In a Stem Cell Transplant, the stem cells are collected from the circulating blood. This procedure is called aphaeresis. It is accomplished by inserting an IV into both arms of the donor. Blood is drawn out of an IV in one arm and pumped through a machine which separates out the stem cells, then the remaining blood is pumped back into the donor through an IV in the other arm. In many cases instead of using an IV in both arms they will use a central line similar to a Hickman catheter. Under normal circumstances there are usually very few stem cells circulating in the blood, therefore it is necessary to "mobilize" the stem cells out of the marrow and into the blood. This is done by giving the patient chemotherapy. Giving the patient chemotherapy kills many of the normal red and white blood cells. When this happens your bone marrow must go into overdrive to replace them which means the stem cells go to work. Stem cells are the cells which can become any type of blood cell, and which normally reside in the bone marrow. This sudden drop in red and white counts causes many of them to be pushed out into the circulating blood at this time. Then they can be collected by aphaeresis.
So I just read that the new way to extract stem cells from the body is through the blood. But I have to get chemotherapy, so nevermind...
Since the process involves surgery (unless I have no idea what a stem cell transplant is which would make me want to cut my throat...) and potential risks then yes you should ask your doctor.
sonicare
My doctor most likely won't let me get one. I feel like I have to have some severe disease in order to get one.
usually you have to have this thing called "a reason" to get one, but you could always give it a shot. If they wont go for that, try getting a bone marrow transplant. Not quite as much open potential as stem cells, but they still can differentiate into lots of different types of cells.
How do I get a bone marrow transplant for my brain? Won't the doctor just think I'm crazy and not request it?
Does anyone know the process of getting a stem cell transplant? Do I have to talk to my doctor or something?
johnd13
Since the process involves surgery (unless I have no idea what a stem cell transplant is which would make me want to cut my throat...) and potential risks then yes you should ask your doctor.
My doctor most likely won't let me get one. I feel like I have to have some severe disease in order to get one.
[QUOTE="sonicare"] Do you have brain damage?InEMplease
Well, I did get bashed in the head with a milk crate. It was done by a gangbanger. I had to get stitches. I know, I know just because I got in an accident doesn't mean I can get a stem cell transplant.
I don't actually think there's anything wrong with my brain, but I can hardly read or write for one.
So practice reading and writing. Don't need stem cells for that.
I practiced for years and years. Pretty much my entire life. I'm just saying, if I had the money can I get a stem cell transplant for a minor reason?
Well, I did get bashed in the head with a milk crate. It was done by a gangbanger. I had to get stitches. I know, I know just because I got in an accident doesn't mean I can get a stem cell transplant.
I don't actually think there's anything wrong with my brain, but I can hardly read or write for one.
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