Stroke Patient Stories
Damla Uludag (15 years old), Stroke
Home: Oss, Holland
How It Happened
On December 28, 2006, Damla experienced a cramp in her head and fell to the ground. When she tried to stand up again, she had no feelings in her left arm and leg. She fainted and an epileptic seizure followed. Damla stayed in the hospital for 5.5 months. In 2007 her physicians told her that only limited improvements were to be expected and that she had to learn to accept her life as it was. Damla started to look for alternative therapies and was informed by her family in 2009 about various treatment options.
She decided to go for stem cell treatment.
Treatment with Adult Stem Cells, January 13, 2010
During consultation, Damla was diagnosed with:
It was suggsted to do stem cell treatment via minimum invasive surgery directly into her brain.
On January 13, 2010, Damla was treated. She tolerated the procedures very well, experiencing only limited side-effects. After surgery she felt tired and had a light headache. All side effects were temporary and gone after 4 to 5 days.
Results
After only 4 days, Damla's spasticity decreased. Her hands were more flexible and less stiff. After a one-week recovery, Damla went back to school again; fully recovered from the surgery.
After a few months, she noticed more improvements. Damla could use her elbow better, and had improved fine motor functions. Presently, she walks better; using her feet entirely and not just her toes.
Damla was advised to start additional NCS therapy. NCS (Neuro Cell Stimulation Therapy) is a specialized rehabilitation program, specially designed to compliment stem cell therapy.
Home: Oss, Holland
How It Happened
On December 28, 2006, Damla experienced a cramp in her head and fell to the ground. When she tried to stand up again, she had no feelings in her left arm and leg. She fainted and an epileptic seizure followed. Damla stayed in the hospital for 5.5 months. In 2007 her physicians told her that only limited improvements were to be expected and that she had to learn to accept her life as it was. Damla started to look for alternative therapies and was informed by her family in 2009 about various treatment options.
She decided to go for stem cell treatment.
Treatment with Adult Stem Cells, January 13, 2010
During consultation, Damla was diagnosed with:
- Incomplete stroke right side of the MCA
- Epilepsy
- Organic Brain Syndrome
It was suggsted to do stem cell treatment via minimum invasive surgery directly into her brain.
On January 13, 2010, Damla was treated. She tolerated the procedures very well, experiencing only limited side-effects. After surgery she felt tired and had a light headache. All side effects were temporary and gone after 4 to 5 days.
Results
After only 4 days, Damla's spasticity decreased. Her hands were more flexible and less stiff. After a one-week recovery, Damla went back to school again; fully recovered from the surgery.
After a few months, she noticed more improvements. Damla could use her elbow better, and had improved fine motor functions. Presently, she walks better; using her feet entirely and not just her toes.
Damla was advised to start additional NCS therapy. NCS (Neuro Cell Stimulation Therapy) is a specialized rehabilitation program, specially designed to compliment stem cell therapy.
Keith Buller (57 years old), Stroke
Stroke following tooth infection
A tooth infection got into my blood stream and developed into an endocarditis, which clogged my heart muscle and resulted in a severe stroke in 1998. I was on the operating table when I suffered yet another stroke.
The Result
I remained in the hospital for over 6 weeks and was released in a wheelchair. I couldn't walk or talk. My condition got better with a lot of physical therapy, but I could hardly speak for a whole year. The right side of my face and the whole right side of my body were paralyzed.
Treatment with Adult Stem Cells in October 2007
I remained in this condition for nearly 9 years and had been doing my own research about solutions to improve my situation when I finally came across the option of treatment with adult stem cells. I traveled with my brother in late October 2007, it was the first trip to Germany for both of us and we enjoyed the sights, especially the famous Cathedral.
The bone marrow was extracted from my hip bone and the stem cells were reimplanted a few days later through a lumbar puncture procedure. I felt sciatic pain in my left leg during the procedure, which disappeared right after the treatment.
The Results
Around 6 weeks after the stem cells were reimplanted into my spinal fluid, I woke up one fine day without any ear pain. I had lived with constant dull ear pain for over nine years and the pain had just disappeared! My face didn't sag so much either. I could control my facial muscles much better and I could speak much better, too. I was finally able to have a conversation again. I had also had no sensation in my paralyzed right arm for those 9 years. All of a sudden the arm started to itch, it itched for literately 2 weeks and then suddenly the feeling returned. I could open and close my hand halfway much more easily. I'd also suffered from some pretty serious pain in my right leg below the knee; the pain has diminished and the only remaining pain is in the right ankle.
My biggest joy has been the ability to play cards again; I have a big passion for Texas Hold´em, a variety of poker. I had not been able to play since the stroke and so I played all through the summer of 2008!
Conclusion
Before my stroke I was very active, I was a kayaker, a bicyclist, a rock climber, soccer player and motorciclist... I certainly can not return to those activities today, but I am very happy with my improvements and where I am. When people ask me about adult stem cell therapy I simply say, "it works"! I am planning to return for another treatment in the next few years.
Stroke following tooth infection
A tooth infection got into my blood stream and developed into an endocarditis, which clogged my heart muscle and resulted in a severe stroke in 1998. I was on the operating table when I suffered yet another stroke.
The Result
I remained in the hospital for over 6 weeks and was released in a wheelchair. I couldn't walk or talk. My condition got better with a lot of physical therapy, but I could hardly speak for a whole year. The right side of my face and the whole right side of my body were paralyzed.
Treatment with Adult Stem Cells in October 2007
I remained in this condition for nearly 9 years and had been doing my own research about solutions to improve my situation when I finally came across the option of treatment with adult stem cells. I traveled with my brother in late October 2007, it was the first trip to Germany for both of us and we enjoyed the sights, especially the famous Cathedral.
The bone marrow was extracted from my hip bone and the stem cells were reimplanted a few days later through a lumbar puncture procedure. I felt sciatic pain in my left leg during the procedure, which disappeared right after the treatment.
The Results
Around 6 weeks after the stem cells were reimplanted into my spinal fluid, I woke up one fine day without any ear pain. I had lived with constant dull ear pain for over nine years and the pain had just disappeared! My face didn't sag so much either. I could control my facial muscles much better and I could speak much better, too. I was finally able to have a conversation again. I had also had no sensation in my paralyzed right arm for those 9 years. All of a sudden the arm started to itch, it itched for literately 2 weeks and then suddenly the feeling returned. I could open and close my hand halfway much more easily. I'd also suffered from some pretty serious pain in my right leg below the knee; the pain has diminished and the only remaining pain is in the right ankle.
My biggest joy has been the ability to play cards again; I have a big passion for Texas Hold´em, a variety of poker. I had not been able to play since the stroke and so I played all through the summer of 2008!
Conclusion
Before my stroke I was very active, I was a kayaker, a bicyclist, a rock climber, soccer player and motorciclist... I certainly can not return to those activities today, but I am very happy with my improvements and where I am. When people ask me about adult stem cell therapy I simply say, "it works"! I am planning to return for another treatment in the next few years.
Preston Plevretes (22 years old), Stoke and Severe Brain Injury
Told by Preston´s mother Tammy Plevretes
Severe brain injury at a college football game
Our son Preston was just 19, a young active college student and passionate American football player when his life got suddenly turned around. He was playing football at a visitor's game in Pittsburgh, PA, and got hit in the head during a tackle. He was immediately unconscious and was rushed to a hospital just two blocks from the stadium that was fortunately equipped with a trauma unit.
The consequences
Preston was diagnosed with a serious traumatic brain injury; intracranial pressure had caused his brain to herniate into the foramen magnum, a condition that often ends up fatal. Moreover, Preston suffered 3 strokes and had a cardiac arrest. Thankfully the trauma unit was able to resuscitate him and operate on him right away. The doctors performed a decompressive craniectomy, meaning that they temporarily removed a part of Preston's scull to relieve the severe swelling and pressure of his brain. Overall Preston remained in 5 different hospitals for over 7 months, 3 months in a medically induced coma.
Although Preston was already 19 at the time, we had placed him in a children's hospital, not in a hospital full of stroke patients, because kids are amazing and because we thought it to be far more positive and supportive to be around teenagers and children. After his release from the hospital Preston immediately went into rehab, where the main focus was on physical, occupational and speech therapy. At that time Preston could not talk at all. He needed to be moved by three people, when attending P.T. Today Preston is still daily attending an outpatient rehab and - in addition - in the evenings and on weekends my husband and I take him to a gym to get him stronger. Around the time Preston returned home we were told to look for a permanent home and to accept his condition. This was never an option in our family. We started looking for further solutions to help better Preston's situation and this is how we came across the possibility of adult stem cell therapy.
Stem cell therapy in October of 2007
When we traveled for the treatment, Preston was almost permanently relying on his wheelchair and would occasionally use a walker to move around. Everyone at the clinic was wonderful and kind; there were no issues with the language barrier. The trip was an overall terrific experience.
30 vials of bone marrow were collected from Preston's hip bone and 11 million stem cells were extracted from the bone marrow. Although we were told that it might be painful, Preston fell asleep during the extraction of bone marrow. The doctor who treated Preston, suggested that we inject one million of the stem cells into Preston's thighs, that were extremely tight (muscle tone) due to muscle atrophy. He regularly needed botox injections in his thighs and ankles, because the tone and pain were unbearable, so it was definitely worth the try. The remaining 10 million stem cells were reimplanted by lumbar puncture. Prior to the treatment we were told about all the possible side effects of a lumbar puncture and so we were prepared when Preston did get sick after the transplant - with a severe headache and lumbar pain. Preston was never someone to complain, but we saw that he was not well and kept him quiet and under pain medication for this day. We were able to go visit Amsterdam the following day and the remaining lumbar pain subsided after a week.
The results
The first changes started to happen around 6 months after the treatment with stem cells. Thanks to the doctor's suggestion, Preston's painful and tone thighs are now about to normal. He no longer requires botox in his thighs, but still needs them in the ankles. His speech has improved. It was very soft before, the words came out muffled and he spoke like a typical stroke patient. He is now speaking a lot clearer, although his speech is not perfect. We have also noticed changes in his motor - and motor planning skills, that are still slow, but improving. Preston is walking now; he no longer uses the wheelchair at all and very rarely the walker, although he still has some balance issues. Most importantly, Preston has regained an outlook on life. He knows that he will never play football again, but he would like to eventually go back to school and help other people, although his short-term memory is still a problem. His IQ tested average, which is - as we were told - quite unusual for a patient with such a severe brain injury.
Outlook
I am often asked, but I am never quite sure whether it is the stem cells alone or the therapy or - most likely - the combination of the two that helped Preston make such wonderful progress. We are still working hard, never giving up on Preston. To families alike I would like to say that they should not give up on their loved ones. Brain injuries take a long time to heal and every patient and every injury is different. But the changes - may they be small, but all the more significant - are worth giving it a try. We are thinking about returning in the future for additional stem cell treatment.
Told by Preston´s mother Tammy Plevretes
Severe brain injury at a college football game
Our son Preston was just 19, a young active college student and passionate American football player when his life got suddenly turned around. He was playing football at a visitor's game in Pittsburgh, PA, and got hit in the head during a tackle. He was immediately unconscious and was rushed to a hospital just two blocks from the stadium that was fortunately equipped with a trauma unit.
The consequences
Preston was diagnosed with a serious traumatic brain injury; intracranial pressure had caused his brain to herniate into the foramen magnum, a condition that often ends up fatal. Moreover, Preston suffered 3 strokes and had a cardiac arrest. Thankfully the trauma unit was able to resuscitate him and operate on him right away. The doctors performed a decompressive craniectomy, meaning that they temporarily removed a part of Preston's scull to relieve the severe swelling and pressure of his brain. Overall Preston remained in 5 different hospitals for over 7 months, 3 months in a medically induced coma.
Although Preston was already 19 at the time, we had placed him in a children's hospital, not in a hospital full of stroke patients, because kids are amazing and because we thought it to be far more positive and supportive to be around teenagers and children. After his release from the hospital Preston immediately went into rehab, where the main focus was on physical, occupational and speech therapy. At that time Preston could not talk at all. He needed to be moved by three people, when attending P.T. Today Preston is still daily attending an outpatient rehab and - in addition - in the evenings and on weekends my husband and I take him to a gym to get him stronger. Around the time Preston returned home we were told to look for a permanent home and to accept his condition. This was never an option in our family. We started looking for further solutions to help better Preston's situation and this is how we came across the possibility of adult stem cell therapy.
Stem cell therapy in October of 2007
When we traveled for the treatment, Preston was almost permanently relying on his wheelchair and would occasionally use a walker to move around. Everyone at the clinic was wonderful and kind; there were no issues with the language barrier. The trip was an overall terrific experience.
30 vials of bone marrow were collected from Preston's hip bone and 11 million stem cells were extracted from the bone marrow. Although we were told that it might be painful, Preston fell asleep during the extraction of bone marrow. The doctor who treated Preston, suggested that we inject one million of the stem cells into Preston's thighs, that were extremely tight (muscle tone) due to muscle atrophy. He regularly needed botox injections in his thighs and ankles, because the tone and pain were unbearable, so it was definitely worth the try. The remaining 10 million stem cells were reimplanted by lumbar puncture. Prior to the treatment we were told about all the possible side effects of a lumbar puncture and so we were prepared when Preston did get sick after the transplant - with a severe headache and lumbar pain. Preston was never someone to complain, but we saw that he was not well and kept him quiet and under pain medication for this day. We were able to go visit Amsterdam the following day and the remaining lumbar pain subsided after a week.
The results
The first changes started to happen around 6 months after the treatment with stem cells. Thanks to the doctor's suggestion, Preston's painful and tone thighs are now about to normal. He no longer requires botox in his thighs, but still needs them in the ankles. His speech has improved. It was very soft before, the words came out muffled and he spoke like a typical stroke patient. He is now speaking a lot clearer, although his speech is not perfect. We have also noticed changes in his motor - and motor planning skills, that are still slow, but improving. Preston is walking now; he no longer uses the wheelchair at all and very rarely the walker, although he still has some balance issues. Most importantly, Preston has regained an outlook on life. He knows that he will never play football again, but he would like to eventually go back to school and help other people, although his short-term memory is still a problem. His IQ tested average, which is - as we were told - quite unusual for a patient with such a severe brain injury.
Outlook
I am often asked, but I am never quite sure whether it is the stem cells alone or the therapy or - most likely - the combination of the two that helped Preston make such wonderful progress. We are still working hard, never giving up on Preston. To families alike I would like to say that they should not give up on their loved ones. Brain injuries take a long time to heal and every patient and every injury is different. But the changes - may they be small, but all the more significant - are worth giving it a try. We are thinking about returning in the future for additional stem cell treatment.
Alvin Mueller (83 years old), Stroke
How it started
At the age of 81, I suffered a stroke. The severe neurological damage caused the left side of my body, especially my left leg, arm but also my face to become paralyzed. I had practically no feeling in my left arm and leg. Shortly after this, I began researching the internet for alternative medical solutions that could help improve my condition and came across stem cell treatments. My family was supportive of my plans to undergo treatment and my younger brother even accompanied me in October 2007.
First stem cell treatment in October 2007
We stayed for a couple of weeks, where I underwent a few more neurological examinations prior to the treatment with stem cells. The team at the center was very helpful and professional. The stem cells were extracted from my hip bone and reintroduced by means of lumbar puncture three days later. After the treatment was completed, my brother and I travelled to Munich to visit some relatives and the world famous Oktoberfest.
The result
Some time after my stem cell therapy, I started to notice small improvements in my condition. The feeling in my left arm and leg returned, and the mobility of my left leg and left arm somewhat improved. My lower lip which had been paralyzed for three years, could move better, thus improving my speech and my ability to communicate. My hearing also improved. I am not sure what caused the sudden growth of hair, since I had been bald, but it is still growing today!
My advice
I have seen some improvement in my daily life and would recommend stem cell therapy to patients, who like me, suffered a stroke and seek to alleviate their symptoms.
How it started
At the age of 81, I suffered a stroke. The severe neurological damage caused the left side of my body, especially my left leg, arm but also my face to become paralyzed. I had practically no feeling in my left arm and leg. Shortly after this, I began researching the internet for alternative medical solutions that could help improve my condition and came across stem cell treatments. My family was supportive of my plans to undergo treatment and my younger brother even accompanied me in October 2007.
First stem cell treatment in October 2007
We stayed for a couple of weeks, where I underwent a few more neurological examinations prior to the treatment with stem cells. The team at the center was very helpful and professional. The stem cells were extracted from my hip bone and reintroduced by means of lumbar puncture three days later. After the treatment was completed, my brother and I travelled to Munich to visit some relatives and the world famous Oktoberfest.
The result
Some time after my stem cell therapy, I started to notice small improvements in my condition. The feeling in my left arm and leg returned, and the mobility of my left leg and left arm somewhat improved. My lower lip which had been paralyzed for three years, could move better, thus improving my speech and my ability to communicate. My hearing also improved. I am not sure what caused the sudden growth of hair, since I had been bald, but it is still growing today!
My advice
I have seen some improvement in my daily life and would recommend stem cell therapy to patients, who like me, suffered a stroke and seek to alleviate their symptoms.
Paul Borgmann (42 years old), Stroke
How it happened
It happened in 2004 during the night when I was at home. I felt unwell, as I had been suffering from a weeklong headache. My wife called the emergency doctor and I was immediately taken to the University Medical Center Amsterdam where I was treated instantly. But unfortunately the oxygen supply to my brain was not sufficient. Though I was taken to a special hospital after the stroke, I suffered more impairment than normal with immediate treatment. I sensed that something was wrong so when I was discharged from the hospital I asked for my medical file. It was lost and nowhere to be found.
The consequences
I was entirely paralysed on my left side. My legs were numb; they felt like cold lumps. I could not walk properly any longer. My arm was as heavy as lead. I was hardly able to care for myself; dressing and undressing and going to the bathroom became a challenge. But there was one more thing that made me feel terrible. I could hardly speak. My words all sounded so strange and my mouth and the lower part of my face were numb. Eating was quite a challenge and driving my car was impossible, not to mention working. I received rehabilitation treatment for quite a long time but eventually we were told that further progress was unlikely.
I felt more insecure than I had ever felt in my life. I lived in constant fear of falling whether I was outdoors or inside our apartment and the steep stair to our apartment terrified me. We live in the heart of Amsterdam on the second floor of a beautiful pre-war building. Also, I did not want to talk to other people. This was particularly hard on my family.
One day we read an article in a newspaper about a man who had received post-stroke autologous stem cell treatment and was able to work and drive his car. My wife and the boys checked the Internet for further information. Knowing where and how the treatment was administered, they immediately registered me. More information was required until I was ready to be treated.
The stem cell treatment in September 2005
Bone marrow was extracted from my hipbone. Fortunately, a sufficient number of stem cells could be harvested from the bone marrow. After I underwent neuronavigation surgery and the stem cells were injected through a catheter into the damaged area of my brain.
The result
Whilst recovering from the anesthetic my wife and the medical attendants immediately realized that I kept touching my mouth and ran my hand over the right side of my face. After I had totally regained consciousness I was able to feel my mouth for the first time in ages. Soon after, my legs felt normal and warm again, not resembling cold lumps any longer. The spasms got fewer and fewer. Words came back bit by bit and most notably my pronunciation is now clear. Finally my right leg is more and more flexible and I can I lift it to coffee table height. At last, my wife does not need to help me any more and I feel much better. I am no longer afraid of falling and I enjoy socializing again.
I started taking driving lessons in December. I now drive an automatic with the accelerator on the left side. I have even started working again for my old company. At first I was only capable of working three days a week. But now I am working every day from 8 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon. I receive physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment three times a week. After more than a year of struggling - not just me but the entire family - our daily routine is almost normal. Finally my wife's peace of mind has returned and she knows that I can cope without her help when she leaves for her full-time job in the morning. Although, the boys always supported me and accepted my problems, they are glad I have regained my independence.
My advice
It does not necessarily have to be true if you are told that you will not make any further progress. Do not settle for that - please go and find out about further treatment options.
How it happened
It happened in 2004 during the night when I was at home. I felt unwell, as I had been suffering from a weeklong headache. My wife called the emergency doctor and I was immediately taken to the University Medical Center Amsterdam where I was treated instantly. But unfortunately the oxygen supply to my brain was not sufficient. Though I was taken to a special hospital after the stroke, I suffered more impairment than normal with immediate treatment. I sensed that something was wrong so when I was discharged from the hospital I asked for my medical file. It was lost and nowhere to be found.
The consequences
I was entirely paralysed on my left side. My legs were numb; they felt like cold lumps. I could not walk properly any longer. My arm was as heavy as lead. I was hardly able to care for myself; dressing and undressing and going to the bathroom became a challenge. But there was one more thing that made me feel terrible. I could hardly speak. My words all sounded so strange and my mouth and the lower part of my face were numb. Eating was quite a challenge and driving my car was impossible, not to mention working. I received rehabilitation treatment for quite a long time but eventually we were told that further progress was unlikely.
I felt more insecure than I had ever felt in my life. I lived in constant fear of falling whether I was outdoors or inside our apartment and the steep stair to our apartment terrified me. We live in the heart of Amsterdam on the second floor of a beautiful pre-war building. Also, I did not want to talk to other people. This was particularly hard on my family.
One day we read an article in a newspaper about a man who had received post-stroke autologous stem cell treatment and was able to work and drive his car. My wife and the boys checked the Internet for further information. Knowing where and how the treatment was administered, they immediately registered me. More information was required until I was ready to be treated.
The stem cell treatment in September 2005
Bone marrow was extracted from my hipbone. Fortunately, a sufficient number of stem cells could be harvested from the bone marrow. After I underwent neuronavigation surgery and the stem cells were injected through a catheter into the damaged area of my brain.
The result
Whilst recovering from the anesthetic my wife and the medical attendants immediately realized that I kept touching my mouth and ran my hand over the right side of my face. After I had totally regained consciousness I was able to feel my mouth for the first time in ages. Soon after, my legs felt normal and warm again, not resembling cold lumps any longer. The spasms got fewer and fewer. Words came back bit by bit and most notably my pronunciation is now clear. Finally my right leg is more and more flexible and I can I lift it to coffee table height. At last, my wife does not need to help me any more and I feel much better. I am no longer afraid of falling and I enjoy socializing again.
I started taking driving lessons in December. I now drive an automatic with the accelerator on the left side. I have even started working again for my old company. At first I was only capable of working three days a week. But now I am working every day from 8 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon. I receive physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment three times a week. After more than a year of struggling - not just me but the entire family - our daily routine is almost normal. Finally my wife's peace of mind has returned and she knows that I can cope without her help when she leaves for her full-time job in the morning. Although, the boys always supported me and accepted my problems, they are glad I have regained my independence.
My advice
It does not necessarily have to be true if you are told that you will not make any further progress. Do not settle for that - please go and find out about further treatment options.