Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Post 31 - A Neurologist's Opinion of Stem Cell Therapy

During the lengthy interview process with my new neurologist, I mentioned how I underwent stem cell therapy at the X-Cell Center in September of 2009. The physician, a specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other diseases of the autonomic nervous system – like MSA – made the following comment: “While stem cell therapy may eventually be of value in treating nervous system disorders. I don’t know of a single case where it has stopped or reversed these diseases. Until more research is done on the effectiveness of stem cell therapy – tell your fellow MSA patients to save their money.”

No beating around the bush here. That’s what I like about this new doctor – he lets you know what his opinion is. Do I agree with him? It’s hard to say. I do know that my condition stayed the same (plateaued) for nearly a year after the treatment. Was that due to the therapy or would it have happened anyway?

Would I do it again? Probably yes. If not, I’d always wonder if stem cell treatment was the answer to this “miserable disease.”

5 comments:

  1. At least it doesn't seem to have made things worse, so it's probably good that you tried it. I wonder if it's still new enough that many kinks are being worked out. I just learned recently when doing some cancer research that about 850 drugs were in the pipeline for cancer, but only 2 that were approved just last year. And that very few (less than 5%?) that learn about options available in research studies.

    I'm glad there's a new approach that'll help manage your comfort level. In every post you've made, I continue to be impressed by the factual and honest way you present your experience. You've never complained, although I'm sure there's much to go on about. Thank you for continuing to share this and post your blog as a resource to others.

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  2. Parkinson's should be treated through medicines powerful and specialized. One of these drugs is vicodin to relieve the great pain of Parkinson's.

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  3. Hello Steve, I'm following your progress and sending you good vibes. My dad had a stroke in 1992 and has suffered terrible, constant pins and needles throughout the left side of his body ever since. I was very interested in, and hopeful for, your stem cell treatment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your findings in this very difficult struggle, and in doing so, being a help to other people. Very best wishes, Alison.

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  4. I think your opinion is effective. Your sort is very informative for the readers and I really appreciated it. Thank you and keep it up.

    James Makker

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  5. Wow! Intense to research. But also empathic. I like being a element of this selection. It seems like family.
    James Makker

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