Heart Disease Patient Stories
Aaron Wood (60 years old), Three heart attacks and congestive heart failure
I suffered from a massive heart attack in 1988; the result was a necrosis of the backside of my heart. A large part of my cardiac muscle was replaced by scar tissue. Two more heart attacks followed in 1990 and 1992. In 1994, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
Our ranch was claimed in 1904 and I was raised in a family of ranchers, but my active life as a rancher was over after the first heart attack. It seems a family tradition: 16 Woods passed away from heart-damage and I was living in constant fear of dying. Nine angiograms were performed and stents were placed. During these years I turned down two possible heart transplants because I did not want to live with the immune suppressive medications for the rest of my life.
However, I tried to live my life as actively as possible; taking part in a 5,000 mile motor cycle vacation in 1994 where I got sick. I did not think I would make it home alive. My friend got me home and a pacemaker was implanted which, at that time, worked wonders.
Six months ago, after an examination that showed a very poor cardiac function and my EF capacity down to 19%, a nurse finally suggested to me that I could look up your clinic and inquire about stem cell treatment. I contacted your representatives, sent all my medical records for evaluation and was accepted as a patient. I was quite anxious about the outcome and was not certain if I would make it back home and made preparations for the worst case. I did not want to worry my daughter who accompanied me to Dusseldorf. She had to wheel me in a wheelchair, as I could walk only a short distance by myself.
Stem Cell Therapy
At the clinic, bone marrow was extracted from my hip bone and sent to a laboratory where stem cells were separated from it. Two days later the stem cells were re-implanted by catheter therapy by the cardiologist during a 45-minute interventional therapy.
I was hospitalized and connected to a portable heart-monitor for one night at the hospital. When I awoke in the middle of the night, at about 4 AM, I felt like something was entirely different. I got up and did 4 knee-bends and 4 push-ups and did not get light headed! I was thinking this could be a placebo, but was too excited to go back to sleep and walked up and down the hallways for the next 2 ½ hours. I liked it!
When a check-up electrocardiogram was done in the morning, the nurse ran it 3 times with a confused look on his face. He could not believe the results he saw and contacted my surgeon. I started to worry! The cardiologist was there within 3 minutes. He performed a half hour electrocardiogram test and showed me what he saw: the backside of my heart was pumping! Only one day after treatment my EF capacity went up from 15% to 35%.
It was a miracle! I had gone from a terminal illness to having a future. I carried my own bags and walked on my own two feet when returning to back home to the US, just 5 days later. My doctor back home examined me 10 days after stem cell therapy and agreed to have my pacemaker turned down.
My New Life
A recent check-up showed my EF capacity at 45- 55%. Just two weeks after treatment, I went from 15 prescription pills per day down to 2; walk 2.5 miles without turning blue, lift weights and - finally after 22 years - live a normal life. I am going skydiving next weekend, something I last enjoyed 3 years ago.
I am amazed and really believe in stem cell therapy. My brother is a diabetic and my banker has a heart condition. Both are planning to seek treatment with stem cells in the near future and I support and encourage them in their plans.
Update, October 7th 2009
I no longer have any angina pain or no shortness of breath - no symptoms whatsoever. I am walking 3 miles per day and lifting heavy weights again. I consider this a complete reversal. I saw my cardiologist 2 weeks ago for more testing and he is still shaking his head!
I suffered from a massive heart attack in 1988; the result was a necrosis of the backside of my heart. A large part of my cardiac muscle was replaced by scar tissue. Two more heart attacks followed in 1990 and 1992. In 1994, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
Our ranch was claimed in 1904 and I was raised in a family of ranchers, but my active life as a rancher was over after the first heart attack. It seems a family tradition: 16 Woods passed away from heart-damage and I was living in constant fear of dying. Nine angiograms were performed and stents were placed. During these years I turned down two possible heart transplants because I did not want to live with the immune suppressive medications for the rest of my life.
However, I tried to live my life as actively as possible; taking part in a 5,000 mile motor cycle vacation in 1994 where I got sick. I did not think I would make it home alive. My friend got me home and a pacemaker was implanted which, at that time, worked wonders.
Six months ago, after an examination that showed a very poor cardiac function and my EF capacity down to 19%, a nurse finally suggested to me that I could look up your clinic and inquire about stem cell treatment. I contacted your representatives, sent all my medical records for evaluation and was accepted as a patient. I was quite anxious about the outcome and was not certain if I would make it back home and made preparations for the worst case. I did not want to worry my daughter who accompanied me to Dusseldorf. She had to wheel me in a wheelchair, as I could walk only a short distance by myself.
Stem Cell Therapy
At the clinic, bone marrow was extracted from my hip bone and sent to a laboratory where stem cells were separated from it. Two days later the stem cells were re-implanted by catheter therapy by the cardiologist during a 45-minute interventional therapy.
I was hospitalized and connected to a portable heart-monitor for one night at the hospital. When I awoke in the middle of the night, at about 4 AM, I felt like something was entirely different. I got up and did 4 knee-bends and 4 push-ups and did not get light headed! I was thinking this could be a placebo, but was too excited to go back to sleep and walked up and down the hallways for the next 2 ½ hours. I liked it!
When a check-up electrocardiogram was done in the morning, the nurse ran it 3 times with a confused look on his face. He could not believe the results he saw and contacted my surgeon. I started to worry! The cardiologist was there within 3 minutes. He performed a half hour electrocardiogram test and showed me what he saw: the backside of my heart was pumping! Only one day after treatment my EF capacity went up from 15% to 35%.
It was a miracle! I had gone from a terminal illness to having a future. I carried my own bags and walked on my own two feet when returning to back home to the US, just 5 days later. My doctor back home examined me 10 days after stem cell therapy and agreed to have my pacemaker turned down.
My New Life
A recent check-up showed my EF capacity at 45- 55%. Just two weeks after treatment, I went from 15 prescription pills per day down to 2; walk 2.5 miles without turning blue, lift weights and - finally after 22 years - live a normal life. I am going skydiving next weekend, something I last enjoyed 3 years ago.
I am amazed and really believe in stem cell therapy. My brother is a diabetic and my banker has a heart condition. Both are planning to seek treatment with stem cells in the near future and I support and encourage them in their plans.
Update, October 7th 2009
I no longer have any angina pain or no shortness of breath - no symptoms whatsoever. I am walking 3 miles per day and lifting heavy weights again. I consider this a complete reversal. I saw my cardiologist 2 weeks ago for more testing and he is still shaking his head!
Agnes Hiemstra-Teyken (52 years old), Rupture of left pelvic artery
How it Happened
Pregnancy with my fourth child was very straightforward and without any complications. I was healthy and fit when I went to the hospital in February 2004. Immediately after giving birth to Fabian sudden massive bleeding occurred. The doctors performed an embolization of the iliacartery, which later on ruptured.
The Consequence
As a result of the rupture I was in agonising pain around the clock. My leftside was numb. I could hardly feel my leg and did not have the power to stand properly. Whenever I tried standing, my hips gave way. The numbness spread across my stomach, resulting in total numbness of my upper middle body. I could not use the bathroom more than once or twice a week, I suffered from insomnia and groin inflammation and I could hardly sit. Walking was only possible when I could steady myself somewhere and only in the house for very short distances. I could not walk up the stairs to the bathroom. I would sit on them and hoist myself up one step at a time. My muscles continued to weaken and due to my disabilities I could not leave the house on my own.
I could hardly cope with the household chores. My husband, who works full-time as a computer safety systems specialist, did the chores before he left in the morning or after he returned home in the evening. Our older children were already at the university. My job as a childminder became impossible. I had four children to care for but unfortunately the two younger ones were too much for me to cope with. The parents of the two older kids did not want their children to have a new nanny and they wanted their children to stay with me, despite my disability. Yes, we managed it! The kids were at my house only after school. I had to look after them and play with them while I lay on the couch with Fabian always by my side. Because of all the limitations we had to face, Fabian had hardly been outside during the first 18 months of his life and I was very worried that the authorities might take him away.
Naturally I consulted all kinds of doctors. I went to neurologists and to two vascular surgeons. Physiotherapy for my hip and knee did not help. I felt terrible and I lost hope. I was afraid of the future and I was depressed. Our daughter and our son got married in April and in August 2004. Even though I was looking forward to their weddings and attended them both, I felt as if I was in a trance. Walking and holding Fabian was so hard for me! It took all my energy. This wasso sad.
The Moment of Truth
In October 2004 my husband arranged for me to have an MRI scan at our own expense. We wanted to know what was happening to me. Unfortunately our worst fears about my disabilities were confirmed. Unfortunately there was nothing more to say at this point.
In the waiting room we found a brochure from your clinic. We gathered more information about autologous stem cell treatment. My husband wanted to register me for the treatment, but we were refused because of a lack of experience with comparable cases and because the therapeutic benefits were questionable. But my husband and I insisted and I was finally accepted for therapy.
First Stem Cell Treatment in September 2005
Bone marrow containing the stem cells was extracted from my hipbone. The separated stem cells were re-injected in two different places: into my lower stomach and into my left hip.
The Result
After three weeks I started feeling my left leg and after six weeks my leg was totally normal. The pains were fewer but did not disappear totally and my bowel function returned to almost normal. After four months I faced short periods when I was free of all pain. Due to my weakened muscles physical work was still a burden to me but I could sleep and that felt wonderful. Gradually, I managed sitting and walking over longer periods, in spite of my knee, which was still stiff. I could even master the stairs in an upright position and I was able to do my chores.
All these achievements finally enabled me to go out with the kids. I was full of hope and gained self-confidence. I was motivated to go the extra mile. I wanted to get rid of my stiff knee and to be free of pain for longer periods.
Second Stem Cell Treatment in March 2006
Again bone marrow was extracted from the hipbone. But this time the separated stem cells were injected only into the knee. They injected only half of all stem cells, the rest have been kept in case I need any additional treatment.
The Result
My knee got more flexible and I stopped immediately being in pain when under stress. Fortunately I was finally able to sleep normally.
Third Stem Cell Treatment in October 2006
The stem cells were injected into my left groin.
The Result
I can stand physical stress for almost an hour without feeling any pain. After I rest my body I can start all over again. Now I cope just fine when I accept my limitations and I try not to ask too much of my body. My horizons have broadened and our family life is almost back to normal. Only Fabian still bears traces of that terrible time. He does not know how to occupy himself, because he was constantly at my side and never alone. I feel a sense of guilt even though I know that I could not have handled that time any differently.
My Advice
Health problems should be dealt with quickly and much more constructively and openly. If necessary one should take the initiative and find suitable therapy for oneself.
How it Happened
Pregnancy with my fourth child was very straightforward and without any complications. I was healthy and fit when I went to the hospital in February 2004. Immediately after giving birth to Fabian sudden massive bleeding occurred. The doctors performed an embolization of the iliacartery, which later on ruptured.
The Consequence
As a result of the rupture I was in agonising pain around the clock. My leftside was numb. I could hardly feel my leg and did not have the power to stand properly. Whenever I tried standing, my hips gave way. The numbness spread across my stomach, resulting in total numbness of my upper middle body. I could not use the bathroom more than once or twice a week, I suffered from insomnia and groin inflammation and I could hardly sit. Walking was only possible when I could steady myself somewhere and only in the house for very short distances. I could not walk up the stairs to the bathroom. I would sit on them and hoist myself up one step at a time. My muscles continued to weaken and due to my disabilities I could not leave the house on my own.
I could hardly cope with the household chores. My husband, who works full-time as a computer safety systems specialist, did the chores before he left in the morning or after he returned home in the evening. Our older children were already at the university. My job as a childminder became impossible. I had four children to care for but unfortunately the two younger ones were too much for me to cope with. The parents of the two older kids did not want their children to have a new nanny and they wanted their children to stay with me, despite my disability. Yes, we managed it! The kids were at my house only after school. I had to look after them and play with them while I lay on the couch with Fabian always by my side. Because of all the limitations we had to face, Fabian had hardly been outside during the first 18 months of his life and I was very worried that the authorities might take him away.
Naturally I consulted all kinds of doctors. I went to neurologists and to two vascular surgeons. Physiotherapy for my hip and knee did not help. I felt terrible and I lost hope. I was afraid of the future and I was depressed. Our daughter and our son got married in April and in August 2004. Even though I was looking forward to their weddings and attended them both, I felt as if I was in a trance. Walking and holding Fabian was so hard for me! It took all my energy. This wasso sad.
The Moment of Truth
In October 2004 my husband arranged for me to have an MRI scan at our own expense. We wanted to know what was happening to me. Unfortunately our worst fears about my disabilities were confirmed. Unfortunately there was nothing more to say at this point.
In the waiting room we found a brochure from your clinic. We gathered more information about autologous stem cell treatment. My husband wanted to register me for the treatment, but we were refused because of a lack of experience with comparable cases and because the therapeutic benefits were questionable. But my husband and I insisted and I was finally accepted for therapy.
First Stem Cell Treatment in September 2005
Bone marrow containing the stem cells was extracted from my hipbone. The separated stem cells were re-injected in two different places: into my lower stomach and into my left hip.
The Result
After three weeks I started feeling my left leg and after six weeks my leg was totally normal. The pains were fewer but did not disappear totally and my bowel function returned to almost normal. After four months I faced short periods when I was free of all pain. Due to my weakened muscles physical work was still a burden to me but I could sleep and that felt wonderful. Gradually, I managed sitting and walking over longer periods, in spite of my knee, which was still stiff. I could even master the stairs in an upright position and I was able to do my chores.
All these achievements finally enabled me to go out with the kids. I was full of hope and gained self-confidence. I was motivated to go the extra mile. I wanted to get rid of my stiff knee and to be free of pain for longer periods.
Second Stem Cell Treatment in March 2006
Again bone marrow was extracted from the hipbone. But this time the separated stem cells were injected only into the knee. They injected only half of all stem cells, the rest have been kept in case I need any additional treatment.
The Result
My knee got more flexible and I stopped immediately being in pain when under stress. Fortunately I was finally able to sleep normally.
Third Stem Cell Treatment in October 2006
The stem cells were injected into my left groin.
The Result
I can stand physical stress for almost an hour without feeling any pain. After I rest my body I can start all over again. Now I cope just fine when I accept my limitations and I try not to ask too much of my body. My horizons have broadened and our family life is almost back to normal. Only Fabian still bears traces of that terrible time. He does not know how to occupy himself, because he was constantly at my side and never alone. I feel a sense of guilt even though I know that I could not have handled that time any differently.
My Advice
Health problems should be dealt with quickly and much more constructively and openly. If necessary one should take the initiative and find suitable therapy for oneself.
