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Currently Drew, my mother, and I are in St. Petersburg, Florida, obtaining vasodilation therapy for the king. Initially, I discovered Dr. Hammesfahr's website a couple years ago by "googling" treatment for cerebral palsy. I added this therapy to a mental list of possible things to try in the future for Drew. While we were in China, we met a few people who had success with vasodilation with Dr. Hammesfahr and another couple who had booked their first appointment for when they returned home. I also learned a fair amount from the yahoo group I belong to titled "BIA4Kids." The moderator highly suggests umbilical stem cell treatment, followed by vasodilation as soon as possible upon returning home. Other members of this group have done this procedure and have noticed significant results with their loved ones. Mike and I did a little more research concerning possible health risks and his certifications/credentials...everything looked promising. So here we are!
In theory, vasodilation will open up blood vessels in the brain allowing the stem cells to reach various parts of the brain easier and more effectively. The increased blood flow and the stem cells will then help heal/repair the neural tissue. Dr. Hammesfahr mentioned on our phone conference that the most effective way of utilizing these therapies is to start the vasodilation before the stem cell infusions but if that's not possible then as soon as possible afterwards. Our last treatment was about 2 months ago which hopefully isn't too long ago. The doctors in China told us several times that the stem cells are actively repairing neural tissue for up to 1 year later.
Our first appointment was this morning; it was about 30 minutes of interviewing and asking questions. Our major duties today were to obtain Motrin, magnesium, and a prescription for topical Nitrate paste. Drew needs to start taking the Motrin and Magnesium today because sometimes the nitrate can initially constrict blood vessels and anti-inflammatories can help prevent this.
Tomorrow we will start with a microscopic amount of nitrate on Drew's legs. Dr. Hammesfahr is starting with the cream on Drew's legs because it is the farthest place on his body away from his brain. He wants to assess how Drew tolerates this, and he will progress to different parts of his body like the abdomen, posterior neck, etc. The topical nitrate only dilates the outer portion of Drew's brain. This is the first step to Dr. Hammesfahr's treatment. We may progress to other medications that dilate deeper vessels in the brain sometime during the next two weeks depending on how well Drew is doing. He also suggested we obtain a SPECT scan 6 months after Drew's latest stem cell infusion to see how the blood flow is in various parts of his brain. That would be in November. This makes it easier to judge which areas need therapy.
Dr. Hammesfahr mentioned that he treats brain damage like a cardiologist would treat a patient after a heart attack. He also mentioned this is not a quick fix; that it will take years. During our phone conference a couple weeks ago, he mentioned that the state of Florida mandates out-of-state patients to return every 3 months to continue with medical treatment. I guess we will see what happens. His first aim for Drew is to improve his head and trunk control. Tomorrow he will videotape Drew to catch some of his athetoid-like movements on record.
Please ask me all questions through my comment section so I can ask Dr. Hammesfahr! Our last appointment is July 16th in the morning, so ask sooner than later!!
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When you get some time, email me your cell phone number and a good time to call so I can get more details!!