Stem Cells and Scleroderma
November 18, 2009
In light of all this recent talk of open heart surgery I have become absolutely determined to find an adult stem cell treatment for my heart. My idea is to wait out the surgery for as long as I can and hope hope hope that there is a stem cell option to repair my scarred heart.
The idea is to treat the underlying problem if we could, rather than going in and sewing up a valve to repair it (even though the wall to which this valve is attached to is still thick and stiff with scar tissue). Repairing the valve is not going to fix my heart. I see it as a band aid. A very serious terrifying surgery for a band aid.
Stem cells on the other hand have the possibility to truly heal my heart. They create NEW tissue which could mean a potential for fading out the scar tissue that covers 70% of my heart muscle AND fixing the leaky valve in one swoop. Of course, it’s not as simple as I make it out to be…
For one, any stem cell treatment I’ve come across where they inject the new cells back into the heart has been controversial among my doctors. I haven’t gotten the green light from anyone to go through with these things. They tell me the technology is simply “not there yet”. C’mon technology! You have to get “there” because I’m so counting on this.
There is a new website dedicated to “educate and spread awareness about the potentials and successes of adult stem cell therapies.” I’ve been combing through since I came across this site at 9 am. They are even doing stem cell TRANSPLANTS for patients with Scleroderma! It can reset your immune system!
I am hopeful. Extremely hopeful. Now, if I could just find the right one for me and my ticker. It’s the one wish I make when I see my birthday on the digital clock, or a blow a loose eyelash from my fingertip, and right before I go to sleep at night and first thing I do when I wake in the morning. I just want an answer, to feel in control again.. something to DO to help this go away.
