i read a post earlier that mentioned stem cells and didnt have time to reply so i thought i would do that now.
stem cells are being used for so many illnesses, but i never hear of stem cell resarch for ra. i even read about someone who was cured of a cancer using stem cells and that their blood type changed as a result.
i suppose my question is, if they can do this - change a blood type! - are they looking at it for ra? does anyone have any info on it?
i read in russia you can buy stem cells in pharmacies and they are being injected for everything.
anna_uk
Anna there is some one here "stemcell4me" that had this done in I believe Chicago, Il. I have no idea if her blood type changed but she seems to be doing very well. If you do a search here in the site for stem cells I am sure her posts will come up she has a link up where you can go and read all about her personal experience with the procedure. It is very interesting. Hugs and good vibes.hi 2manyaches
thanks for your reply... ill do the search
goodwill to you
anna_uk
There is actually quite a bit of information about stem cells and RA. This, for instance, was in this morning's news
http://www.bioresearchonline.com/content/news/article.asp? DocID=%7B68191C60-7CF8-49E4-AF39-B27B660845D8%7D&Bucket= Current+Headlines
I tried to post a link to the blog of the woman who was cured using
stem cell technology. It was on caringbridge.org. Basically what was
done was her immune system was killed off and then stem cells were
introduced which made her immune system regrow without the medical
problems. Sort of like rebooting a computer. I'm not too clear on the
details. She posts on several RA boards under the names stemcell4me or
LuAnn, and is still doing well about a year after the procedure.
hi 2manyaches
ive just read luann's story.... isnt that amazing... i am amazed amazed amazed .... they are doing it....
i have hope for the future
goodwill
anna_uk
Here, I found a link to a useful old thread
http://www.arthritisinsight.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40 28&KW=stemcell4me
PS
Most of the information is in her journal
Hi Anna,
Just saw this thread about me. I am going on my one year mark (Jan 10) They call it my new birthday. Anyway, I will be posting progress report for one year post-transplant within the next couple of days.
I am still doing great. Had to deal with a few chemo related problems but everything has settlled down. The question I always get asked is,
"Are you glad you went thru this procedure?" And the answer would be YES!!!! I have been very busy getting my life back in order. I spoke before the local AF Chapter about stem cell and one of the Board Members wanted to know if I would speak before Congress.
I have gone back to work and am trying to work on writing a book.
So all I can say is, Life is Good and I was blessed to be able to participate in this procedure.
My wish is in this lifetime RA gets wiped out of existance :)
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
LuAnn
Stemcell4me wrote (aug/21/06):
In case you are interested, I had Stem Cell Transplantation done six months ago. I have been RA free and medicine free since. My RA was severe and I have been left with alot of damage. So I guess you could saw I have OA which to ME is nothing.
Anyway you can read about my procedure by going to
click on visit box
insert luann into site name box
and then click visit box
It was a very tough procedure and a last resort, but gave me my life back. Also please note that this procedure was done with my own cells, not the media hype focusing on embryonic cells.
Take Care, LuAnn
Mr. Mojo,
Thanks for the verification of circumstances.
Cheers,
LuAnn
So how bad does the RA have to get before they will allow one to have theLorster,
You have to be severe and have most joints involved.
Quite frankly, I don't no anyone who could endure the procedure if you were just mild to moderate. I was end stage and had 33 joints involved.
Hopefully time will change harshness of the procedure.
LuAnn