Stem cell treatment in China

How did I decide to make the journey to China? My brother took the first leap of faith and scheduled his trip for July, 2008. I scheduled my trip for the Fall, leaving October 22 and returning to the U.S. November 20th, 2008. I can only speak for myself, but those 25 days in Xiaoshan Hospital exposed me, and my dear friend Priscilla who accompanied me, to a staff of trained nurses and doctors who were attentive, professional, caring and positive every step of the way. They answered all my questions with the help of a translator, and thoroughly explained ahead of time the procedure for each of the stem cell transplantations. Each of my 5 procedures went flawlessly. One procedure is very new and the doctors are encouraged by the research. First bone marrow was extracted from my hip. Those cells were sent to their labs where they harvested stem cells from the tissue, and grew the number of stem cells over a 5 day period. Then I received my own stem cells back in a spinal column transplantation. The 4 other procedures were umbilical cord blood stem cells tranplanted in the lumbar with a shot or needle.

The doctors explained that the new stem cells go to the areas of weakness in the body. They should continue to regenerate for 3 to 6 months. I was told to exercise and work out daily. This is very important to encourage the growth of the stem cells.

I have been home 2+ months. My speech and general articulation is clearer and not as labored.
My stamina and general endurance is much better and holding. My balance when walking and going up and down stairs is about the same. Some days are better than others. Stem cells are not a cure, which I knew before I went to China, but they do have great promise for improving the quality of life.

We are on the dawn of a new age. The medical field is going to see many great things happening with the research of stem cell. Please notice that no where in this blog did I refer to embryonic stem cells...that is because they were never used.

From October 24-November 20, 2008 I had the unigue opportunity of being a patient in the Xiaoshan Hospital in Hangzhou, China. I had made a decision to be a pioneer in the research of Stem Cell treatments. A biotech company in China is doing clinical research with humans using stem cells from umbilical cord blood and tissue. I invite anyone to go to www.beikebiotech.com and www.stemcellschina.com. You can read about the history of the company, the co-founders and read testimonial blogs from past patients.
Why did I spend 25 days in a hospital in China? My brother and I have an inherited genetic disorder called ATAXIA. It is a central nervous system disorder that is progressive. Similar to Parkinson's or Multiple Sclerosis, and many other autonomic or central nervous system diseases there is no cure yet.
Beike Biotech is pioneering in the research with trained doctors and nurses to transplant umbilical cord stem cells into the lumbar or spinal column. The stem cells are known to go to an area of weakness, and regenerate the tissue.