This trip was different for us because it was the first time we have flown anywhere since Gary’s accident. Getting through the Columbus airport was much easier than I anticipated. Everyone was very helpful and did what they could to get us through security as quickly and easily as possible. The staff for Skybus was also very wonderful. They treated us well and made the trip as easy a possible for us. We were in a 70 mph headwind which slowed our time down a bit. The ride was 5 hours out to San Diego. Stem Cell Biotherapy did an amazing job for us. The Shuttle was exactly where they said it would be and the driver was very nice. The hotel was nice but it is being refurbished as it is a little old. The workers at the hotel were wonderful.
We met the folks from Stem Cell Biotherapy in the hotel lobby Thursday morning at 7:30 am and they really go out of their way to make you feel like family and that you are important. They made Gary & I feel very special. The Dr. was very nice as well. He took the family picture in front of the fireplace just before we left for Tijuana. It only took about 20-30 minutes to get the to hospital in Mexico. There were 5 people in our group going for therapy. One with Diabetes, one with leukemia, and 2 with ALS (Lou Gerigs Disease). Every one of them was a joy to meet. As families of people with illnesses we all had many things in common. It was nice to talk with people who are also caregivers and know the stress of that job. We were taken into a cafeteria area and ordered breakfast. Gary was the first to be taken down for treatment. It only took about 15 mins. they put an IV in his arm and gave him 1 vile of cells that way, and then they put 3 shots into the back of his neck. Gary said that was a little uncomfortable but nothing bad. We were back in the van by 10:30 and heading back to the hotel.
Going across the border into Mexico we just drove right through. We didn’t have to stop for passport checking or anything. I was like coming to a yield here in the States. Getting back into the US was another story. We had to wait in line for about an hour and then Cameron, Cody & I had to get out of the van go into a building and have our passports and my bag checked. Gary stayed in the van with the driver and the driver showed Gary’s passport and they had a special person check him through. It took him less time to get checked through than us. Any way then on to the hotel were Gary went to bed and slept off & on the rest of the day.
Friday morning Gary & I went to the hotel restaurant and I had breakfast. I noticed when we left Mexico there were only 2 of our group that went home at 10:30. I found out why. One member of our group had a reaction to the therapy. They started the IV and just after they begin to give the shots this person passed out. They got all of the stem cells but they had to stay at the hospital until 5:00 pm that day. They didn’t give any reason for the reaction but they were monitored closely all day. If Gary would have had that happen to him I don’t know what I would have done. I was told that this has happened a couple of other times but not as bad as this person’s reaction. It also seems to happen to larger folks.
By 11:00 am the shuttle came to pick us up and take us to the airport. Getting through San Diego airport wasn’t as easy as Columbus airport. The lines were longer and more chaotic. We went to a special area were TSA walked the kids and I through first.We had to take Gary’s food out of the bag and place it in one of the containers that you put your shoes or coats in. We had to repack the bag afterwards. Then they took Gary across and patted him down. They did everything they could to help make it easier for us. There were just a lot more people to deal with. We went to our gate and Skybus once again was wonderful and very helpful. The flight home was only about 3 1/2 hours. Ya gotta love that jet stream. Becky Campbell graciously pick us up from the airport about 8:00 pm our time. We dropped her off at her house stopped to pick-up some dinner and then came home. It was about 9:00 pm when we got in and put Gary to bed.
Now comes the hard part, we wait. We were told it would be about 3 – 4 weeks before we would see any difference and that it is 3 – 6 months when the biggest changes happen. I was given a list of vitamins and all natural medicine to give Gary. I will post what they are later. I will continue with the blog and probably only update it once a week. I have pictures of our trip. To see them go to search and search for “San Diego stem cell pictures”. That will bring up the heading “San Diego Stem Cell Pictures” click on that and you will see pictures.
Now that Gary has the cells the only thing we can do is allow the cells to do what God made cells to do. Please pray that the cells survive and multiply to heal Gary’s brain, if it is God’s will.
Hello, I’m going to Mexico for stem cell. I suffer from Multiple Scelorosis. I hope it’s worth it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated….
If you’re using StemCell Biotherapy there’s not much to say, they take care of everything. Remember your passport and pack what you need for the time you’ll be gone. Also, I found out when I was there that just around the corner from the hospital where they do the procedure there is a pharmacy that you can buy medicines inexpensively. You can even get many medications that you need a prescription for here in the states over the counter in Mexico. I didn’t buy any but I guess that option is available. A traveling companion is also a wonderful treat. If you have the time and the money while you’re in San Diego there are several places that are nice to visit. Once again if you’re using StemCell Biotherapy the hotel they put us in was close to most of the sightseeing places. There’s really nothing to be afraid of it’s a very simple procedure that doesn’t take very long. If you want my opinion on if it was worth it, I would say it was worth every penny. For many of us we are at the end of our rope. The Medical profession can only do so much and they don’t know everything. Sometimes you have try something outside the box. If I had listened to what the Doctors told me about my husband, Gary, he would have been put in a nursing home and left to die. That’s not any kind of a life. He is getting better and stronger. Will he ever make it back all the way? I don’t think so but what I have now is a whole lot better than what I did have. I’ll remember to pray for you. I hope I have answered you question? If you have anymore please feel free to contact me and I’ll do my best to answer them.