Katie's Stem Cell Injection
WTF HAPPENED KATIE?
I tore cartilage in my hip aka labral tear during the summer of 2017. It happened over the course of dance training. At first it felt like your standard post workout soreness, until the pain levels weren't decreasing and continued to increase with activity. After months of frustrating doctors appointments I finally figured out what was going on. MRI results showed that the cartilage in my hip is thinner than the average persons, which is why it ripped so quickly. #genetics Doctors were ready to make a buck off of me and shoot me up with cortisone, which only works as a band aid for this injury. I also saw multiple surgeons who were eager to operate. I knew there had to be something better and continued searching.
Thankfully one of my friends (no surgeon I saw ever mentioned that this was a possibility) told me about stem cell injections. After researching and playing 20 questions with an awesome doctor, we decided that a stem cell injection would have the highest chance of healing this injury without an invasive surgery. A stem cell injection puts me out of work for a month and a half. Surgery would've put me out for 6 months. The only plot twist is...stem cell injections are $4,000 out of pocket and not covered by insurance. I'm grateful that my family and I were able to get a loan, but it's still financially draining us.
When I am well I will be able to work for more than a few minutes without my hip pain flaring up. I'm ready to get on with my life. Once this has healed I want to create more art, do/feel really passionate about taking part in community service with non profits in NYC, and explore more of this beautiful city and the world, but I am unable to do the level of work I envision until my hip is better.
HOW DOES THIS STEM CELL INJECTION THING WORK?
Doctors will harvest bone marrow from my pelvis, spin the bone marrow it in their future medicine machine to get all the yummy stem cells, use an ultra sound to pin point my cartilage, and inject all the stem cell concentrate into my labrum. Once they are injected they should begin working to regrow my cartilage.
WHERE WILL THIS $$ BE GOING?
- Paying back a bit of the loan
- Bills *Not being able to dance = no work = no income = broke*
- Transportation to doctors appointments
- Natural pain medicines such as CBD, arnica, vitamins, epsom salt, physical therapy, etc. I'm unable to take the prescription anti-inflammatories since thinning my blood makes the stem cells less effective.
- Food! I'm on an anti-inflammatory diet. I'm utilizing every facet I possibly can to make this easier on my body. <3
<3 MUCH LOVE <3
Thank you for taking the time to read this. My parents and I deeply appreciate every donation, no amount is too small! You are loved. Thank you for being here. xo