P A T I E N T  E X P E R I E N C E  -  S P I N A L  C O R D  I N J U R Y 

NAME: David Aldrich

COUNTRY:  U.S.A.

AGE:  49

DIAGNOSIS: Quadriplegic C3-C4, incomplete

REASON FOR COMING FOR TREATMENT:  David fell off a boat into shallow water on May 25, 2002, and a metal part of the boat hurt his neck.  He was underwater for several minutes.  In going to China for stem cell treatment, David hoped to improve strength and mobility in his trunk, arms and legs, and improve coordination including vision, hearing, and restoring movement in hands and feet. He also hoped to ease issues arising from the injury including painful muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, pain in his neck, lower back and foot, and partial loss of vision and hearing.

TREATMENT: Umbilical cord stem cell and nerve growth factor injections with rehabilitation therapy

START OF TREATMENT: September 4, 2006.

BEFORE THE TREATMENT:

David had minimal movement in both arms and in his left leg, and no movement whatsoever in his hands or right leg. He had regained some upper body strength in rehab but still could not stand - he could bend at the waist and had some strength in his trunk, but very little stability. He also had a great deal of pain in his neck, lower back, and left foot. He required constant in-home nursing care. His blood pressure was very low, such that he needed a pacemaker to prevent passing out. His vision was restricted to vague shapes in black and white. His hearing was overwhelmed with background noise. He had become overweight from lack of mobility, which further complicated efforts to stand on his own strength.

AFTER THE TREATMENT:

David is now able to read at close distance and watch television. He can grip things with his hands, which helps him to drive his wheelchair, and he can also flex his wrists back and forth. He feels stronger in general and can sit up from a reclined position, pull his legs up to his buttocks and raise them straight up in the air. He can breathe easily unassisted while lying on his back. 

Update May 8, 2007:

David is now able to walk across a swimming pool in 4 1/2 feet of water with no assistance, and to stand up in 3 1/2 feet of water for several minutes. His spasms and pain have  decreased significantly. He has lost 20 pounds and continues to strengthen his body.

VIDEOS:
Early Physiotherapy (Sept. 11, 2006)  
Standing Board (Sept. 16, 2006)    
Later Physiotherapy 1   
Later Physiotherapy 2  
David reading an email
David walking in the pool (April 15, 2007)
David walking in the pool 2 (Quicktime video)

VIDEO UPDATE:

Dramatic Improvement In David's Sight (April 2007)

 David with caretaker (above)

David sitting up (above)

David working out (above)

David in gym (above)