" I was bowled over. They didn't have patients who were totally paralyzed and then get up and walk. But there were people who couldn't hold objects, and then they could after the operation. "
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: Ben
AGE: 26
COUNTRY: Australia
DIAGNOSIS: Spinal cord injury, T10 complete
REASON FOR COMING TO TREATMENT: Three years ago, while Ben was out in the country side riding motorbikes with his friends his bike suddenly hit a rock hidden in the grass, and Ben was thrown off. After waking up, he found his friends circled around him looking concerned and he quickly realized that he was unable to move his legs. He started to slip in and out of consciousness and was eventually taken by helicopter to a hospital. At the hospital they told him that he had suffered a spinal injury and also had a mild brain injury. He was paralyzed from the belly button down and the doctors told him he would never walk again. This news disheartened the young man, but in the end it also motivated him to live life to the fullest and learn as much as possible from his experience. While seeking out many different treatment methods, he learned about stem cell treatments in China. After extensive investigation he decided that this was the best treatment option available and made plans to go to China with his good friend Paul, who also has a spinal cord injury.
START OF TREATMENT: January 3rd, 2008
BEFORE THE TREATMENT: After his accident Ben was paralyzed from the waist down including a lack of sensation from his belly button down. Since the accident three year before, he has seen a minimal increase in his sensation, but has had no improvements in his ability to move or contract his muscles below the injury site. He continued to work hard in physical therapy and had a fulfilling life, but he felt that it was time for him to do something greater to help his body to heal.
TREATMENT COURSE: Spinal Cord Decompression Surgery with Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells applied directly to the injury site. Six Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Transplants both IV and Spinal. Six Cord Serum transfusions via IV. Six Nerve Growth Factor transfusions both IV and spinal. Rehabilitation Therapy, Acupuncture, Electric Muscle Stimulation and Physical Therapy.
AFTER THE TREATMENT: Before heading back to Australia and after his treatment, Ben had already made impressive progress. He was able to independently raise his knees more than two inches off the bed while in a lying position and was able to spread his legs apart one at a time. Prior to traveling to China, he had been unable to perform these motions. The control of his hip muscles also increased, giving him greater stability while sitting. Ben also noted having muscle spasms in his buttocks frequently. Overall Ben stated that he was very happy he made the trip. He has made some great friends, some positive improvements, and has increased hope for the future. Ben expressed prior to leaving China that he would return home with a better quality of life.
Ben's Injury History 1
Ben's Injury History 2
Ben's improvements after his stem cell treatment
Ben demonstrating his improvements
Ben's reaction to his accident
Ben doing physical therapy in China
Ben's advice for other patients
Post Treatment:
There is no failure their is only an outcome, its what you do with the outcome that matters. -- Ben
It is the outcome of the stem cell treatment that Ben is excited about. Since treatment Ben has an increase in energy and enthusiam. Most noticeable of changes are improvements in movement and strength of his hips and right knee. In addition Ben has a better response to pain and stimuli. Spinal cord injured patients often have difficulty with sexual functions, post treatment Ben has noted an increase in ejaculation.
