Aspiration and Injection

Part 1: Stem Cell Extraction

The first step was first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach.  The bone marrow containing the stem cells was aspirated from the back of each hip - the iliac crest.  The extraction is not the same as a bone marrow biopsy which involves general anesthesia and can be quite painful.  My hips were numbed at the site where the extraction was done - just a little prick or four to get the area numb.  Ultrasound was used to navigate to the right locations.  Then the extraction needle(s) were inserted into the bone - it took lots of pressure to get the needle into the bone. I asked the doctor if he needed a jack hammer!  Then there was a pulling sensation down my leg, as the stem cells were drawn up into the needle.  The right side was more sensitive than the left and the pulling sensation was felt down to my knee.  It was a very weird sensation.  Apparently 90% of patients say that the right side is worse than the left.  We decided it was right hand dominance in play.  After the bleeding stopped, I was bandaged up and sent on my way with ice packs, towels and extra bandages.  There were some huevos rancheros waiting for me at the South Pine Cafe! (I am a very bad vegan.)  I was able to walk around; but did not go too far or too long from the hotel.

Part 2: Stem Cell Injection

The second step was in the afternoon after the cells have been counted and massaged/enhanced with natural growth factors and the magical Regenexx formula.  I broke the record and set a new standard for the number of stem cells extracted.  The last record at Mountain View Rehabilitation was 1.4 billion.  I gave them 2 billion stem cells!  As a result the mixture was very thick.  Once again, ultrasound was used to locate the weak areas of the knee (in my case the arthritis around the patella (kneecap), and the tear in the medial meniscus).  The magic numbing cold spray was used prior to the needle injection followed by pressure as the cells went in.  "A little spray, a little poke."  The last one was the most painful; and is the one I still feel now.  I need to eat and get the narcotics on board so I can sleep tonight.  Tomorrow is a serious rest day (not the head nod I give to "rest days" while training for half marathons).

I do need to go get fitted for a new knee brace tomorrow; as I need a patella stabilizer which was missed during the consultation (that day the meniscus tear was talking more than the arthritis).

I learned today that I have dense bones (the doctor could tell I was a runner).  This is a good thing; but made the extraction a little harder.

I'd like to give a special shout out to Liz, who drove up to drive me around today!  Thank you so much!!

A shout out also goes out to Dr. Joel Richnak and Christina for taking good care of me during each of the procedures!