>> The Procedure Experience

PREPARING FOR YOUR STEM CELL PROCEDURE:

How can you improve the health of your stem cells

  • Reduce your sugar intake including the intake of artificial sweeteners. Too much sugar produces too much insulin which can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and an increased risk of cancer and chronic disease. A low glycemic diet can help you reduce sugar cravings and ultimately your sugar intake.
  • Reduce your intake of processed foods and sugary, carbonated drinks. You want to focus on removing any foods with a high glycemic index from your diet. Stay away from white bread, pasta, and other starchy foods and consider switching to a sweetener like coconut palm sugar.
  • Reduce your total caloric intake. Obesity is detrimental to the health of your stem cells as well as your overall health. Reducing the number of calories you consume can increase stem cell activity.
  • Foods high in triglycerides such as red meat, poultry, cheeses and butter can also reduce stem cell activity.
  • Exercise regularly. Lifting weights and aerobic exercise can increase the number of stem cells and make them more active in muscle and bone.
  • Take your vitamins. Vitamin C and Vitamin D have been shown to reduce the aging of stem cells, make them more active, help them differentiate and promote cell proliferation.
  • Three weeks prior to your stem cell procedure, follow the recommended diet

3 weeks prior to the procedure

Do not eat:

  • Gluten: Do not eat foods containing wheat, barley, rye or oats (examples of foods that contain gluten are; bread, cookies, pastries, cakes, etc.)
  • Regular salt (only sea salt recommended)
  • Pork or beef

Do not drink:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks

1 week prior to the procedure

  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen (if necessary, you may take acetominophen)
  • Do not take herbal medicines
  • Do not take diet pills
  • NO SMOKING

Test Needed

  • Blood work for laboratory tests.
  • Your results from complementary studies such as: ultrasound, radiography, CAT scan, MRI or genetic testing.

Other recommendations

  • Fasting is required to perform a procedure under sedation. Please do not eat or drink anything except water after 10pm the night before the procedure (If you don’t need sedation, consume a light breakfast)
  • Bring a friend. You will not be able to drive after your procedure so plan to have someone with you.
  • Wear comfortable clothing. You may be a little sore after the procedure so please wear or bring loose fitting clothing.
  • Leave jewelry and valuables at home.

POST PROCEDURE:

What to expect after the procedure

Immediately following treatment, the stem cells seek out the area or areas in need of repair and you can expect to be sore and symptoms to potentially worsen a small amount for one to two weeks.

Patients can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain but should avoid taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Aleve. The goal is to allow the stem cells to locate and attach themselves to the area of damage, protect them while they differentiate, and enhance the environment for them to work at their optimal levels. It is best to avoid physical exercise for one week following the treatment and use that time to rest and relax. Depending on the condition being treated, after the first week you can begin modest physical exercise and after a month you can engage in more vigorous activities.

You can shower 12 hours after the procedure but do not bathtub for at least 3 days.

Most patients will notice modest improvements in the first 1-2 months. The stem cells will continue to heal and many patients experience a noticeable improvement in symptoms after 6 months, however, patients heal at different rates and some patients can take up to a year to notice improvements. Data suggests that stem cells continue to repair the damaged tissue for 1-2 years following treatment. Depending on condition being treated and the severity of symptoms, some patients will need to receive more than one treatment.

Every patient is different and results will vary depending on the specific condition being treated, the amount of damage, the severity of symptoms, age and overall general health.

Avoid physical exercise for one week. Take this time to rest and relax. After one week you can resume your normal physical activities.