Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Thursday, February 02, 2012 JayTee asks

Q: help formulating intelligent questions to ask the dr

I need help in formulating intelligent questions to ask the dr who is providing stem cell therapy for my severely arthritic right knee.  Got the first shot in Sept 2011 and have had one booster shot since.  I am basically in the same amount of pain as when I first consulted the dr.  I've requested some PT before my next appt with the dr, when he will most likely give me a second booster.  Synvisc shots were tried prior to the stem cell therapy, but all I got was a major, very painful reaction.  I'm a 71-year-old female, considerably overweight with controlled Type 2 diabetes, high BP and high cholesterol.  I quit heavy drinking and smoking about 20 years ago.  I take tons of supplements and have never had a major illness or surgery.  Despite the three controlled conditions and the arthritis (both knees now, but the right one is worse), I consider myself in very good mental and physical health.  What questions should I be asking my stem cell dr about my progress and prognosis?  I am terribly disappointed that my condition hasn't improved, especially since the therapy is an out-of-pocket expense.  How can I get the dr to give me honest answers, especially regarding a Plan B if this doesn't work?  I am trying my best to avoid TKR.
Thanks for any help you can provide.

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Answers (1)
2/15/12 11:50am

Oh how neat, you decided to try stem cell treatment. Did you enroll in a randomized controlled trial? Or is your treating physician familiar with a randomized controlled trial for the treatment of osteoarthritis for the knee? I really cannot find any substantial scientific evidence validating this type of treatment for the knee. Sure there are plenty of claims and specific individuals  that swear by stem cell treatment. But I just cannot be convinced that this treatment really works. Maybe you or your doctor can enlighten me??

 

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

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2/15/12 1:23pm

Hi Christina,

Thanks for responding.  This was not a trial situation, and it's not cheap.  $4,000 out of pocket for the original shot and $500 for each booster, of which I have received one.  I researched PRP after reading about the Yankee pitcher whose career was revitalized after PRP therapy for a rotator cuff injury.  I found a few centers that specialize in PRP in other parts of the country before discovering Dr Noto, who is affiliated with our local Hackensack University Medical Center, has had success with PRP.  Other Internet research shows claims that PRP has been successful in regenerating everything from bones to windpipes.  It's been reported that Suzanne Somers is using PRP therapy for breast regeneration.  Sorry that I can't provide any scientific evidence that PRP works, but I'm still hoping for the best.  Considering my age and the bone-on-bone condition of my knee when I sought treatment, I realize it may take longer to experience improvement.

Juanita

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By JayTee— Last Modified: 02/15/12, First Published: 02/02/12