I emailed one of the patients who has had the stem-cell transplant in China. Their website listed emails and phone numbers for many of the patients, which I think is great. I emailed an American man named Doug and asked him if, after having the procedure and after having his symptoms start to come back, he still found the cost and the trip to be worth it. I want to make sure I'm not asking for charity if I'm going to waste people's money on some scam. This was the response I got from Doug:
Hi Valoree,
I am sorry to hear that your mother has ALS. You are right, the U.S. medical experts have little to no answer for als.
I have traveled to Beijing 5 times and have had the procedures 4 times.
Yes, I do think the trip and expense is worth it. Of course, it depends on your mothers condition prior to the trip because the trip takes a lot out of you and takes several days to recover.
No, the procedures are not all that bad. The procedure where they drill two holes in the skull is like going the dentist.
I had good results from each trip. Understand that is not a cure. It merely slows or stops the progression and buys time and hope. Hope is the only real thing that we have.
The expense is well worth it. You can not put a $ sign to hope and slowing it down.
If I can help, let me know. Use my name if you contact Dr. Huang. By the way, the staff is very caring.
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