Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patient Stories
Frank Wade (68 years old), COPD
Country: United Kingdom
Background
I live in Crowborough in East Sussex and I am a retired chauffeur. On leaving school I worked for many years as a printer. I was a compositor and handled lead and chemicals which were dangerous to my health, but I didn't realize that at the time. It is thought that this may have contributed to my chronic pulmonary obstructive disease progression.
How it Happened
I was taken ill with pneumonia in June 2009 and whilst in hospital, I was diagnosed with COPD, but I had had breathing problems since 2008 and this was being looked into by my doctor.
I gradually became more breathless and found it very hard to climb the stairs. I was exhausted when I did that.
Before Stem Cell Therapy
I was very out of breath and weak and gradually became unable to carry out normal day to day activities. I couldn't do any gardening, cooking or decorating; I wasn't well enough to go on holiday. I used to sit in a chair doing very little. I wasn't able to shower without any assistance. I seldom left my home.
After Stem Cell Therapy
Since the stem cell treatment I have stopped using the inhalers which I used twice a day. I can now go on short walks. I can also go out with my friends and my breathing is so much improved. I've even felt able recently to cook a meal which I haven't done in over a year.
Its only 3 months ago that I had the stem cell treatment and I am extremely happy with my progress so far. I am currently receiving physiotherapy at my local hospital for osteo-arthritis in my back and am undertaking an exercise programme on a static bike. I attend twice a week and each time I have improved with the level and length of time of the bike.
The physiotherapist is amazed at how well I am doing for someone with COPD. I also had my SATS taken recently and they were 98; a great improvement.
When I went to see my doctor in a London hospital, he carried out two tests and noted an improvement since my last visit. He has sent these results to Dr. Beythien and we also sent them direct. These tests were carried out only 3 weeks after my stem cell treatment. At the end of September I will attend the London hospital again and these two tests will be carried out again and the results sent to Germany. My London doctor is extremely interested in my treatment and is going to monitor me closely because at the moment this treatment isn't available to COPD patients in England.
Recommendation to Others
I would definitely recommend this treatment to other patients. I haven't stopped singing your praises and I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me.
Country: United Kingdom
Background
I live in Crowborough in East Sussex and I am a retired chauffeur. On leaving school I worked for many years as a printer. I was a compositor and handled lead and chemicals which were dangerous to my health, but I didn't realize that at the time. It is thought that this may have contributed to my chronic pulmonary obstructive disease progression.
How it Happened
I was taken ill with pneumonia in June 2009 and whilst in hospital, I was diagnosed with COPD, but I had had breathing problems since 2008 and this was being looked into by my doctor.
I gradually became more breathless and found it very hard to climb the stairs. I was exhausted when I did that.
Before Stem Cell Therapy
I was very out of breath and weak and gradually became unable to carry out normal day to day activities. I couldn't do any gardening, cooking or decorating; I wasn't well enough to go on holiday. I used to sit in a chair doing very little. I wasn't able to shower without any assistance. I seldom left my home.
After Stem Cell Therapy
Since the stem cell treatment I have stopped using the inhalers which I used twice a day. I can now go on short walks. I can also go out with my friends and my breathing is so much improved. I've even felt able recently to cook a meal which I haven't done in over a year.
Its only 3 months ago that I had the stem cell treatment and I am extremely happy with my progress so far. I am currently receiving physiotherapy at my local hospital for osteo-arthritis in my back and am undertaking an exercise programme on a static bike. I attend twice a week and each time I have improved with the level and length of time of the bike.
The physiotherapist is amazed at how well I am doing for someone with COPD. I also had my SATS taken recently and they were 98; a great improvement.
When I went to see my doctor in a London hospital, he carried out two tests and noted an improvement since my last visit. He has sent these results to Dr. Beythien and we also sent them direct. These tests were carried out only 3 weeks after my stem cell treatment. At the end of September I will attend the London hospital again and these two tests will be carried out again and the results sent to Germany. My London doctor is extremely interested in my treatment and is going to monitor me closely because at the moment this treatment isn't available to COPD patients in England.
Recommendation to Others
I would definitely recommend this treatment to other patients. I haven't stopped singing your praises and I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me.
Helio P. (59 years old), Pulmonary Hypertension
From: Henrique P. [NOTE - this is Helio's son]
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 8:08 PM
Subject: Re: Patient Treatment Reference
I am writing on behalf of my father since he does not speak English very well. You can mention his first name but we do not want for you to disclose his last name. ..
My father lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is retired now, he is an engineer and was an entrepreneur and business owner.
He has Thalassemia, a blood anemia and probably because of it has developed the Pulmonary Hypertension. He probably has had it for many years, but it was only diagnosed in 2007.
Before his stem cell treatment, my father could not even climb a few steps upstairs. Now he can walk and has much more energy. His quality of life has improved significantly.
Specifically, four months after the stem cell treatment, the pressure of the right side of his heart dropped 22%, going from 73X20 mmHg to 57X15 mmHg, as measured by the Eco-cardiogram. This was a fantastic improvement.
The clinic is well equipped, the doctors were very careful and professional and the staff did their best to make the patients comfortable. I have been living in Germany for five years already and that made it much easier to support my father's trip there.
We highly recommend this treatment to other Pulmonary Hypertension patients, considering the significant improvement that he presented. His medical exams are much better as well as his quality of life.
We will be glad to exchange emails or phone calls with other patients. Others have done that for us and talking to them helped us decide to get the stem cell treatment.
From: Henrique P. [NOTE - this is Helio's son]
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 8:08 PM
Subject: Re: Patient Treatment Reference
I am writing on behalf of my father since he does not speak English very well. You can mention his first name but we do not want for you to disclose his last name. ..
My father lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is retired now, he is an engineer and was an entrepreneur and business owner.
He has Thalassemia, a blood anemia and probably because of it has developed the Pulmonary Hypertension. He probably has had it for many years, but it was only diagnosed in 2007.
Before his stem cell treatment, my father could not even climb a few steps upstairs. Now he can walk and has much more energy. His quality of life has improved significantly.
Specifically, four months after the stem cell treatment, the pressure of the right side of his heart dropped 22%, going from 73X20 mmHg to 57X15 mmHg, as measured by the Eco-cardiogram. This was a fantastic improvement.
The clinic is well equipped, the doctors were very careful and professional and the staff did their best to make the patients comfortable. I have been living in Germany for five years already and that made it much easier to support my father's trip there.
We highly recommend this treatment to other Pulmonary Hypertension patients, considering the significant improvement that he presented. His medical exams are much better as well as his quality of life.
We will be glad to exchange emails or phone calls with other patients. Others have done that for us and talking to them helped us decide to get the stem cell treatment.