My Little Sisters Hip Recovery

As many of you may know, 3 years ago my little sister had done a stem cell injection into her hip in order to avoid getting a hip replacement. The procedure was incredibly successful and has helped her hip and comfort of life significantly. She has had about 50% improvement. Her range of motion is still minimal but she moves around with a lot more ease and almost no pain and the size of her legs has almost evened out(from being 4 inches thinner to less than 2 inches). Before the initial injection she had a very difficult time doing pretty much any task. After the injection and some healing time which was almost 10 years after her injury she was able to start running and even completed a Spartan race. In hopes of completely avoiding a hip replacement in the future and hopefully eliminate limping, residual back and knee pain along with many other things, she has elected to do a second injection. For those of you who are unaware as to what this procedure is you can visit:

http://www.regenexx.com

The unfortunate part is that it is not covered by insurance so I have decided to make her another fundraising campaign. Even if you can't donate, please share with friends/family. Maybe one day soon people will see how amazing this procedure is and more people will be able to do it and afford it. We thank you in advance!


Left: when she was a competetive gymnast
Right: after recovering from her first hip procedure and finishing the spartan race!


3 years ago this was her story:

My name is Marina and I am a rhythmic gymnastics coach, fashion designer, personal trainer, model and dancer. I competed as a rhythmic gymnast for 6 years and was top in the nation before I got injured at the age of 13. My injury led to the development of avascular nicrosis of my left hip. It was probably one of the most heartbreaking moments in my life when the doctors told me that I would not be able to walk normally ever again, let alone dance or compete. They were convinced that my leg would never grow to its full length, and they said I would need hip replacement because there is no other solution. I have been doing everything in my power to prove them wrong.

My path has been in the direction of homeopathic medication and constant exercise which has helped me keep my leg as healthy as possible. After extensive research of new treatments and procedures, I have thankfully found an alternative to hip replacement and have been accepted as a candidate in a stem cell treatment by Regenexx.

I work out on a daily basis to keep my leg mobile and strong, but due to the avascular nicrosis my bone has been collapsing. I have severe arthritis in my hip along with cysts and bone spurs, and have begun to develop Scoliosis in my back. With all this comes a great deal of pain and frustration. I have good days and bad days but the last time I was pain free was about 9 years ago before my injury.

I feel that I am getting a second chance and I am so excited and grateful to be able to undergo this procedure! I can't wait to be able to live my life without constant pain from the simple things such as walking, standing, sitting, and yes even sleeping. I can only hope that this procedure will also allow me to once again enjoy dancing, excercising and other physical activites pain free.