RA Information Library
Library Home » Treatments - Medical » Stem Cell-Based Therapies
Info Sheet: Stem Cell-Based Therapies
Add a Post
Log In required in order to post to the RA Information Library.
Don't have an account yet? Register now!
Information, questions and answers related to: Stem Cell-Based Therapies.
Rob, have you noticed a difference since your stem cell replacement in 2007? What can you tell us about your experience?
Well, I did what was called an autologous transplant, where they used my own stem cells. The procedure was they had me produce stem cells, then they harvested them for 3 weeks. I then went into the hospital where I received extensive chemotherapy for 9 days, to wipe out my immune system. On the 9th day, I got my stem cells back. After that, all of my blood counts were really low - white count was 0, platelets were low, etc. I needed 2 platelet transfusions and 1 blood transfusion. I was the 10th person in the US to try this. Unfortunately after 6 weeks my symptoms returned. They have been seeing remissions for 6 months and 1 person had permanent remission. I believe the answer lies in embryonic stem cells.
I'm sorry to hear your symptoms retured after all you went through, however I applaud you on your bravery and willingness to experiment. I believe an answer is out there and we're that much closer to finding one becasue of you. THank you.
I contacted the University of Minnesota yesterday, they are doing research with cord blood transplants. They informed me they are working with treg cells as a potention to halt sutoimmune diseases. It's not ready yet, but it's close. They did this for leukemia.