Despite what all of you may think, Stem Cell Guy isn't the coolest guy. Stem Cell Guy doesn't drive a Ferrari, Stem Cell Guy doesn't own any Armani suits, and Stem Cell Guy doesn't own any oversized Porsche red tinted sunglasses that make me look like "The Fly."
A quick side note: If you wear those Porsche "Top Gun" sunglasses...you look ridiculous. Stem Cell Guy doesn't care if it is a new "trend" or "it is cool." You look ridiculous. Please take them off.
Sorry, I got sidetracked. What Stem Cell Guy really wants to say today is there is a new adult stem cell blog. This blog is smart. It is informative. And they even have a sense of humor. It isn't one of those stuffy blogs that seem to talk down to you. Even a simpleton like Stem Cell Guy can understand it. Stem Cell Guy is going to make it a daily read.
The blog is apparently written by a person called "benotafraid." However, Stem Cell Guy is afraid. Stem Cell Guy is afraid that this excellent new blog will steal all of my loyal stem cell therapy fans.
Benotafraid actually interviewed Stem Cell Guy (Click on link below) and did an excellent write up on Don Margolis- the Theravitae founder who will be coming out with his own new blog next week.
Yes, loyal readers, I know what you are thinking after reading the title. "Then why doesn't Stem Cell Guy go for stem cell therapy too, so he can get a sense of humor?" Unfortunately, it is a genetic trait, stems from Stem Cell Guy's father, it seems I was born to tell bad jokes and be unfunny.
This week Stem Cell Guy presents Mick Fleming. Mick, 73, from Queensland, Australia was suffering from congestive heart failure. Mick came to Bangkok when??? Stem Cell Guy doesn't know when he came because it isn't in the story. Who writes those terrible Theravitae/Vescell stories anyway?? What happened to Jammin'Jon?
Ok, I found it. Mick Fleming came to Bangkok in July, 2007 to receive stem cell treatment for his heart. Stem Cell Guy thinks Mick's wife Phyllis says it best- Phyllis continued, “His sense of humor is back. He is laughing again. It was worth every penny. Going to Thailand for the stem cell treatment was the best thing we ever did. It gave Mick the will to live again, a new life.”
Also, Mick and Phyllis and their son have volunteered to give their time to talk to you- my loyal readers. If you would like to email/call the Flemings to verify Stem Cell Guy's version of their story, please email stemcellguy@theravitae.com and Stem Cell Guy will happily provide their contact info.
Stem Cell Guy would like to present Leroy Lee, our latest patient volunteer. Leroy, 82, came to Bangkok to receive his stem cell therapy for heart disease about 1 year ago. Leroy who lives in Hurst, Texas, was very happy to describe his experience and how Theravitae's adult stem cells helped him. In fact, you are welcome to call Leroy at 817-282-6408 or you can email him at leroy7@charter.net
Here is Leroy's story-
Leroy Lee, who was confined to a wheelchair due to his shortness of breath brought on by his heart condition, now is out of his wheelchair after receiving adult stem cell therapy in Thailand.
Leroy, 82, from Hurst, Texas is a firm believer in stem cells. Why? It started in August 2006, Leroy’s heart condition was deteriorating “I couldn’t walk to the mailbox. I had trouble simply walking to the kitchen to eat. I was huffing and puffing all the time.”
However, unlike the wolf in the fairy tale, Leroy wasn’t blowing any houses down. “I couldn’t breathe. I knew I had to do something so I got on the internet and I found Theravitae,” he said.
Theravitae is an international biotechnology company that specializes in treating heart patients suffering from congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy with their own adult stem cells.
Leroy tells his story, “I asked to speak to some of their former patients. They gave me the name of Bob Grinstead in Georgia. “When I called the number, I first reached Bob’s wife. I said ‘I wanted to talk stem cells with Bob.’ She was off the phone for a moment and then came back on and said ‘He is running down the stairs now.’”
Leroy thought, “‘he was running?’ I was almost convinced to go right at that moment!”
In October, 2006, Leroy arrived in Bangkok, Thailand for his adult stem cell treatment. “My wife and I were treated like royalty, we loved our time there, and the quality of treatment was excellent,” Leroy said.
Leroy was treated using his own stem cells derived from an easy, painless 250cc blood donation. The adult stem cells were implanted into his coronary arteries via catheter in a non invasive procedure very similar to an angioplasty.
Now, more than one year after his adult stem cell therapy, although limited by a back ailment, Leroy is feeling great. “I’m not in a wheelchair anymore. I’ve been walking ever since the stem cell treatment. I don’t believe in the medications. They didn’t help me, but my own stem cells did.”
Some of you stem cell fans out there may remember the Rumble in the Jungle. On October 30, 1974 (on this day, exactly 33 years ago), Muhammad Ali used his "rope a dope" technique to defeat George Foreman for the World Heavyweight Boxing title. You may also remember George who made millions of dollars selling his little grill where the fat drips away. What an amazing invention and giant leap of technology for mankind that was!!
Stem Cell Guy thinks Theravitae's Vescell adult stem cell therapy is also an amazing invention (How's that for a brilliant segue?) This week we have a Brumble in the Jungle. Buck Brumble, a very fine gentleman in Arizona made the trek to Bangkok in March 2007 for his stem cell treatment for his congestive heart failure.
Here is the teaser-
One of his doctors said disdainfully, “stem cell therapy is a crapshoot,” but Buck Brumble, a 68 year old Arizona man felt differently. “I lit into him, I knew it was going to help and he wasn’t offering a better alternative.” declared Buck.
Buck was suffering from congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to the body’s tissues. Congestive heart failure afflicts nearly five million Americans. The American Heart Association estimates that more than 266,000 people in the United States die each year due to congestive heart failure.
Stem Cell Guy's efforts to promote Vescell Stem Cell Therapy for heart disease has been a long arduous journey. Sometimes Stem Cell Guy gets a little down on himself that he isn't doing enough. The word just isn't getting out. However, the word seems to be getting out in Florida. Stem Cell Therapy for heart disease has become more than just a small blip on the radar screen in Florida thanks to Dr. Zannos Grekos. Dr. Grekos who first came to our attention in January is becoming a Stem Cell Superstar....not quite as big as Stem Cell Guy yet...but he is getting there. Rumor has it Dr. Grekos can leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Here is some of the story--
Richard Rzaca’s journey to extend his life began on a Tuesday morning two weeks ago at a Bonita Springs cardiologist’s office.
His heart, damaged in a near-fatal heart attack in 2003, was getting weaker all the time. Doctors had already performed bypasses and put in stents and prescribed medications to keep his condition in check. They could offer nothing more.
Rzaca, 79, was not ready to die.
The start of the journey has to be timed precisely, so shortly before 8 a.m. nurse Sara Billings shooed Rzaca into an exam room where she and the cardiologist, Dr. Zannos Grekos, drew about 1 cup worth of Rzaca’s blood, sealed it in a pouch, placed the pouch in an insulated bag, nestled the bag in a cardboard box, and then thrust the box into the hands of a waiting courier. The courier would speed the parcel across Alligator Alley in time to put Rzaca’s blood on a 1:30 p.m. plane from Miami to Israel.
Stem Cell Guy is in da house!! As you may remember...last week, we got a story in from one of the homeys...Christian Homeier, one of three brothers treated with Vescell- Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Disease. Stem Cell Guy deliberately kept you on the edge of your seat, holding back the ending of "Another Home Run for Homeier". Well, Stem Cell Guy will keep you on the edge no longer. Check out his finish about how our Vescell -stem cell therapy for heart disease works. YEAAHHHHHH!!!--
And for those of you who missed Friday's post...simply scroll down to "Another Home Run for Homeier to read Part I.
1.Since this process is not approved, as yet, here in the United States, my brothers had to be approved and accepted by an accredited hospital that performs this operation.This hospital is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
2.After arriving in Bangkok, registering at the hospital, and taking some prelimnary tests, the doctors draws one-half (1/2) pint of blood from the heart patient.This blood is sent immediately to the laboratory in Israel.
3.The patent remains close to the hospital (in a beautiful hotel) until the blood is processed and returned.This process takes about seven (7) days.
4.At the laboratory in Israel,
a.The Scientists isolate and remove stem cells that will help the patient.
b.The stem cell is copied and reproduced.
c.Not only are the stem cells copied and reproduced, the process as discovered by the Israelscientists, the adult stem cells are TRAINED to concentrate and repair the damaged heart.
5.The reproduced, trained, adult stem cells are returned to the hospital.
6.The patient is notified one day before the adult stem cells are to arrive and is admitted for preparation of having his/her own blood adult stem cells reinserted back into his/her body.
7.During the hour mini-surgery by Dr. Kitiphan Arom, a co-founder of the famed Minneapolis Heart Institute, the patients own adult stem cells are injected directly into the damaged heart. Or, the stem cells can be implanted via catheter in a very simple procedure much like an angiogram.
8.After surgery, the patient is sent to the ICU to be observed and ministered to by a staff of doctors for about four (4) days.A nurse sits with the patient on a 24 hour watch during the stay in ICU.
9.After ICU, the patient is then transferred to the recovery hospital room for rehabilitation and instructions.This takes about three (3) days.
10.The heart patient then is released by doctor approval from the hospital back to the hotel where he/she is required to stay for about one (1) week.During that week, the patient returns each day to the hospital for check ups and continued rehabilitation.
11.After this week and with the approval of the staff of doctors, the patient is approved to return home.
12.On arrival back home, the patient is required to meet with his/her doctor with all the information about the stem cell process.The doctor will monitor the progress of the patient.There is no requirement to return for more stem cell injections.One is enough (unless the patient continues a poor diet and continues to smoke).
What are the results of my brothers’ experiences with this major stem cell process?After one year, my brother John is doing what he used to do on a daily basis, playing golf, walking with no problems and working every day.His statement, “I can do anything I want to do.TheraVitae saved my life.”His heart rhythm has improved to about forty percent (40%).My brother Walter and I just returned from Thailand, and we are looking forward to his improvement.
I am so very impressed with the results of this procedure.I was able to speak to many heart patients who have received the adult stem cell treatment from Thera Vitae.About eighty percent (80%) of them stated remarkable improvement in their heart problems.
I see no downside to this Adult Stem Cell process.
a.The patients own blood is used.
b.You do not need embryonic cells, fetal cells of umbilical cord blood.
c.There are many success testimonials.
d.So far, in over 200 treated patients, there are no permanent side effects
This process continues to be used today at Bangkok GeneralHospital and three others in Thailand.I witnessed the fantastic care and support the staff of doctors, the staff of nurses and above all, the individual staff of Thera Vitae gave to my brothers.Bangkok GeneralHospital is a very modern and well organized hospital compared to the hospitals in the United States.
The approximate cost for this successful procedure provided by Thera Vitae is about $35,000.which includes the adult stem cell process, hospital stay, ground transportation and a 4-star hotel.Additional costs amount to about $25,000 to $35,000 for first class air transportation, hotel and meals.Using economy class airfare results in total extra costs under $10,000.Thera Vitae provides complete coordination for this experience.
IS YOUR LIFE WORTH THIS COST?My brothers lives are.
For all you faithful readers of Stem Cell Guy's blog, you may remember.....Theravitae Hits a Homerun With Homeier where oil baron John Homeier started running sprints after he came to Bangkok for his Vescell- Stem Cell Therapy for his heart disease. This time....we treated not one, but two of John's brothers truly making our stem cell treatment a family affair.
Christian Homeier recently wrote a little blurb for Stem Cell Guy...here it is--
MY BROTHERS AND ADULT STEM CELLS
Both of my younger brothers, John, age 60, (JOHN CLAIMS TO BE 70) and Walter, age 57, developed massive heart problems resulting in the implanting of a defibrillator (Computer) to assist the ability to stay alive.The average healthy heart EJECTION FRACTION (LVIF) is fifty-five (55).
My brother John’s heart EJECTION FRACTION (was very low at sixteen (16).My brother Walter’s heart rhythm was low at fifteen (15).Both brothers had major difficulties in working, walking and doing everyday activities.
In 2005 and 2006, John started researching the internet for any medical help to improve his heart problem.Everything researched lead John to Stem Cell research.What is a Stem Cell?Stem cells are “master cells” found in humans.These cells can divide to produce other cells either identical to themselves, or differentiate into specific cell lineages.With these properties, they play important roles in the processes of normal development, regeneration and repair of damaged tissues or organs.
Currently, the main sources for stem cells are: embryonic and fetal tissues, umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells.Embryonic stem cells are totipotent, which means that they can differentiate into all cell types, however their proliferation and differentiation is difficult to control.They have been linked to the formation of cancers, and they are subject to ethical controversy.Umbilical cord blood stem cells are capable of significant differentiation; however their small numbers, storage conditions and potential immunological reactions if implanted non-autonomously (into other people), limit their potential use in clinical applications.
By contrast, adult stem cells are free of ethical controversy, capable of differentiating into a variety of cells types, and have no immunological rejection upon implantation.After many days and hours, John discovered a small foreign company name THERA VITAE (pronounced Ther-ah-VEE-tay). which incorporated the knowledge of several Israel scientists who had discovered the complex healing use of Adult Stem Cell technology.The patient provides a blood donation of about a half-pint.From this blood Thera Vitae researchers isolate and remove specific types of stem cells normally found in the patient.They grow and multiply these cells in vitro, from roughly 20,000 to 20 million in five (5) days.The cells are selected for specific qualities and grouped relating to their ability to regenerate heart muscle and blood vessels.They are then transplanted back into the same patient and go to work repairing the heart muscle or vascular tissue.Over seventy-five percent (75%) of patients show substantial improvement. How did this process work for my brothers?With my limited medical knowledge, I will try to explain this very remarkable process as related to my brothers.
"OH Stem Cell Guy....please give us more!"
Sorry people....I'll save the explanation for Monday. Until then....have a great weekend and don't go overboard on the Sunday brunch.
When Stem Cell Guy watched the movie 300 , Doug Rice came to mind. Like King Leonidas in 300, Doug Rice stood tall and fought the odds rather than accepting his fate of death. However, unlike King Leonidas, Doug is still alive and well today thanks to Vescell- Stem cell therapy for heart disease.
Doug was suffering from congestive heart failure, the doc had recommended a new mechanical heart for him as he wasn't eligible for a heart transplant because of his diabetes. Not having many options, Doug came looking to Theravitae for help and we are all the better for it. We have a new friend in Doug Rice and Doug seems to be doing great.
Doug had enough energy to put up a new website. Check it out here And don't forget if you suffer from coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or congestive heart failure....there are options out there.
Stem Cell Guy's favorite line from the movie -"When told that the Persian army was so massive its arrows would block out the sun, the King replied "Then we will fight in the shade."
Doug Rice- Spartan Warrior - fought in the shade and won!
Stem Cell Guy has yet another newspaper story for you. I hope all of Stem Cell Guy's fans aren't bored reading this stuff. Yawn, another Theravitae patient treated for heart disease with his own adult stem cells and then getting better.
Timothy Maura is the latest to "bore" us here at Theravitae and we are jubilant about it.
Tim Maura is improving after receiving his stem cell therapy for his coronary heart disease (Or is it coronary artery disease? Or is it ischemic heart disease?) Simpleton Stem Cell Guy would just prefer "blocked arteries" to avoid the confusion. Nevermind, let's stay focused this week on Tim Maura. Tim came to Bangkok, Thailand for Theravitae's Vescell stem cell therapy just over a year ago. And the results have been terrific. Before, Tim's heart problems were slowing him down so much he had to stop working. These days, due to a huge reduction in Tim's angina symptoms, Tim is working again and that is music to Theravitae's ears.
Tim Maura had read the predictions that human stem cells could someday cure countless illnesses. "Someday" was too far away. He was disabled by heart trouble. Failed vessels blocked blood from reaching part of his heart. Surgery couldn't fix it. Chronic chest pain forced him to quit work in 2005. A year ago, Maura and his wife, Robin, cobbled together $30,000 and flew to Thailand, where doctors injected stem cells near his heart to try to sprout new blood vessels. Read the whole thing!
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