Stem Cell VS FKR

My girlfriend has arthritis in both knees. She is getting the stem cell treatment April 11. The cost for hers is $2500. We live near Saint Louis and the procedure is being done in Chesterfield by Bluetail Medical. Heard a lot of good things about this procedure so she is going to give it a try.

My girlfriend had the stem cell procedure done and though I would comment on it. We went a couple weeks ago to do the imaging of the knees. She had a torn meniscus in her right knees and bone on bone in the left knee. We were told the cost would be $2200 for one knee and $2500 for both knees. This is not covered by Medicare but the initial visit for imaging was but you have a copay. The procedure involves taking blood out of the arm and stem cells and fat out of the back. Blood, fat and stem cells are processed then injected back into the knees. The injection into the knees was the most painful part of the process. For the bone on bone knee she had to get a special knee brace to wear which is partially covered by Medicare. Before she had the procedure she was given Valium and was pretty much out of it. You have to have someone with you because she was pretty goofy. Some people say they experience a lot of pain after the procedure but she is not having much pain the day after. She was prescribed Hydrocod/acetam for pain but has not been taking it. She has a bandage on her back where they removed the fat and stem cells which has to be changed for a couple days. They said the sore on her back should be fine in a couple days. She has to take an aspirin for 10 days to prevent blood clots. She has to be on her feet with the knee brace at least 2 hours but the more the better. She is out walking around now. They gave her a list of exercises to do and she has to go for physical therapy. Not sure if the physical therapy is covered by Medicare. We have talked to a number of people who have had the procedure that have had good results. We have a friend who had the procedure done on his back and doing good. You have to set up an appointment for eight weeks from the procedure to see how you are doing. They will determine it you might need more treatment. If additional treatment is required it is another $1300. NO one we know had to have a second procedure done. Let you know in 8 weeks how she is doing.

Do you have an update now, eat2bwell? My father is considering this for his lower back and at 91 I am concerned about any possible adverse results.

Thanks