I've already had two stem cell transplants. Very rarely does somebody have a third, so I have to maintain my strength so I can go through this.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
When I got really sick and needed a stem cell transplant, I was fortunate to have a twin sister as the donor.
This is a year and a few months after the transplant. Before I had it my doctors told me that it would be the biggest thing that I ever had to face and believe me, when they take your liver out of ya and put another one in it's like replacing a football in your stomach.
I was on dialysis for 18 months before the transplant, so it was important I tried to look ahead to days like my comeback this Saturday. You need those big goals to drive you on.
I had to have a complete liver transplant.
I've had 36 orthopedic operations, have two fused ankles, my knees, hands and wrists don't work, I now have a fused spine, other than that, everything is great.
I have never personally seen a hand transplant that is more useful than a prosthesis.
I replaced three joints in my hips and one in my knee. I'm hoping that other knee doesn't have to be done. It's one of the toughest things to overcome.
Stem cells are probably going to be extremely useful.
In fact when you combine stem cell technology with the technology known as tissue engineering you can actually grow up entire organs, so as you suggest that sometime in the future you get in an auto accident and lose your kidney, we'd simply take a few skin cells and grow you up a new kidney. In fact this has already been done.
I am overjoyed that I do not need a heart transplant at this time.