I'll be the Regenexx Stem Cell Therapy Guinea Pig!

**JK2234** · 04-18-2010, 08:21 PM

I really hope this works for everybody that tries it...

I also hope they can use this for the neck....

**mike86** · 04-19-2010, 01:39 AM

Originally Posted by Keano16

Hope you can avoid and/or delay surgery.

Be aware, micro-discectomy is not minimally-invasive surgery.

I'm pretty sure that it is minimally-invasive surgery. The incision is tiny and they barely even touch the muscles.

Lumbar Discectomy: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery - Micro Endoscopic Discectomy (MED

This website and many others say that it is minimally invasive.

I am trying to avoid this at all costs though! I feel that cutting off the herniation will completely destroy the outer wall of the disc, and thus resulting in recurring herniations

**Keano16** · 04-19-2010, 02:46 AM

Micro-discectomy is not minimally-invasive spine procedure.

If you are talking about METRx assisted discectomy, then it is a minimally-invasive. There is a big difference between MED (micro-endoscopic discectomy) and micro-discectomy.

You should consider enodoscopic/arthroscopic discectomy, it is more advanced technique and I think it is cheaper in the US.

**mike86** · 04-22-2010, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Keano16

Micro-discectomy is not minimally-invasive spine procedure.

If you are talking about METRx assisted discectomy, then it is a minimally-invasive. There is a big difference between MED (micro-endoscopic discectomy) and micro-discectomy.

You should consider enodoscopic/arthroscopic discectomy, it is more advanced technique and I think it is cheaper in the US.

You're completely right about the procedure. Still, I was talking about the endoscopic procedure I just though the 'micro' part of the name implied endoscopic.

So anyways, I went in for my last PRP injection this tuesday! This time it was with Dr. Centeno. It was the same procedure as the others, except this time I got an additional injection above the disc.

The doctor said I should wait to see results in 4-6 weeks and also requested a follow-up MRI by then.

I did talk to him about the Micro-Endoscopic Discectomy procedure... I asked him: 'what if the herniaion/protrusion doesn't subside and the degeneration is improving? Could I get a micro-endoscopic discectomy?'

HE SAD YES, BUT ONLY IF IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. He also went on to mention that the only TRUE minimally invasive procedure is performed in California. He went ahead and gave me their website and the doctor's name: Dr. Chiu at the California Spine Center (spinecenter.com, the website isn't working for some reason). The doctor said that this is the only true minimally invasive micro endoscopic discectomy procedure done in the US.

I guess I'm going to california if my sciatica doesn't improve!

Btw, i'll be posting pictures of the actual PRP procedure soon. So stay tuned!

**Keano16** · 04-22-2010, 02:44 PM

Dr. Centeno is right only about one part. Dr. John Chiu from California Spine is indeed one of the best spinal surgeons around, he is pioneer of minimally-invasive surgery.

Other part Dr. Centeno is not right. This type of surgery is performed in a lot of places in US. Dr. Chiu is good choice!

Regards

**mike86** · 04-26-2010, 12:44 PM

I will be postponing the Discectomy decision until July/August. I feel that Justin is correct, I shouldn't rush things. Also, this will give my stem cells a chance to do their magic. Besides, it's sitting that screws with me.. I should just avoid that as much as possible.

Regarding my current pain levels, sciatica is still the same as always. No change yet.

Cheers everyone, and good luck.

**Gilbert P** · 04-26-2010, 12:48 PM

Hi Mike

I would wait it out and see.
As long as you can take the pain,
I had a micro disc in Sept and now dealing with a re herniation

Keep us posted
Gil

**mike86** · 04-26-2010, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by Gilbert P

Hi Mike

I would wait it out and see.
As long as you can take the pain,
I had a micro disc in Sept and now dealing with a re herniation

Keep us posted
Gil

I've been following your posts. I'm sorry to hear about the reherniation. Have you considered artificial discs?

**Gilbert P** · 04-26-2010, 02:45 PM

Hi Mike

Yes I have but my facets may be an issue I think ?
Doing my homework

Thanks
Gil

**sportsnut3007** · 04-26-2010, 07:55 PM

Lumbar Radicular Symptoms in a 24-year-old Male, this is a new hydrodiscetomy, seems to be minimally invasive. seems to keep alot of the annulus wall in tact . If you choose to just get it cut out, then they have the accura scope thing that they can do also in texas and ohio i think