Monday, December 9, 2024
HomeNewsSpinal Cord Injury Patient Walks After 26 Years in Wheel Chair Thanks...

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Walks After 26 Years in Wheel Chair Thanks To Stem Cells

| Source: prlog.org

After 26 years in a wheel chair William Orr is walking. It is with the assistance of a walker, but he is walking. Orr is walking to get his mail, he is walking to rehab from his car and he is planning on walking into his 35th high school reunion.

After 26 years in a wheel chair William Orr is walking. Granted it is with the assistance of a walker, but he is walking. Orr is walking to get his mail, he is walking to rehab from his parked car and he is planning on walking into his 35th high school reunion.

The 52-year-old Aurora man has been a quadriplegic for half his life, since a car hit him while he was riding his bike back in 1986. He suffered a C6-C7 incomplete spinal cord injury and has used a wheel chair since.

In August of 2010, Orr underwent what many believe is a first of its kind stem cell procedure in Naples, Florida, using bone marrow from his hip that doctors believe has regenerated damaged cells in his spinal cord. He had such a good response that a second treatment was performed in July 2012.

Orr has gained both motor and sensory improvement, as well as having the majority of his muscle spasms dissipate. “There is a remarkable difference.”

“The results for Mr. Orr and others in the treatment group are truly remarkable and have exceeded our expetations” said Michael Calcaterra, Executive Director of special projects for Intercellular Sciences. “Frankly, this is an area that regeneration was not thought  to be possible.”

“I feel like a new person,” said Orr. “And it’s only going to get better.” He hopes to someday be walking without the walker. Doctors believe that if his quadriceps’ strength continues to improve as well as his foot lift, then it’s a real possibility.  In the meantime, he’s relishing every new sensation, big or small. It’s this amazing work ethic and attitude along with the stem cells, his doctor insists, that will help get this man back on his feet again.

Watch an incredible video of this patient walking:

About Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells reside in adult bone marrow and fat, as well as other tissues and organs of the body. These cells have a natural ability to repair damaged tissue, however in people with degenerative diseases they are not released and directed enough to fully repair damaged tissue. Adult stem cells can be extracted from many areas of the body,
including the bone marrow, fat, and peripheral blood. Since the stem cells come from the patient there is no possibility for rejection or tumor formation, also there is none of the moral issues involving embryonic cells.

Stem cells isolated from the bone marrow or fat have the ability to become different cell types (i.e. nerve cells, liver cells, heart cells, and cartilage cells). Studies have also shown that these cells are capable of homing to and repairing damaged tissue.

Studies have shown that these stem cells secrete proteins and peptides that stimulate healing of damaged tissue, including heart muscle and spinal cord. Animal studies have shown stem cells to be reparative in spinal cord injury.

About the Procedure

Spinal cord injury patients are treated utilizing stem cells from their own bodies. The procedure involves obtaining 480ml of bone marrow aspirate from the hip bone, this is done under anesthesia so the patient is completely comfortable. The sample is then put through a process that first activates and then concentrates the stem cells. The stem cells are then delivered to the area of spinal injury utilizing a novel method of intra-arterial injection in a vascular angiography suite. This is an outpatient procedure and minimally invasive. The patient is discharged later that day.

About Intercellular Sciences

Intercellular Sciences located in Bonita Springs, Florida is dedicated to leading the world in providing adult stem cell therapies, Intercellular Sciences utilizes the most advanced technologies and medical procedures to improve and prolong the lives of its patients. Additional information on adult stem cell therapy as well as patient video experiences can be found at http:/www.intercellularsciences.com and http://www.regenocyte.com.

Contact
Kelly Floyd
Patient Advocate Intercellular Sciences
9500 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Fl 34135
(239) 333-1239

About The Alliance For The Advancement Of Adult Stem Cell Therapy And Research

Orr’s treatment was in part supported by The Alliance for The Advancement of Stem Cell Therapy and Research. The Alliance for the Advancement of Adult Stem Cell Therapy and is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use of adult stem cells in the research and treatment of life-altering diseases. To become a supporting member, please visit http://www.thestemcellalliance.org

1 COMMENT

  1. To treat spinal cord injuries, scientists first realized that the crucial damage was to oligodendrocytes, cells that insulate nerve fibers with myelin so that signals can be transmitted to and from the brain. The hard part, Keirstead said, was figuring out the complex recipe of growth factors and other chemicals that would turn stem cells into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells that could ultimately make new myelin.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

- Advertisment -

Must Read

Study identifies drug target to prevent autonomic dysfunction after spinal cord...

In response to stressful or dangerous stimuli, nerve cells in the spinal cord activate involuntary, autonomic reflexes often referred to as "fight or flight"...