Hardcastle tried therapy to treat his MS

Although the stem cells are not embryonic, doctors in the U.S. are still skeptical of the procedure because it is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Adult stem cells are taken from the patient’s fat, sent to a lab where they are developed, then reintroduced to the patient via intravenous therapy.

The treatments are used to treat patients with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hardcastle was diagnosed with MS almost 10 years ago and repeatedly said the treatments worked phenomenally for him.

“I’m walking on water and near bulletproof,” Hardcastle said from a casino in Las Vegas, where he was with his wife for the National Finals Rodeo. “Since I had the third treatment, I have fished in the river in Alaska. I have walked up and down stairs without having to hold onto the handrail like a goon. It’s just been phenomenal so far.”

Hardcastle said just having his balance is an amazing thing because since he was diagnosed, his balance was one of the first things to go. He spoke at length about how easily he was able to walk the stairs at the Las Vegas event.

“Eight years ago, I was having to literally … stop to step over a concrete barrier on a parking curb. I just walk across it now like I did 20 years ago,” he said.

Hardcastle said the treatment is essentially the same that people have sought in Colombia, Costa Rica and Korea for the last 10 years. Some places in the U.S. now offer the treatment, making it more accessible than ever.

The FDA hasn’t approved the procedure yet, but the agency hasn’t disapproved of it, either.

“Under Texas law and federal law, it’s not prohibited now because it’s similar to saving your own blood — taking your own blood for reuse during surgery — because it’s your own,” Hardcastle said. “There are no outside medicines or stem cells included in the treatment.”

Autologous stem cell therapy is expensive.

“You’re talking about a basic treatment, just a one-time treatment is going to cost you $25,000 total,” Hardcastle said.

He said he is trying to figure out how to help people pay for treatments if they are already on disability or don’t have the ability to pay for the treatment.

He said payment plans for patients also are in the works.

Being able to tell a patient up front what they’re going to have to pay and being able to have the treatments with a payment plan would be improvements.

Hardcastle also is working with insurance companies to get at least part of the treatment approved and paid for by insurance companies.

“I don’t know anybody with any type of autoimmune disease that wouldn’t spend $25,000 to get better,” Hardcastle said. “How do you put a price tag on the fact that I can go look for a real job now as a retiring state rep and work again at 56 years old instead of just sitting around the house feeling sorry for myself?”

Hardcastle said area doctors showed great interest in being able to perform the treatments as alternative therapies in their offices. The plan would be for patients to visit their local neurologist to have fat extracted, shipped to the lab to be grown and enhance the stem cells, then ship the stem cells back to the office to be administered via IV therapy.

“I’m trying not to sound too excited because for one out of every five people, it doesn’t work. It doesn’t (give) phenomenal results. It’ll still have some results, but they won’t be phenomenal.

“So it’s not a miracle cure by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a treatment that works.”

He said, for example, one of the women who received treatments at the same time did not see phenomenal results, but she had some serious complications and believes every little bit she gets will help.

He said another man who took the treatment has Parkinson’s disease, and his experience has been even better than his own.

Hardcastle said his hands no longer shake — a blessing that anyone with Parkinson’s could never be thankful enough for.

Hardcastle said the more the procedure moved to North Texas, the more the cost can be in line.

“The dollars are sort of irrelevant compared to what we’re paying for normal medicine, and compared to the fact that we get to feeling so much better so we can actually go do our jobs,” he said.

Hardcastle talked about struggles faced by many people with autoimmune diseases, saying the entire family adapts to help you get through whatever day it is without affecting your disease more.

He said this year, he went through Thanksgiving like a champ, even playing on the floor and outside with his grandchildren.

Hardcastle said having MS for so long, he has built his life around not overexerting himself, so he is still out of shape, but he is exercising regularly and enjoys walking every morning.

“It hasn’t made me any better looking, and I haven’t grown any hair yet,” Hardcastle said jokingly.

He said doctors aren’t selling the treatments as a cure for any disease or disorder, but they sell it as a treatment for a wide range of diseases.

“My goal is to make it more available to the everyday person in Texas … which includes getting insurance companies to decide what they’re going to pay and getting doctors available that are willing to do it (since) there is no controversy in it because it’s your own stem cells.”

Prolotherapy is the name some people use for a type of medical intervention

Other therapists have referred to this type of treatment as Sclerotherapy. “Sclera” comes from the Greek word “sklera”, which means hard. Sclerotherapy, therefore, refers to the same type of medical intervention which produces a hardening of the tissues treated – just as described above in the proliferation of collagen fibers.

Not many physicians are aware of Prolotherapy, and even fewer are adept at this form of treatment. One wonders why that is so. In my opinion, it is because medical folks are skeptical and Prolotherapy, unless you have tried it and proven its worth, seems to be too easy a solution to a series of complicated problems that afflict the human body and have been notoriously difficult to treat by any other method. Another reason is the simplicity of the therapy: Injecting an irritant solution, which may be something as simple as glucose, at the junction of a ligament with a bone to produce the rather dramatic therapeutic benefits that follow.

Another very practical reason is that many insurance companies do not pay for Prolotherapy, largely because their medical advisers do not understand it, have not practiced it, and therefore do not recommend it. Finally, Prolotherapy seems too simple a procedure for a very complicated series of musculoskeletal problems which affect huge numbers of patients. The reason why I consented to write the preface to this book is because I have been a patient who has benefited from Prolotherapy. Having been so remarkably relieved of my chronic disabling pain, I began to use it on some of my patients – but more on that later.

When I was 40 years old, I was diagnosed in two separate neurological clinics as having intractable (incurable) pain. My comment was that I was too young to have intractable pain. It was by chance that I learned that Gustav A. Hemwall, M.D., a practitioner in the suburbs of Chicago, was an expert in Prolotherapy. When I asked him if he could cure my pain, he asked me to describe it. When I had done the best that I could, he replied., “There is no such pain. Do you mean a pain?” And then he continued to describe my pain much better than I could. When I said, “That’s it exactly,” he said, “I can fix you.” To make a long story short, my intractable pain was not intractable and I was remarkably improved to the point where my pain ceased to be a problem. Much milder recurrences of that pain over the next 20 years were retreated the same way with equally beneficial results.

I was so impressed with what Dr. Hemwall had done for me that on several occasions, just to satisfy my curiosity, I watched him work in his clinic and witnessed the unbelievable variety of musculoskeletal problems he was able to treat successfully. Many of his patients were people who had been treated for years by all sorts of methods, including major surgery, some of which had left them worse off than they were before. Many of his patients had the lack of confidence in further treatment and the low expectations that folks inflicted with chronic pain frequently exhibit. Yet I saw so many of them cured that I could not help but become a “believer” in Prolotherapy.

I was a pediatric surgeon, and there are not many times when Prolotherapy is needed in children because they just don’t suffer from the same relaxation of musculoskeletal connections that are so amenable to treatment by Prolotherapy. But I noticed frequently that the parents of my patients were having difficulty getting into their coats, or they walked with a limp, or they favored an arm. I would ask what the problem was and then, if it seemed suitable, offer my services in Prolotherapy at no expense, feeling that I was a pediatric surgeon and this was really not my line of work. The results I saw in those many patients were just as remarkable as was the relief I had received in the hands of Dr. Hemwall. I was so impressed with what Prolotherapy could do for musculoskeletal disease that I, at one time, thought that might be the way I would spend my years after formal retirement from the University of Pennsylvania. But the call of President Reagan to be Surgeon General of the United States interrupted any such plans.

The reader may wonder why, in spite of what I have said and what this book contains, there are still so many skeptics about Prolotherapy. I think it has to be admitted that those in the medical profession, once they have departed from their formal training and have established themselves in practice, are not the most open to innovative and new ideas.

Prolotherapy is not a cure-all for all pain. Therefore, the diagnosis must be made accurately and the therapy must be done by someone who knows what he or she is doing. The nice thing about prolotherapy, if properly done, is that it cannot do any harm. How could placing a little sugar-water at the junction of a ligament with a bone be harmful to a patient?

About 6 months ago I started a second treatment with Dr. Magaziner. After a successful treatment for my left shoulder I began treatment on my left thumb. My thumb kept locking up and since I work with fiber optics and network cabling I need my hands for my profession. It was painful to say the least, and each time it happened I would have to physically pull my thumb from the side of my index finger and sometimes it would just go right back and I would have to pull it away again.

“I am always very comfortable during all procedures and interacting with your staff.”

Dr. Magaziner and Staff,

I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me. I was in such pain and could not even sit up or stand up. Your staff understood and gave me an appointment in a very short time. They were professional and friendly in my time of strife. Your thorough review of my MRI and bone scan helped me to understand the extent of my problem. I especially valued the myofascial release treatment you performed on my contracted back muscles, it gave me immediate relief. The steroid shot you administered has given me 97% pain relief and I am now able to return to my normal routine.

Thanks so much.

Treatment: Prolotherapy of C spine

Comments: I was first referred to Dr. Magaziner in 1999 for treatment of degeneration and pain in my cervical spine. The treatment brought relief and i needed no further medication or treatment. He told me this would not last forever, but i could expect 6-7 years of relief. He was right on target. I have been back now for boosters and have remained pain free in an area where i have always carried a great deal of tension and discomfort.

I don’t know why anyone would not want to get this kind of relief!

He has a supportive manner, and great staff….and all of that goes a long way when you started out in pain.

Dr Magaziner,

I am writing this to inform others, and to Thank you for the kind caring medical attention I have received from your self and your professional staff at your Center for Spine, Sports, Pain Management.

I have had issues with my neck for the past 10 years. I have been diagnosed with small bulged cervical disc at multiple levels, with narrowing and arthritic conditions. Previous treatments have included anti inflammatory medications, Physical therapy, Chiropractic treatment, heat and ultrasound, and traction. So as you can see I have tried most every treatment option available without surgery and without much relief from my chronic neck issues.

I searched the Internet for additional healing options, and found information pertaining to prolotherapy. I had no previous knowledge of this therapy, but figured I had nothing to lose by trying this therapy. Thank god I tried it! It is an amazing therapy, with long lasting positive results. The problem is, their are no doctor’s in Maryland (Where I live) that perform this therapy. So I have had to travel out of state to various prolo doctors seeking the best outcome. After experiencing the treatment from 2 other practitioners, I finally had the wonderful opportunity to visit Dr Magaziner and his staff.

Over the past few years I visited Dr Magaziner 2 to 3 different times for treatment, for typically 3-5 treatment sessions. I don’t feel I would have needed to visit as frequently had I not re-injured my neck due to the strong physical fitness demands I have put my body through. I have been an avid weight lifter and karate instructor. I also played very competitive softball and have coached baseball and softball over the years.

The prolotherapy treatments have always resolved my neck/arm pain throughout this period. I have heard of the problems and issues involving spinal surgery and have been strongly opposed to that option. I do have to admit though, had I not found prolotherapy and it’s benefits I would have had to seriously consider surgical options. Please do yourself a Hugh favor and say no to surgery and yes to prolotherapy, Dr Magaziner and his awesome staff. Dr Mag, as I call him is the BEST of the BEST!!!

v/r,

BC
Bel Air, Md.

“I wanted to write and thank Dr. Magaziner for his God given talent. I began seeing Dr. Magaziner about 1.5 years ago on the suggestion of my supervisor. I had severe pain in my left shoulder and had seen a family doctor who sent me for an MRI which revealed the beginning stages of arthritis. To understand the condition I could not drive long distances without moving my left arm to different positions to relieve the tension and even holding my arms above my head did not help. I would wake up in the middle of the night and try and stretch out the pain, nothing helped. I attended physical therapy and took pain medications, which helped at first, however the pain would return. Dr. Magaziner suggested Prolotherapy, after my first session with Dr. Magaziner and began feeling results. After five sessions with Dr. Magaziner I am now pain free and there is no need for medications with side affects, or physical therapy. I am now taking treatment for my left thumb which tends to lock up along side of my hand while working.

I have had three sessions for this condition and have began seeing dramatic results. What I like most is that Dr. Magaziner is honest and will not try just any treatment without knowing he can help his patients. Thank you Dr. Magaziner and his staff for this wonderful opportunity to live pain free without surgery or medications.”

“Dr. Magaziner, Please find the below feedback for my treatment. I have also fill out the ratings in the websites you have given.
Dr. Magaziner is dedicated to his patients, and is very kind and pleasant. He is very easy-going and humble. I have 5 Prolo Therapy sessions for my SI and facet Joints. I am 75-80 %beter now. I have stop taking all of my pain medications. I would recommend him 100 % and would love to refer anyboday to him. I went to 4 pain management docs and one sergeon without getting any better for 2.5 years. With Prolo Therapy i am 80 % pain free now. His office staff is very friendly and caring. “

Pilates instructor was in such pain she couldn’t lift her right arm. A SLAP tear, rotator cuff injury and partially separated shoulder left her in agony most of the time. “If I moved it, it was sharp pain,” says patient, 58. As a result, she was unable to work. The former dancer tried more traditional forms of treatment, including cortisone shots and physical therapy, but nothing provided long-term relief. “I could never get beyond a certain point,” she says. After undergoing four to five PRP treatments with Dr. Magaziner, patient says, “I’m 100%” better and “I have my full range” of shoulder movement back. Patient says she is particularly impressed with her improvement, since people “don’t usually get 100% mobility back from SLAP tears, especially at my age.”

” You are, indeed, a miracle worker. There’s magic in your very talented hands. When I came to you just a short while ago, I felt so completely hopeless, with so much pain, in so many different places, coming from so many different sources. As of now, my body is unbelievably free of much of that pain, which is actually bringing me a new and optimistic lease on life. With much appreciation and so many thanks.

“I thought I should write and tell you that my sister and I made it back home safely. We had a really long day – the morning treatment, then the train, then a couple of flights. I actually took a different flight home and ended up staying overnight in Chicago as my flight from Newark let 3 hours late, thus causing me to miss my connection! However, I did make it home on Friday morning and am glad to be here. I am really grateful to all of you for your help, compassion and kindness. The past year and a half has been extremely painful for me – both physically and emotionally. Facing a future of pain has been quite discouraging. Thankfully I did find Dr. Magaziner and I am so glad that I made the trip! I was so exhausted the first few days of being home that I wasn’t able to accurately assess my pain level. But, already as of Sunday, I have not taken any Percocet, but have instead been managing on some lower level pain killers (of course not anything anti-inflammatory!). There’s a long way to go, but I do feel considerably better, for which I am incredibly thankful. Dr. Magaziner – I cannot thank you enough! Coming to see you was a lot of work, but it was absolutely 100% worth it. I thank you for taking so much time with me, listening to me (I go on, and on, and on..!) and of course for treating me. The PRP to my Psoas felt like nothing I’ve ever felt before – in an amazing way. The release of the tension/taughtness of that muscle was beyond words. I’ve met so many heath practitioners along this journey and your patience, expertise and kindess are top notch! I will continue to keep you posted and I am considering a return trip. It would be well worth it to come again- I just need to organize some things before I can decide on that… Thanks as well to all of you in the office – particularly Lori, Sandy and Eryn. My sister and I felt your genuine care and concern. Meeting all of you was such a pleasure and left us with great feelings that there truly are great people in this big world. Its so nice to be able to come home and tell my friends and family how well we were treated. I would love to write a novel of thanks to you all – especially Dr. Magaziner – but I will try to end here. Many, many thanks and I will touch base again soon! “

“I sincerely hope that you receive all the blessings in life that you have given to me and so many others. I hope you remaining in the business of healing others because I believe you have that God-given talent. For me Prolotheraphy did the job and saved me from unnecessary surgery which may have not been successful.”

“The therapy you recommended has greatly improved my mobility and my pain is almost gone. The treatment has really made a difference in my life.”

“The wonders that the shots have done are immeasurable, I only wish I would have met with you earlier in my life, I would not have missed out on many things that I wasn’t able to do for so long.”

“Of all the doctors I have visited, I have found you to be the most understanding and sympathetic to my pain. Thank you for everything you have done to allow me to do my everyday task, even things that I couldn’t even consider doing before.”

“I thank you for your medical expertise and for the special person you are in delivering care”

“Dr. Magaziner’s treatments have produced amazing results. I am grateful to him for his innovative approaches to healing.”

“To my delight my elbow is 100% pain free today! I can do anything I want with my left arm. No more ice, heat, massage or physical therapy, most important, no surgery.”

“I just wanted to drop Dr. Magaziner a note with a big thanks for everything he has done for me. An injury to my left hip during Judo practice in my late twenties eventually contributed to my premature retirement from the martial arts. The chronic pain and laxity in my hip made it impossible to run, and in recent years impacted my ability to carry out daily activities like picking up my son, or carrying my laptop bag. After Dr. Magaziner’s treatment, I am now able to do something I’ve been unable to do in over 15 years; double-time the length of 34th street between 6th avenue and Penn Station to catch my train, and moreover, I can do it while wearing my laptop backpack. I am now able to pick up and run after my son, and have started teaching martial arts again. I am now doing on a daily basis things which, 10 years ago, I thought I would *never* do again. Thanks Dr. Magaziner!”

“I am absolutely thrilled with the results of my mesotherapy treatments. My fat and cellulite was localized in my lower half and was unbelievably stubborn. Learning how much safer mesotherapy is over the surgery alternatives, the choice was a no-brainer. The fat and cellulite melted away in a natural way; no one knew I was doing it. My skin is much smoother and firmer, I lost a number of pant sizes, and for the first time in a long time, I like the way I look. A few years ago I received prolotherapy treatments from Dr. Magaziner, so I was already completely confident in his expertise. He and his staff go out of their way to provide the best possible experience, and are genuinely compassionate and supportive. I would recommend mesotherapy and Dr. Magaziner without hesitation. “

“I wanted to thankyou for helping me out with my knee and I wanted to tell my story so others can be made aware of your amazing treatment. About 3 years ago I developed right knee pain and could not bend it or walk long distances without pain, nor could I enjoy dancing which I frequently like to do. When I saw you we discussed my treatment options and I went for physical therapy and had injections with Supartz which is the standard treatment for my problem as covered by Medicare.The bennifit only lasted 3 months and than I was back where I started. You recommended Prolotherapy for my knee and after 3 sessions once per month I was back to all my activities and I was dancing up a storm again. I was so happy with the results I came to your office 3 years later with a problem with my hip. As we discussed to my delight the knee continues to be doing fine and I am still able to dance without a problem. Dr Magaziner, I would like to thankyou for helping me and having the knowledge and skill to be able to offer treatments that work. You are a very caring individual and I found you and your office staff to be professional and easy to work with. Yours truly, “