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My name is Andi Hicks. In September, I began a campaign to request your help to fund bone marrow stem cell therapy for my right hip. Thanks to the initial response to my campaign I was able to raise enough funds and make payment arrangements to have the procedure. (I was afraid to wait until I had all the funds in hand as I am 70 years old with bone-on-bone, torn labrum, bone spurs and degenerative arthritis in my right hip -- which would certainly continue to degenerate and make repair impossible with every passing day.) So I jumped at the chance.
On October 30th, I received more than 10ccs of my own stemcells and was told that the quantity and quality of my cells were very viscous and very healthy! Yippee.
Now 30 days later, I am 'on the mend' and beginning physical therapy. All those stem cells are hard at work at the construction site. I imagine them in their hard hats and toolbelts, engineering, buiding and repairing my damaged hip. Since I realized a traditional hip replacement would limit my range of motion (gained from being a professional dancer and novice aerialist), I felt giving my stemcells a chance to 'roll up their sleeves' and keep me mobile was worth a try.
Dr. Raj tells me not to make any statements until we see how I'm doing after 6 weeks. I understand now that I am not getting a 'replacement part', but am in reconstruction. It's an amazing adventure. I am respecting and grateful for the opportunities this healing process can gain.
I am learning the stem cells are being used in many regenerative procedures: COPD, knees, ankles, arthritic joints, etc. and have been told that experts feel artificial joint replacement will become obsolete and considered 'barbaric procedures' in less than 25 years!
Since stem cell treatments are still considered experimental and insurance does not cover any of the costs, I have decided to continue my campaign (the loan I arranged still looms). And, in return for your support I will provide updates on stem cell and core strength research, treatments and practices. I am also developing a variety of exercises and skills that can used to make the aging process vital and fun by staying strong and healthy. You don't have to wait until you are of a certain age to benefit from regenerative surgery. What a wonderful world awaits.
I will provide a journal of my experience to every donor. I hope my experience will inspire others to use (when appropriate) stem cell treatment and to enjoy physical health long into the future.
Check out my website at: www.andihicks.com
On October 30th, I received more than 10ccs of my own stemcells and was told that the quantity and quality of my cells were very viscous and very healthy! Yippee.
Now 30 days later, I am 'on the mend' and beginning physical therapy. All those stem cells are hard at work at the construction site. I imagine them in their hard hats and toolbelts, engineering, buiding and repairing my damaged hip. Since I realized a traditional hip replacement would limit my range of motion (gained from being a professional dancer and novice aerialist), I felt giving my stemcells a chance to 'roll up their sleeves' and keep me mobile was worth a try.
Dr. Raj tells me not to make any statements until we see how I'm doing after 6 weeks. I understand now that I am not getting a 'replacement part', but am in reconstruction. It's an amazing adventure. I am respecting and grateful for the opportunities this healing process can gain.
I am learning the stem cells are being used in many regenerative procedures: COPD, knees, ankles, arthritic joints, etc. and have been told that experts feel artificial joint replacement will become obsolete and considered 'barbaric procedures' in less than 25 years!
Since stem cell treatments are still considered experimental and insurance does not cover any of the costs, I have decided to continue my campaign (the loan I arranged still looms). And, in return for your support I will provide updates on stem cell and core strength research, treatments and practices. I am also developing a variety of exercises and skills that can used to make the aging process vital and fun by staying strong and healthy. You don't have to wait until you are of a certain age to benefit from regenerative surgery. What a wonderful world awaits.
I will provide a journal of my experience to every donor. I hope my experience will inspire others to use (when appropriate) stem cell treatment and to enjoy physical health long into the future.
Check out my website at: www.andihicks.com