To see the posts about the procedure and my healing, check out my Regenexx page.
Ten years ago, I made a decision that would change my life forever. I took a leap of faith and underwent the Regenexx stem cell procedure for avascular necrosis (AVN).
Up til that point, I had spent 3.5 years on crutches, in constant bone-crippling pain, barely surviving. It was an extremely dark and challenging time of my life. I remember so many times the pain was so unbearable and overwhelming to my body that I would sit there and shake. I lived on painkillers, anxiety, and depression meds. And every time I tried to get help, it was met with more meds and “I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do.”
No one wanted to give me hope—that is, until I found Regenexx. They were the first people who gave me hope and options that made sense for me. I believed wholeheartedly that this stem cell procedure was going to be my ticket to getting back to walking and living pain-free.
Today, I am beyond thrilled to celebrate an entire decade of living pain-free, with no setbacks, no regrets, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
A Look Back: Where It All Started
Before my procedure, every day was a battle. The pain was relentless, and I felt like I was constantly searching for solutions that didn’t exist.
I wasn’t a candidate for a knee replacement at the time because of my psoriatic arthritis. Also, the thought of limitations with a knee replacement terrified me.
But I refused to accept a life of discomfort and limitations. I refused to give up searching for options.
That’s when I discovered Regenexx and its innovative approach to using my own stem cells for healing.
Did I learn about it from a top doctor who suggested it? NOPE!
In fact, I went to almost 30 different providers, and none of them suggested Regenexx.
I found Regenexx because PATIENTS were talking online about their progress and experiences. After seeing their MRI films of regenerated bone and talking to them about their experiences going and hiking again, I knew this was what I had been searching for. (I gave a talk at Stanford MedX about this, if you want to watch it!)
It was a decision rooted in hope, and little did I know, it would be the best choice I could have ever made.
The Journey to Healing
If you’d like to see my incredible journey, check out my Renegexx page with every post I’ve written about it.
The procedure itself was minimally invasive, and my recovery was nothing short of incredible. Of course, healing took time, patience, and commitment, but as the months passed, I started to notice something amazing—I was getting my life back!! The pain that had once dictated my every move was fading, and for the first time in a long time, I felt in control again.
During this time, I walked down the aisle at my wedding, had a family (four beautiful children), and truly started to participate in life again. Sometimes now it seems like a life time ago that I couldn’t walk.
For so long, I felt like I had to take a backseat, watching the world go by while my pain dictated my choices. But this procedure propelled me back to the forefront of my life. It didn’t just heal me physically. It transformed me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Fast forward ten years, and I can confidently say I have never looked back. No pain. No setbacks. Just pure relief and a renewed sense of freedom.
Seeing Is Believing
The following are 2 MRI films of my right femur. In the left, you can see a big section that is completely dead and crumbling.This was pre-Regenexx. On the right, you’ll see after my procedure where it had regrown 60%. This was in April 2016 – a year after my procedure.
And you may think, but Julie- why are you happy if it didn’t fully regnerate?
Well, several reasons.
- SO many doctors told me it was impossible. That the bone was dead and that was that. BUT LOOK AT THAT FILM!! IT REGENERATED!!!!!!!!!!!
- The way it regenerated, it solidifed my femur stopping it from crumbling and making it stable enough to walk. It basically encapsulated the dead part and made it functional again.
- My pain is gone! I’ve had no issues at all.
Why I Recommend This Procedure
If you are considering a stem cell procedure for AVN or any joint-related condition, I cannot emphasize enough how life-changing it has been for me. Here’s why:
- Uses Your Own Cells: Regenexx harnesses the healing power of your own body, minimizing complications and maximizing results. They have SO much research on why mesenchymal stem cells are what you should be using for orthopedic procedures.
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgeries, this procedure requires no large incisions or joint replacements, reducing recovery time and risk.
- Long-Term Success: A decade later, I am still pain-free and thriving. This stem cell procedure truly wasn’t a short-term fix!
- Avoiding Joint Replacement: Many people facing AVN are told joint replacement is their only option—this is proof that alternative solutions exist.
Looking Forward
Ten years ago, I took a chance on a procedure that not many people knew about. Today, I stand as living proof that regenerative medicine can truly change lives.
I share my story not only to celebrate this incredible milestone, but also to offer hope to those searching for answers.
If you’re currently in so much pain that you can’t walk, and you don’t know how you’ll get through another day—let me tell you . . .
I’ve been there before. You are not alone.
There is hope out there, and there are options.
Don’t ever let a doctor make you feel like a joint decompression or joint replacement is your only solution – because it’s not! Take some time and explore this option. It is life-changing!
Here’s to another decade (and beyond) of living pain-free! If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share and help others on their journey.
Wishing You A Pain Free Day!
