Interesting article on HGH for knee cartilage regrowth

[The KNEEguru]

I just want to highlight that the doctor mentioned in most of the threads is a researcher of the method (http://www.iagh.com/curriculum.html) and that the procedure at this stage is not mainstream.

[irentat]

I just want to highlight that the doctor mentioned in most of the threads is a researcher of the method (http://www.iagh.com/curriculum.html) and that the procedure at this stage is not mainstream.

I do not understand the reason for stating this is not mainstream.  Is this to deter people from looking at this option?

First we have to define mainstream.  Mainstream to me would be a way to regerenate my own joints with naturally occuring hormones.  Not surgery or artificial parts permanently implanted in my body that can wear out. It is perspective I suppose.

Sorry I have a very strong opinion on this.

[The KNEEguru]

By mainstream I mean that this is not a procedure well published in the medical literature for use in humans with cartilage defects.

[vexen]

Arthroscopic debridement is mainstream and yet studies show it does absolutely nothing for people with osteoarthritis vs placebo (fake surgery).

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa013259

I don't wish to offend, but just because it is not widely published shouldn't really mean anything at this point in light of the fact that the number of people with osteoarthritis is increasing on a yearly basis in the states and other nations.

Steroid shots are mainstream and yet they have been shown to actually accelerate arthritic development. Maybe we should be ignoring mainstream treatments and start looking towards people like Dr Dunn who have actually achieved real results, and at an affordable cost no less.

[The KNEEguru]

Yes, points taken. I look forward to reading Dr Dunn's results when they are published.

[irentat]

Guru,
He will never publish.  When I last spoke to him almost 4 years ago, he was close to 80 and he stated very bluntly that he had other research priorities first to publish.  Also, once he concludes his FDA approved IA HGH research, he has to stop giving the injections as it is no longer under the research umbrella.  He has built a tremendous business around these injections and don't think he wants to give that up.

[annasankle]

Honeybunch,

It would be interesting to note the frequency of your injections, amt of IUs received per injections and total time that you were non-weight bearing.

I have my own mountain to climb for my ankle cartilage problem due to car accident 8 yrs ago.

Thank you.
Anna

[Honeybunch]

The first round I had injections Friday - Monday - Wedneday, 4-5 iu and was only resting for a few days after injections as I couldn't use crutches because my other knee has a meniscus tear. This time around for the meniscus knee which hasn't healed he is doing 6iu once a week for 3 weeks

[ashok_guru]

I have scheduled an appointment with a doctor nearby my location who agreed to do HGH injections of 34 I.U per injection into the knee weekly. I am starting this procedure from July 20th.

[Honeybunch]

I have scheduled an appointment with a doctor nearby my location who agreed to do HGH injections of 34 I.U per injection into the knee weekly. I am starting this procedure from July 20th.

34 IU ? 

[ashok_guru]

Is it too much ? I heard Dr. Dunn is using 45 I.U ? Please let me know so that I can talk to my doctor about this.  Thanks

[irentat]

Ashok,
Yes Dunn uses up to 45 IU but focuses on monthly injections.  I agree with your weekly injections for an extended period of time but would personally use less.  15 IU should be sufficent used weekly.  My personal feeling there is a reduced rate of return in regards to cartilage regeneration speed.  You are already flooding the cells with GH every week.  3X as much will not give you 3X the speed to regenerate.

[ashok_guru]

Thanks again Ben for the quick clarification. will talk to my doctor about this.

[fandelem]

Hi All,

I spent all day today reading the massive 26 page thread that only to find, had been closed!

So I am going to post here because it is most relevant.

I have always been active (mt. biking, moderate weights, 2-3mi runs).  31 male / 21 BMI / no surgeries.

1yr ago I started dating a nationally ranked runner.  She inspired me to run more.  Well only a month or so into running "more" (frequency, same distance) I noticed on slightly longer runs (4-5mi, once a week) my left knee would get this sharp pain, medial side. 

Went to Dr. Eaton in Tampa.
--Diagnosed it a Medial Plica issue.
--Shot me up with cortisone (first ever in my life). 
--Seemed to feel better for a month.  Then slowly faded. 
----Went back after 3 months, he wanted to shoot me up again, I said fine, but if there is a next time I want this plica removed. 
------Months passed, got busy, couldn't schedule surgery but gave me yet another cortisone shot (3 total)
--------Nov2, 2012 had Plica surgery.
----------While in surgery, he noticed a floating piece of cartilage, an edge to the cartilage behind the patella, and very soft cartilage.
------------He recommended hyaluronic acid therapy as an ongoing form of therapy


I am less than 1 week on recovery, but I am vigorously researching cartilage treatments. 

I feel very fortunate compared to most on this board with bone-on-bone.  My heart goes out to you.


Questions for the board members... in specifics to my condition:
Q1: So far, I have read that PRP is mostly for ligament/tendons fixing.  If mine are strong, would it make sense to skip this, or should I explore it further?

Q2: Would reaching out to Dr Dunn be worth my time even though it is minor in what he typically sees, I feel that I would benefit from his iAGH therapy.  Does he only do it in conjunction with shaved down surgery?

Q3: It seems that many board members have had success with rebuilding cartilage following IA HGH - Humatrope in addition to T-shot (water-susp) series (15IU, 7.5IU, 7.5IU, 15IU).  Can you help my lingo so when I ask about rebuilding cartilage and these shots I sound educated?

Q4: Would I benefit from prolo? And did anyone reach a consensus on double centrifuge?  Also I pulled this from posts -- is it still a good approach? Hackett Hemwell prolotherapy (~ 20 injections of PRP, HGH, testosterone, prolotherapy / destrose, sodium murrahte, etc.)

Q5: Do you think the 3 shots of cortisone within 9 month period could have given the appearance at the time of the surgery as soft cartilage and could possibly be temporary?? 

Q6: Any takers on how that floating cartilage happened?

Q7: Anyone agree with trying hyaluronic acid or should I go with some combination of GH/prolo/PRP/T?

I have attached pictures from my surgery to show you my cartilage.  The board only allows tiny 128KB size which is really bizarre.  You should be able to zoom in on your photo editor though.  My notes are on there from my followup and are not medical and could be incorrect! I was writing fast.


Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

[rob wilson]

Most of this would assist but the best is stem cells from your bone marrow.  Check out

http://www.regenexx.com/