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.