Last Thursday, I stopped doing the talk; I took the walk. As readers of this Blog are aware, I have not been spared from the ravages of aging joints, having enjoyed a very active recreational profile since childhood. My pain generated by the joint inflammation as a result of Osteoarthritis has been held in check by anti-inflammatory meds for the past several years until the internist told me to take a medicinal “holiday”. My most recent laboratory profile suggested potential harm to my kidneys. About five days after having ceased and desisted from the use of anti-inflammatory medications, I was experiencing a significant increase in joint pain and a marked intolerance of my usual fitness and recreational undertakings. Next came the limp and need for a cane. It became increasingly difficult to sleep, dress, and carry out the activities of daily living.
This past Thursday, I received an autologous, biologic intervention to my right hip under ultrasound control. Classified under Platelet Rich Plasma, the product applied after a blood draw from me, and concentrating, then filtering contained A2M (Alpha 2 Macroglobulin), IRAP (Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein), and an assortment of the circulating proteins, cells, and extracellular vesicles (RNA messengers) contained in my plasma. Said treatment is compliant with The Practice of Medicine. The procedure was done under ultrasound control, at my office after the patient day was finished. Why I had not chosen to pursue the Concentrated Bone Marrow or Micro-fractured Adipose tissue route has to do with timing and logistics. I still may pursue the latter two options; but let’s see what happens with the first approach. As far as cultured adipose-based stem cells, while available offshore, perhaps in California, the legality outside of California still is not clear.
In response to your question: “how am I responding?”; it took 72 hours but my pain has significantly diminished and I am ready to discard the cane. My work schedule continues without interruption. If I am not asymptomatic and fully functional by Thanksgiving, my plan is a second biologic application; as the scientific evidence clearly documents improved outcomes with repeat injections of biologics.
Should your quality of life be compromised by the symptoms and functional limitations imposed by osteoarthritis, we offer a full range of Cellular Orthopedic and Biologic alternatives. Which alternative is best for you will be determined after an office assessment wherein I gain insight into your medical and orthopedic symptoms and functional limitations. Next will come a review of your X-rays and MRI; then, I will provide comprehensive informed consent about the Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Orthopedic intervention that best serves your needs. To schedule the consultation call (847)390-7666. You may visit my website at www.sheinkopmd.com.