- D
Greetings to all who have taken the time to read my story. I am reaching out to my community for help in paying for a Stem Cell Procedure that holds promise to help rebuild the integrity of my right hip. I have been diagnosed with moderately severe osteoarthritis of the hip. Doctors have said unequivocally that I require a hip replacement. They have also said that it is very serious for my age, to the point where they believe there was likely a structural issue present throughout my life.
The last 4-5 years, post-menopausally, I began having hip pain, and noticed a lack of range of motion. In the last 6 months, it has gotten much worse, to the point where I had to step away from my therapeutic practice and now walk with a cane due to a shortening of my leg, the muscular compensation due to erosion in the hip joint. It is painful and sleep is difficult as there is no position in which I can rest for long without pain.
The irony of this is not lost on me, as I have spent 30 years in the Massage Industry helping clients to avoid such eventualities, as well as assisting and supporting them in the rehabilitation process. I never saw this coming, but then we rarely do. Additionally, my Mother lost her life due to a blood clot filled right leg after a medical negligence. And, my Father's knees deteriorated late in life and caused him to become sedentary after being an athlete his whole life. I am just 59 and feel like I am 80. It has been a very difficult and challenging time.
As you all know, I have devoted my life to my work with clients and the support of my beloved parents and son. Additionally, this year, my partner is recuperating from a sudden cardiac, a 6-day coma, anoxia, angioplasty, epilepsy and a concussion just before our move to Grass Valley. The good news is, he is getting better all the time. It has been one of the greatest challenges, to date, even without my own physical challenges. As you all know, my stepping away was somewhat abrupt, but I was pushing myself beyond my own limits for some time. When we are not proactive about these transitions in life, Life itself will demand action. This is what happened for me.
The research shows that it is usually the most active among us, who reach this point. Currently, I am walking with a cane, at 59 years old and cautiously optimistic to begin Stem Cell Treatment through Regenexx in Grass Valley beginning July 15-19. The procedure costs $6200. My initial consult was $300 ($200 of which will be applied toward the procedure cost). Also, I must have an MRI that will cost $500 out-of-pocket.
I believe that the medicine we choose must align with our knowledge of ourselves, our values and resonate in a deep part of our body, mind and soul. I hope never to face a hip replacement surgery though I know they have worked well for many (clients of mine, included). I do not have insurance that could cover the cost, at this time, nor can I wrap my head around it. Stem cell treatment is having great successes especially in the orthopedic realm. I believe in my body's ability to heal given this kind of therapeutic assistance. Though it is costly, I believe it is a part of my due diligence to see just how effective it could be in helping me regain my movement and structural integrity and getting back to some semblance of what I consider "my life".
The treatment happens in 3 parts: Day 1, is a prolotherapy treatment which introduces a ground in which the stem cells and platelets can grow. Day 2, the stem cells are aspirated from my hip bones, combined with a solution and guided by MRI and realtime fluoroscopy into the area that has lost cartilage and cushioning. Day 3, I am given a boosting injection of natural growth factors from my own blood. Then, over the next 6, 9 12 months improvements should provide a rebuilding of the lost cartilage, range of motion, diminishment of pain and inflammation. I am expected to begin exercise appropriate for my tolerance level and will continue it to maintain the healing process. Motion is lotion.
Currently, I am on day 6 of a 30 day countdown to the procedure where I am swimming daily. Walking is painful and due to the muscular compensation is not a great form of exercise. I was a competitive swimmer when young and enjoyed it through most of my adult life as an elongating, relaxing and rejuvenating sport. So, I am invigorated to be back in the pool, to have a short-term healing goal that does not include cutting bone and am hopeful that if you see fit, to receive the gift of your support in returning to more free movement, walking without a cane, being able to sleep at night without pain and ultimately, to return to my work in the world as a healer, writer and humanist.
I am humbled by this experience and to be honest, a bit frightened. I ask for your assistance at whatever level you are able. Many thanks, may continued health and happiness prevail with you and your loved ones.
All my best,
Liz Graham, MA, CMT, NMT
The last 4-5 years, post-menopausally, I began having hip pain, and noticed a lack of range of motion. In the last 6 months, it has gotten much worse, to the point where I had to step away from my therapeutic practice and now walk with a cane due to a shortening of my leg, the muscular compensation due to erosion in the hip joint. It is painful and sleep is difficult as there is no position in which I can rest for long without pain.
The irony of this is not lost on me, as I have spent 30 years in the Massage Industry helping clients to avoid such eventualities, as well as assisting and supporting them in the rehabilitation process. I never saw this coming, but then we rarely do. Additionally, my Mother lost her life due to a blood clot filled right leg after a medical negligence. And, my Father's knees deteriorated late in life and caused him to become sedentary after being an athlete his whole life. I am just 59 and feel like I am 80. It has been a very difficult and challenging time.
As you all know, I have devoted my life to my work with clients and the support of my beloved parents and son. Additionally, this year, my partner is recuperating from a sudden cardiac, a 6-day coma, anoxia, angioplasty, epilepsy and a concussion just before our move to Grass Valley. The good news is, he is getting better all the time. It has been one of the greatest challenges, to date, even without my own physical challenges. As you all know, my stepping away was somewhat abrupt, but I was pushing myself beyond my own limits for some time. When we are not proactive about these transitions in life, Life itself will demand action. This is what happened for me.
The research shows that it is usually the most active among us, who reach this point. Currently, I am walking with a cane, at 59 years old and cautiously optimistic to begin Stem Cell Treatment through Regenexx in Grass Valley beginning July 15-19. The procedure costs $6200. My initial consult was $300 ($200 of which will be applied toward the procedure cost). Also, I must have an MRI that will cost $500 out-of-pocket.
I believe that the medicine we choose must align with our knowledge of ourselves, our values and resonate in a deep part of our body, mind and soul. I hope never to face a hip replacement surgery though I know they have worked well for many (clients of mine, included). I do not have insurance that could cover the cost, at this time, nor can I wrap my head around it. Stem cell treatment is having great successes especially in the orthopedic realm. I believe in my body's ability to heal given this kind of therapeutic assistance. Though it is costly, I believe it is a part of my due diligence to see just how effective it could be in helping me regain my movement and structural integrity and getting back to some semblance of what I consider "my life".
The treatment happens in 3 parts: Day 1, is a prolotherapy treatment which introduces a ground in which the stem cells and platelets can grow. Day 2, the stem cells are aspirated from my hip bones, combined with a solution and guided by MRI and realtime fluoroscopy into the area that has lost cartilage and cushioning. Day 3, I am given a boosting injection of natural growth factors from my own blood. Then, over the next 6, 9 12 months improvements should provide a rebuilding of the lost cartilage, range of motion, diminishment of pain and inflammation. I am expected to begin exercise appropriate for my tolerance level and will continue it to maintain the healing process. Motion is lotion.
Currently, I am on day 6 of a 30 day countdown to the procedure where I am swimming daily. Walking is painful and due to the muscular compensation is not a great form of exercise. I was a competitive swimmer when young and enjoyed it through most of my adult life as an elongating, relaxing and rejuvenating sport. So, I am invigorated to be back in the pool, to have a short-term healing goal that does not include cutting bone and am hopeful that if you see fit, to receive the gift of your support in returning to more free movement, walking without a cane, being able to sleep at night without pain and ultimately, to return to my work in the world as a healer, writer and humanist.
I am humbled by this experience and to be honest, a bit frightened. I ask for your assistance at whatever level you are able. Many thanks, may continued health and happiness prevail with you and your loved ones.
All my best,
Liz Graham, MA, CMT, NMT