Posted , 8 users are following.
I live in the states and attended a webinar concerning the use of stem cells for the treatment of bronchiectasis. It was very informative.
They remove stem cell from the patient, treat the cells, then put them back into the patient. The new cells will gravitate toward the scared cells in the lungs and start to repare the scared issue. It won't improve the airways, but will lower infections and improve lung function.
Since its research, insurance won't cover it. It can cost from $7,500 - $12,000.
Has anyone had any knowledge of Stem Cell Research?
2 likes, 22 replies
pinksnugsy elizabeth49611
Posted
I would try anything. I have not long finished 3 weeks of ivs an I'm back in bed coughing up blood for 2 days and feeling very weak.
I'm at the end of my tether with it all if I'm honest. Please advise Elizabeth.
Thanks Rachel
John_N_B pinksnugsy
Posted
John
pinksnugsy John_N_B
Posted
I agree with what yr saying. I'm clutching at straws at the moment and any developments can only be a good thing.
I'm so poorly and just want to feel well again. I'm only 47 and used to run 3/4 times a week and I've always tried to maintain good health but now it's an effort to get out of bed some days. My main problem is the pseudomonus bug that I can't get rid of and it's making me feel unwell. I'm now waiting on starting another course of ivs.
It's lovely to talk to others who suffer with bronchiectasis..
Kind regard
Rachel
elizabeth49611 pinksnugsy
Posted
Do you live in the United States?
You have to go thru a screening first: are you cancer free, do you have diebetes, do you take blood thinners, etc.
The clinics are in Scottdale, Arizona, Tampa, Florida, Pittsburg, PA and Nashville, TN. The cost of a hotel room is included in the price of treatment. The treatment takes place over 3 days as an out patient.
If you go to the web and google: stem cell research for bronchiectasis, it will show The Lung Institute. Click on their website.
cofalot elizabeth49611
Posted
Thank you once again.
Love c x
elizabeth49611 cofalot
Posted
There are 4 clinics in different areas of the states. They have been doing this research for 3 yrs, so there is no knowledge of long term results. They didn't say how many bronchiectasis cases they have treated. But they treat 1,000-1,500 cases of pulomary illnesses a year.
It takes about 3 months to notice an improvement, and you need to be checked every 6 months or so. Sometimes people will need a second or third treatment in the following year or so.
John_N_B elizabeth49611
Posted
John
John_N_B elizabeth49611
Posted
John
elizabeth49611 John_N_B
Posted
elizabeth49611
Posted
Elizabeth
pinksnugsy elizabeth49611
Posted
Good luck with the treatment. Can you please keep me posted on how you get on. I'm so interested in what your doing I didn't even think it was possible yet!
Kind regards
Rachel
elizabeth49611 pinksnugsy
Posted
Stay healthy, Elizabeth
pinksnugsy elizabeth49611
Posted
Your post has given me hope that one day my lungs could be better!
Rachel ☺
elizabeth49611 pinksnugsy
Posted
cofalot elizabeth49611
Posted
This is so exciting and I am pleased for you. I am hoping nothing but the best for you. Please let us know how you get on. Will be with you all the way, rooting for you.
Love cx
elizabeth49611 cofalot
Posted
I have really enjoyed this website and just knowing that there are people out there that truely understand what I'm going thru.
My husband, family and friends understand my illness and are supportive, but unless they have gone thru what we have, they truly don't understand how depressing this illness is.
All that I am hoping for is this stem cell treatment will, at least, slow down the progressiveness of this illness.
Thanks for the support, Elizabeth
John_N_B elizabeth49611
Posted
Have you looked at the COPD Foundation website? It has got a good discussion on stem cell treatment. It's not approved by the FDA in the States and the copd foundation discussion raises serious concerns about the treatment. Apparently there is no evidence that suggests stem cell treatment has any benefits, and in fact they provided examples of it doing harm. They also question the ethics of providing this expensive treatment without evidence of effectiveness. The treatment has been provided in Mexico for several years, and now the organisations have moved into the southern states.
We would all love to believe in this 'miricle' cure, but I suggest caution at this stage, particularly when you live in the States where medical treatment is provided for profit. The only evidence I was able to find was a study done in mice in 2011 in Boston.- nothing since. Please look further into this before proceding.
John
elizabeth49611 John_N_B
Posted
I have looked at other websites, in fact, one clinic in Chicago, called me back and after talking to her, she also recommended the Lung Institute.
This is all based on research, but I'm willing to try it and hope that it helps. It's not a cure, just a slowing down on the progression, and best case an improvement of the lung function, resulting in less infections that leads to scaring. It does not help in the repair of the airway walls weakness.
I'm taking a leap of faith, Elizabeth
John_N_B elizabeth49611
Posted
Best wishes,
John
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