Dealing with rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain can be overwhelming and debilitating at times. If you have been trying different types of therapy and medications, and you aren't getting the comfort you need to live a normal life, it may be time to try new options.
Stem cell therapy could be a proactive way for you to rebuild the cartilage in the joints and to help with the pain. Here are things to talk with the orthopedic surgeon in your area, and the condition specialist that you see, to see if this is a treatment option for you.
Where Do the Cells Come From?
The stem cells will come from your own body. The specialist will take the stem cells out of bone marrow, this is where there is the highest amount of mesenchymal stem cells that will be the best for healing the body are. About 100 cc's of marrow is harvested from the body, based on your procedure and needs. This spot will be tender but should heal quickly after the surgery.
What Pre-Evaluations are Needed?
You will have to visit the office of the stem cell specialists to find out if you qualify for this type of procedure. They will want to do an overall health evaluation, check your labs, and learn your history about your current condition and pain. Questions will be asked about your treatment attempts previously, and if you're in good health to have this done.
What is the Cost?
The cost can vary and insurance does not cover this procedure. The amount of time you have to spend recovering, your specific transplant needs, and other medical conditions they have to work around while you are getting the treatment will all be variables for what the expenses will be. Talk with the physicians and the office staff to make sure that you know exactly what you are going to pay.
If you are considering the stem cell treatments as an option for the rheumatoid arthritis that you are suffering from, and you aren't sure how quickly you can get it done, make an appointment to get assessed. The specialist will look at your joints, go over your medical history, and decide if this could be the treatment that helps you get the relief you need. The sooner you schedule your appointment the sooner you can be comforted and start getting back to your old self.
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