First, it was a preliminary follow-up, then came a minimum of one to two years. Now it is five years and more with some outcomes at eight years. I am able to provide informed consent to my patients presenting with symptomatic and function limiting major joint arthritis data that a biologic will result in satisfactory pain relief and functional improvement for the majority and avoid a joint replacement in over 65% of those who have undergone a Bone Marrow Concentrate or Adipose-derived Stem Cell application. Here’s a refresher on Biologics that provides additional context.
As patients return for follow-up care of a second or third problematic and activity limiting joint more than five years after the first stem cell or biologic intervention, I am able to gather their outcomes data. That evidence for the most part is subjective reporting by the patient coupled with an orthopedic physical examination; although, on occasion, I am able to document an increase in the cartilage joint space on an X-ray. Nevertheless, beyond clinical question, symptoms have diminished and activity limitations have been altered by the regenerative care I have rendered. That is why the patients are returning.
As I had written in my last blog prior to our family ski adventure in Colorado, I had received biologic injections in my hips and knees, all classified as grade 3 to 4 osteoarthritis on examination and imaging. As well, I had prepared for the eight-day ski trip with a very intensive physical training commitment, six out of every seven days over a prolonged period of time, and the latter efforts are continuing. I am reporting that my wife and I skied five of the eight days allowing the first for altitude acclimation and taking two interval days of rest. While we avoided, when possible, the expert runs of the thrilling days of yesteryear, we were able to ski with our children and grandchildren for an entire week and plan on doing it again next year.
Now the weather is changing and with 50 degrees temperature, my fancy turns to outdoor cycling and fly fishing. Looming in early May is gardening; although this past weekend, we visited our daughter-in-law, son, and 4-month-old grandson in Atlanta, where I spent three, four-hour days helping to prepare their garden for spring planting. And yes, my lifestyle is made possible by proper nutrition, an ongoing physical fitness commitment, and probably most importantly by biologics and stem cells.
If you want to learn more about the Biologic and Stem Cell Care I offer, visit www.sheinkopmd.com or call (312) 475-1893
For the most recent announcements concerning the Personalized Stem Cell Clinical Trial, I will post them on my blog or you may follow the flow at www.PersonalizedStemCells.com.