Stem Cell Treatment #3

Hello and welcome back! Happy New Year! I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I started on my stem cell journey. Last month, I had my 3rd Stromal Vascular Fraction stem cell treatment. If you would like to know more about that treatment or how it became an option for me, please refer back to previous blogs where I explained  the first and second treatments. 

Always wear my lucky shoes!

In the blog about my second treatment, I mentioned I did a double procedure, meaning I had twice the amount of cells extracted, so that I could bank some cells, and not have to go through the actual procedure of removing the fat for the stem cells again. 

To say this time was a breeze would be a very accurate statement. I had my cells delivered to my doctor the day I went in. I got there, he prepared the IV, and it was as easy as a needle poke for the IV, and maybe 20 minutes tops to get my cells and then be on my way. 

When I was there my doctor told me how he had been showing some of the surgical fellows and other doctors my progress that I post on my social media. I love that I am able to be a “trail blazer” in what I think is going to help so many. That makes me feel like what I am doing is not only helping me and giving me hope, but it’s giving others hope too. I just hope it will become more widely available, and somehow be covered by insurance, as it is not that way now. 

I had gone 8 months since my second treatment, which we both agreed was too long. I had started declining and was feeling weak enough to use my scooter in the house, which isn’t something I’ve had to do very often. I plan to try and get a treatment every 4 months, and see how my body responds to that schedule. 

I’ve been extremely busy since the treatment with the holiday festivities, so I’m feeling quite exhausted, as anyone does I suppose. There have been a few days I’m not sure if my legs will carry me. I say this because I’m not sure the past few days have been a good judgment of how I’m responding to this most recent treatment because things haven’t been my normal everyday routine. 

I didn’t have any downtime with this treatment since there wasn’t a surgical procedure this time, so I was able to keep up with my exercise routine which was great. 

As I was leaving, my doctor and I were once again marveling about how we had met, and how all this came about. We both agree that it was nothing other than divine intervention. I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and glad I had the humble courage to try this treatment. I’m still looking forward to the day when there is a cure for Muscular Dystrophy, and plan to keep fighting to make that a reality. Until then, this is my plan as far as treatments go. It gives me enough of a boost to warrant continuing treatment, not to mention the improvement with my bone density. I can’t help but believe this treatment played a big part in that, as it’s never increased since I was 25 years old. It had only declined. I have had a lot of people, including my doctor, tell me that I just seem to move better. 

I look forward to testing this treatment with my next big challenge. Here’s to being hopeful for a strong 2022! 💚