stem cell research

[tcon]

I just read an article in the WSJ about using stem cell research to regrow muscle in the heart that was damaged during a heart attack. I wonder if any drs are looking at using stem cells to regrow damaged muscles in BPI

[francine]

I know that they are working on gene therapy to stop the formation of neuromas. Can you just imagine the concept of having the nerves be able to just grow back together on their own?

I think we all have to take the approach that ANYTHING will be possible in the future. Who knows what the future will bring - it amazes me.

I still have this vision of Maia getting all of her scars removed by laser gun just hours before her prom. LOL LOL

-francine

[StaceyC]

Wouldn't that be fabulous to just regrow a muscle...it is so frustrating that even if you can get the nerve damage fixed sometimes it just isn't enough...

I agree with Francine about anything being possible. Dr. Lee spoke with us about biological tubes being researched that would show nerves where to grow when they are healing, therefore preventing the formation of nueromas. I also heard about a pill that is being tested on lab animals that will speed up the regeneration of nerves...I assume it could be used for severe stretches and after nerve grafts, perhaps even in conjunction with the tubes...okay, I'm getting lost in my fantasy now...

[Karen Hillyer]

This question was raised at our Family Day last year and Mr Simon Kay a leading specialist int the field of Brachial Plexus Injuries responded by telling the group that sadly he doesn't feel that stem cell reproduction is likely to be available widely or even effective enough to treat these injuries in the forseeable future.This disappointed many of the parents in our group, who of course, like all of us are looking for that "magic" thing which will cure our children, guess we'll have to keep searching for now
karen