It has been ages since my last post, and I promise you, those follow up injection, IMS, and other treatment updates are coming soon. Everything is rolling around up in my brain, and until it is ready to come out, I figured I’d post a little update on how I’m feeling right now.
Since the end result is probably what most people want to know about anyways, this little break in continuity will probably welcomed. If not, whatever, wait a few months and read everything in order.
What spurred this random and extremely overdue piece of literary masterpiece? I had an appointment with Dr. Karli today to discuss how I was feeling and to check if some of the pain I’ve been having may be related to my SI joint, and not
the disc they’ve been treating. We talked about that, and some options for testing and treatment, and then we moved on to the more important stuff -Me, and how I am feeling about my progress so far. (not sure if you’d noticed, but a lot of this website is centered around my feelings. Its all about me, and I’m totally okay with that.)
I’ve been extremely frustrated lately, as I’m still having a lot more pain than I expected to have by this point. Lucky for me, about a week ago, I had a bad pain day. That day was not at all fun, but it did help me realize that I am getting better. Because it is such a slow process, and I do still have pain, I hadn’t really realized how much it had decreased until I had a day where it was bad enough to notice the difference. The bad pain day was much closer to the level of pain I’d been having before starting Regenexx. I am by no means “all better,” but I am seeing improvements. The intensity of my pain has gone down, but the frequency has not. I still am feeling pretty uncomfortable by late afternoon and through the evening, but it is not as bad as it used to be. I am terrible at estimations and at math, but I’d say I have seen somewhere in the neighborhood of a 15% 
improvement. Dr. Centeno and Dr. Schultz both were expecting me to see results somewhere around July or August, and being the end of July, Dr. Karli seemed to think that I’m heading in the right direction.
He reminded me that this is a very slow process, and patience is key. I am not a patient person, especially with regards to this constant pain in my backside. I’ve been hurting every day for three years, and off and on for much longer. I am still very optimistic about this, even though it can be discouraging at times. (like every day from about 2 pm to bedtime)
I am still waiting for the day that I have a whole day without pain. Will it come? I
don’t know, but I am very hopeful.
What’s next? Waiting. More time, continuing to try to strengthen my body and take care of myself in hopes that one day this will all pay off.
Did I mention that I am not a patient person?
I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Erin,
I was eagerly awaiting your update on the Regenexx procedure. I also have 2 bulging disks in my low back, along with a bunch of other problems (right knee busted, neck busted).
I can’t thank you enough for keeping us informed. I am very optimistic about stem cell research, but unfortunately the data is just not there or not enough. So honest posts like yours are invaluable.
I’ve been going back and forth trying to decide between regenexx and a microdisectomy. The surgery has about 70% success rate according to some studies, but might actually do more harm in the long term. There is no real data on regennexx, and it would cost a lot considering I would have to pay for 2 disks…
After reading your latest update I’m still undecided. The 15% improvement might be because of time, or PT or a bunch of other reasons. Please keep us informed. If you get to at least 75% in 3 months, that would make it very easy for me to decide… In the mean time my best option is also to wait…
Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks for the feedback, Julius! I will be sure to keep everyone posted on my progress, and won’t wait so long between posts next time!
I am also hoping for the 75%! The progress has been slow, but it is the most progress I’ve seen (from everything else I’ve tried) in the last three years, so I am very optimistic. Please feel free to ask questions at any time, I’d be happy to answer them!
I am going to Regenexx again tomorrow for a second bone marrow aspiration & my first stem cell reinjection for a torn rotator cuff. I didn’t have enough stem cells in my first draw to get the amount for 3 reinjections. I have a high degree of hope for this proceedure. Being self employed the prospect of 3 or more months of not being able to do my plumbing, contracting & home repairs makes it worth the gamble. My ortho surgeon is very interested and believes that this could be the wave of the future.
Stuart,
One bone marrow draw was bad enough, I’m sorry you have to go through a second! I hope that the injections help you, and that you can get back to work quickly! It surely beats surgery though!
Erin,
I have bone on bone shoulder problems, I was going to get a total shoulder replacement but now this looks like a viable solution. I am in Florida, do you think this is worth traveling for?
Jeff
My wife is contemplating Regenexx treatment. As you know, it is quite expensive and not covered by insurance. Erin, the last post where you described your progress was last July. What is your current status?
Response from anyone else with first person experience would be wonderful.
Many thanks for your response.
Hi Noel. I’m having a hard time estimating my success with the procedure at this time, as I’m currently 9 months pregnant. I plan to re-evaluate after the baby comes and I have some time to get back in shape
I am still hopeful that the procedure was successful!
As for your wife’s situation, I think it depends on what she is having trouble with. I hear that the success rate for knees, shoulders, and elbows is much higher than with back problems. I hope that she finds a solution soon!
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