I was just wondering if anyone in USA or Canada has heard of this and what they thought? I have talk to a Dr. and a Nurse from the States and they say it does work, but cost a few thousand . No one has called me back in Canada yet. Before I spend the money, just want to make sure it's safe and will help. Thank you in adavance
I'm not that side of the pond but I have read up quite a bit on the subject and I have concluded that, yes, it is excellent ..... for their bank balances.
Beware doctors & hospitals trying to talk you into it !
It is in clinical trial stage. Docs. say it alliviate the condition, there are chances that it may reverse the condition but nothing is proven yet. I have read about many people who have gone through it and have benefitted from it. There is no harm in trying. Only we can help the docs and researchers in trying to figure out the ultimate cure for this disease. There is a lot of research going on in this field and I am sure researchers will find something in coming years that can help us all. If you choose to go let us know your experience.
Hi Patricia:
I'm in Canada, however, unfortunately can't pass on any advice/info regarding stem cell therapy. Seems to me that quite a while ago someone did post something on this forum about stem cell therapy, can't recall exactly what he or she said and not sure how you would go about looking it up. This was kind of a useless comment. Sorry I can't help you out. Good luck with it.
I would be very leary about that "few thousand." Nothing in the way of medical procedures in this country costs "a few thousand." when it comes to stem cells, they add on tons of money just because of the controversy in the term, even when using your own stem cells. You don't have insurance here so the sky is literally the limit on what docs charge.
As to the efficacy of such a procedure, i don' t know. You need to make sure that the doc is licensed with his state specifically for the procedure, whether s/he has ever been sued for malpractice & the result, and what the doc's standing is with local medical association. If the doc is 40 and has only practiced in this state for 2 years, find out where he was before and check all these records in that state, because docs kicked out of one state often set up in another state, sometimes a 3d if they lose 2nd license. If they say they don't need a license, run for the hills.
Between the ex and me, we've been thru 4 of the best pulmonary practices in a very large city. Not once have any of the docs, nurses, techs or even my ex's online support group mentioned stem cell therapy to either of us.
Forgot to say that I'm stateside.
I think you should first look it up on Clinicaltrialsdotgov. There is a good hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas which does perform this procedure.
For those in the UK:
Strangely enough, I asked my doctor about stem cell transplant thingy today. She'd never heard of it, but is going to enquire if the NHS are doing any clinical trials at the moment, and said she'll get back to me.
I'll keep the forum posted on what she finds out.
Jo
Thank you !!!
Thank you for the info !! I will do more research on all the Dr's
I was talking to Ontario !! They are aware of Stem Cell , just not for the Lungs. Hopefully soon the more people who inquire the better. Thank you
It would be nice, I think I'm willing to give my all. I would like to be around for a long time with my family. Thanks for the info
Just googled stem cell therapy for copd in Canada and there is a ton of info that you could read about it. Good luck!
I will be !! The balance start at 5.000 and can run up to 12, 000. But if it helps, than it is worth it and much more. Thank you
Will do that right now, Thank you so very much <<
Hi again Patricia: Please don't take this the wrong way but I'm sure that all of us here on this forum that have copd would like to be around for as long as possible. You are fortunate that you can afford to put out whatever money it takes regarding the stem cell therapy. For myself if I ever decided to go that route, and I'm not sure that I would anyway, it would be a matter of taking out a loan to cover the expense. Problem lies in how I would repay the loan. I live alone and have no support from family or friends, financial or otherwise. I live on a small monthly pension. Sure that I'm not the only one in this position. So Patricia I do wish you luck if you decide to go ahead with the therapy and I'm sure you realize how fortunate you are to be able to do so.
Bitnd objective & realistic is most difficult when one is desperate, particluarly where improving quality or length of life is concerned ... but very necessary when there is currently clear evidence of the profit motive being the dominant force.
A couple of years ago, while struggling up the stairs of a hotel with oxygen cyclinder in hand because the lift had failed, the hotel owner declared that I no longer needed to suffer as COPD was now curable with stem cell surgery. Yes, she had been looking on the Net while I was out and had found all sorts of clinics in South America, India and E Europe offering the 'magic cure' for a mere 10 to 15 grand Small beer (to her).
Not unnaturally, I have since made my own extensive enquiries so though not an expert, I am much better informed.
Bottom line is that while stem cell surgery is the bees knees for various bits of the body, the lungs are totally different and my consultant (who keeps close tabs on all developments in COPD care) reckons it'll likely be 20 years yet before such a system could be perfected for lungs.
Meanwhile then, I strongly advise you to verify any claims of benefits spefically for those with COPD direct with the patients who have had this treatment rather than rely on 3rd party forum posts, some of which are clearly from "plants" on commission for the "clinics".
As always, remember the old addage "a fool and his money are soon parted" !!
Emmgee speaks my mind. As to patient recommendations in the U.S., no doctor who wishes to keep a license can reveal a patient's name without permission. No one gives permission without significant remuneration. This makes them actors reading or typing the doctor's scriot
Thanks aitarg35939. Much appreciated !
Funny, isn't it, that after yesterday;s flurry, the posts suddenly stopped ? Now what was I saying about 'plants' ?
Sometimes I'll be off for a week or more - life!