What was your injury that was treated with prp?
L5 and S1 herniated discs and grade 1 spondylothesis approx 3+mm secondary to 19 yrs 911 paramedic. No acute injury.
Did you try any other therapy before you opted for prp treatment?
Yes. First Dr. diagnosed right trochanter bursitis due to radiating right lateral thigh pain and prescribed short run steroids, 30 days Ultram and xrays and a ‘sit and be fit’ type of physical therapy regimen-which I found to inadequate for my level of fitness. Steroids eliminated pain for a week, but when I got the xray report (above) I knew there would be ongoing problems and saw a back specialists. He ordered more xrays and an MRI only, no pain meds or physical therapy. While I waited to see him again (2 wks later with returned pain of 8/10) I started my own physical therapy of light cardio and advanced core/back and yoga. I have participated in various types of advanced physical fitness all my life. When I saw him again , my efforts had reduced my pain to 2/10 most days, if I didn’t stain it. The doctor said, “You’re cured yourself. You don’t need us.” And gave me no further assistance. But my pain continued with worsening symptoms of severe lumbar back popping. Sometimes I could feel my vertebrae shift, but without pain, by merely rolling over in bed. Over the next 8 months I researched various options, even surgery, until I found PRP. I researched it and found Dr. Stanley Jones at Southwest Memorial in Houston. Within two weeks, I had a new MRI and xrays, two appts with him and my PRP surgery scheduled.
Why did your physician decide to utilize prp for this injury?
PRP is one of the primary treatments my doctor uses for patients with injuries who will benefit from PRP.
What medical facility did your physician perform this treatment? Hospital? Physician clinic?
Elite out-patient surgical clinic in the Houston medical center
Did your physician have you follow a specific protocol the night before your prp treatment?
No anti-inflammatory for five days prior and no food after midnight before surgery.
Do you remember how much blood was drawn from you? After they drew the blood, how long did you have to wait before the platelet rich plasma was ready for use on your injury?
approx 15-20 cc They were running behind that morning, about an hour, I think.
What did the physician do to prepare the injury site for injection?
I was unconscious during the injection (versed and fentynal)
Did the physician use ultrasound as a guide to place the platelet rich plasma?
unknown
How did the injection feel? Explain. And do you remember how long the prp treatment took? If you had pain, how long did the pain last? Any swelling?
unconscious during the injection. I think I went into surgery around 9:30 or 10am and woke up in recovery around 11am. When I woke up, my lumbar back was very sore 4/10, as I woke further (approx 15 mins later) it became very painful (7/10) I was given morphine IV and it reduced to 3/10. My back was very sore and weak initially and I was unable to sit or stand without assistance for the first several hours. After I recovered at home later that day, it began to strengthen but the soreness continued. I took Vicodin for pain PRN for the next few days which relieved my pain. I had no swelling I could detect. I was told to lay supine as much as possible for the first 48 hrs, which I did and it helped keep reduce my pain. By the 5th day I only had pain if I stood or sat too long.
How long did the entire visit take?
5 hours
After treatment, did your physician wrap the treatment site? If not, what did he do post treatment?
simple, adhesive Band aids
What was your physicians post prp treatment protocol for you? Restrictions? Rest? Exercise? Stretching? Pain medication? Any specific directions you had to follow?
bed rest in supine position x 48 hours, no strenuous exercise, no anti-inflammatory x 2 weeks
How much was the prp treatment?
My 20% after insurance was just under $400, not including the anesthesiologist
Did the treatment work for you? If so, when did you start feeling better? How soon could you bet back to playing your sport?
So far I’ve had improvements everyday. By the third day my overall back/leg pain was reduced and my lumbar vertebrae no longer popped, by day 5 all my leg pain disappeared and my right sided lumbar reduced, only flaring with too much exertion. I’m on day six today-still no leg pain, still have lumbar pain but only with exertion. Have very little to none when sitting on good chair with good position (always hurt before, worsened with bad chair, bad posture)
I’m back to work today on the ambulance (24 hour shift) and would love to start exercising at my previous levels as soon as my doctor clears me.
Other comments or thoughts about your prp experience?
Too soon to count my chickens since full results take a month, but so far this has been wonderful! Even reducing my pain is worth it. If it truly heals my back, then it’s the next best thing to a miracle.
