi

“He is able to take a few steps unassisted. Walker and wheelchair are now reserved for outings.”

“This is to let you know that Tosin Ajayi is doing much better. The second treatment received in January was very productive. It seems to be more effective than the first one. The quantity of cells received could (be) a factor. I started to observe changes within a week and the improvements have continued. Plus there were no side effects. His energy level is up and he is better able to care for himself. There is improvement in his speech, coordination and walking. He no longer uses walking aids in the house. He is able to take a few steps unassisted. Walker and wheelchair are now reserved for outings. I pray for continued progress and improvement in other symptoms that are yet to change.

We thank you very much. Please extend our gratitude and appreciation to Drs. Lara and Tomas.”

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , , ,
December 4, 2012 by

Stem cell treatments for MS: Lou Ann Giunta

“I am less spastic, have slightly better balance and more
stamina when exercising and moving about. I still have some incontinence 
issues, but it’s less severe.
”

“I hope you and all the Panama medical people are well.
 I am emailing to report an improvement from the Stem Cell treatments. This 
improvement is not just occasional but has been steady for 2-1/2 weeks or 
more. As of today, I have been home from stem cell treatment 5 months and 3 
days. 

Specifically, I am less spastic, have slightly better balance and more
stamina when exercising and moving about. I still have some incontinence 
issues, but it’s less severe.
 These improvements although subtle I feel are very real improvements and I
 hope they continue.”

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , , ,
December 4, 2012 by

Stem cell treatments for mutiple sclerosis: Janice Gonzales

“I am able to write legibly and have more energy than I have had in years. I exercise everyday and use a walker for short distances. I still use my scooter if I have to go far.”

“It will be my pleasure to write about my experience. I have MS and went to Panama for 2 weeks of Stem Cell Treatments. All of the procedures were painless. The Dr’s and staff genuinely cared about the patients. The daily physical therapy combined with the treatments have already improved my fine motor skills. Before I left Panama, I was able to hold a glass of ice water without shaking or spilling. Since I have returned, I am able to write legibly and have more energy than I have had in years. I exercise everyday and use a walker for short distances. I still use my scooter if I have to go far. My dream is to walk unassisted in the near future.”

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , , ,
December 3, 2012 by

Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Disease: John Coleman

John “Skeeter” Coleman, III received stem cells for heart failure in Costa Rica in 2008″

“… Blood samples were taken to find donor placentas with tissue types compatible to mine. Three weeks later I received two IV injections per day for seven days. It was done on an outpatient basis in CIMA hospital. Simple, painless and I could drive myself to and from the hospital for the injections. Four months after the stem cell therapy my cardiologist asked me to return for tests to see if we had made any progress. Blood studies revealed BNP 620 (down from 3,875); Hemoglobin A1c 6.0; all other tests were normal. Ejection fraction had increased to 51 (up from 26 two months after ICD implant and up from 12 on original admission) and there were no further problems with dyspnea. She was ecstatic. I was elated. We hugged and both of us shed tears of joy before she emailed that same phalanx of physicians who kept me alive previously with my spectacular results.

“The quality of my life has been enhanced immeasurably. I definitely breathe easier and I’m climbing up and down the mountain daily with no problems and no stopping every 15 meters (48’) to catch my breath.”

Prior to stem cell therapy my ICD defibrillated five times preventing sudden cardiac death. A change in one medication followed by the stem cell therapy and I am “defib free” for 14 months. The quality of my life has been enhanced immeasurably. I definitely breathe easier and I’m climbing up and down the mountain daily with no problems and no stopping every 15 meters (48’) to catch my breath. How long I will live is not in my hands but I appreciate the fact I am no longer burdened by a powerful pharmaceutical lobby that maintains a stranglehold on the US Congress. One doctor explained it in simple terms. “Pharmaceutical firms make money selling drugs. Stem cell therapy has the capability of curing possibly eliminating all drug therapy. There are many things the United States has to be proud of. This isn’t one of them.Think about it.!”

Filed Under: Heart Disease, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
December 3, 2012 by

Stem Cell Treatments for Heart Disease: Daniel Wills

“I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse in October of 2005. Dr Tonkovic of Midwest Heart Specialists in Hoffman Estates Illinois informed me i needed surgery to repair the valve immediately. He said that he felt without surgery I would die within six months. I had the surgery. Dr. Timothy James at Sherman Hospital in Elgin Illinois did the surgery. In February 2006, after being diagnosed with heart failure, I had a bi-ventricular pacemaker/defibrillator placed.

Eating right, resistance training, and running was a daily part of my life prior to my diagnosis. It was noted that I probably did not notice the heart failure symptoms because I was in such good physical condition. This probably led to the advanced condition.

The ejection fraction (EF) is the measure of the left ventricles pumping strength, it’s the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle on each beat. Normal EF is between 50% and 70%. An echo in January 2009 showed an EF of 30%. An echo in January 2010 showed an EF of 20%. The echo’s note “severely reduced left ventricular systolic function…”

“I was hoping to improve my EF to somewhere in the 30% range, it seemed to be a comfort zone for me. To hear that my EF had improved to 40% was far above my expectations.”

I am under the care of Dr. Heroux at Loyola Medical near Chicago Illinois. My feelings were, at that point that things were slowly, or not so slowly, getting to a point where I really needed to do something other than “manage” my heart failure. So now what? What do I do? My mother had come across an article in the Houston newspaper about heart issues and stem cells. So I started researching and found ICM, Cell Medicine/The Stem Cell Institute, and decided to “take a chance”. I had a great deal of support from family and friends, without whom this would not have happened. This chance that I chose to take was stem cell therapy.

In April 2010 I went to ICM in Costa Rica and found everything there exceeded my expectations. They met us at the airport, they ensured our accommodations were taken care of, they had a driver for us every day. They were incredibly professional. The facilities were better than expected; we went on a very impressive tour of the lab. Marcela Potts was in charge and she handled everything for us, without flaw. I could go on and on. I had five days of stem cell treatments from April 26th through April 30th. The staff and medical personnel were terrific. They really were professional and to me they easily met any expected standards.

I had an appointment with Dr. Heroux on July 12th, ten weeks after my stem cell therapy, and he asked me to get an echo that day. It seemed a bit unusual, but he has my trust. They called a few hours later and told me my echo had been read and that the EF was now at 40%, “a big improvement”. It’s not easy to measure the improvement when it comes to heart failure from a personal standpoint. Reading it through an echo is one thing but to determine change can’t really be measured like a thermometer, you can’t read the temperature on the scale. After only ten weeks I am reluctant to make any real claims to improvement, but I do have to admit I am feeling better overall. I have far less bouts of tiredness. I can go all day without serious palpitations the rest of the night.

I was really hoping that the stem cells would take and that it would be enough to improve my condition some. I was hoping to improve my EF to somewhere in the 30% range, it seemed to be a comfort zone for me. To hear that my EF had improved to 40% was far above my expectations. It has only been ten weeks so we have a long way to go before a real determination is made. So far so very good!”

Sincerely,
D.W.

Filed Under: Heart Disease, Patient Stories Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »