PRP method - any restrictions ?

[SASA39]

A former athlete.

Due to a prolonged knee stress ( and maybe consequences of HIV status over 10 years ) both of my knees are worn out “ so to say. Ultrasound and X-rays has shown signs of mixed  patellar tendonitis and knee arthritis  , and a ruptured meniscus on one knee.

One of the very best resolving method  for this/those kind(s) of sport injury is PRP – Plasma Rich Platelet method , which include injecting a concentrated source of autologous platelets  containing several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue in the  injured knee.

The technologies of this process include centrifugal devices  for extraction of the platelet cells  , glass tubes etc., etc.

And a question is: does my HIV status represent a threat to other users of the centrifugal devices ( who would use the same device after me ) , or to put that in a different perspective-  are there any legal and health contraindications for using this method for the HIV positive patients ?

Secondly  , although I visit this forum less that I would want to , again I would like to thank all the members that have helped me in my almost desperate times 6 years ago.
( Andy , Dachshund , RapidRod , rick21007 , Marc , ..... and all the others - sorry if I have left someone but you know who you are ....)
Greeting from Serbia

[mecch]

Its some sort of medical lab that mixes up this cocktail in the centrifuge?  And if so, wouldn't it be standard practice for equipment to be sterilised between every single use?  Why would HIV be more a risk than any other bug in anyone else's plasma? 

[SASA39]

Yes mecch , good observation.....
Although I forgot to say that this question or dilemma include not only hivers but also a people with Hep C and all other kind of blood transmitted diseases....and the point really is : wouldn't it be standard practice for equipment to be sterilised between every single use? 
Here is link to one of the clinics that use this kind of therapy :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PvR1dGDoVMA

[Ann]

Hi Sasa. They should be sterilising any part of the centrifuge equipment that comes into contact with anyone's blood in between each and every use. Hiv isn't the only blood-borne pathogen out there and some - like hep B and C - are MUCH more contagious than hiv.

If you're at all worried, ask them about their universal precautions/sterilising procedures used concerning the machine - you have every right to ask. After all, you don't want someone else's hepatitis or other blood-borne disease.

Hope you're doing well otherwise.

Ann

[SASA39]

Hi Ann,

"They should" are the key words....and if I ask them directly it may become suspicious , so I guess I would have to find a suptile way to resolve this...... I do not wanna rock a boat in a country where stigma is still strong enough.

Apart from some  arthritis flares ( due to a HIV drugs that I take  , years  and mileage) I `m doing almost well.

And of course you now that you belong ( with your sometimes strict but fair teacher attitude , which is justified on those forums ) to the group of my favourite persons here.

Al

[Ann]

"They should" are the key words....and if I ask them directly it may become suspicious

Al, you're afraid that they'll become suspicious that you have hiv? It probably wouldn't even enter their minds.

All you have to do is ask something like - "has this thing been cleaned before you're using it on me? What if the guy before me has hepatitis?"

It's a perfectly legitimate questions and should not arouse any suspicions at all. They might think you're a bit scared of being infected with something from someone else, but I can't see them thinking that you're asking because you are infected with something.



By the way, thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated.

Ann

[SASA39]

Ann
I`d rather said that I`m cautious , because I do have a lot of friends within medical stuff workers in Serbia , infact this method was recommended for me by my good friend who is a doctor( and do not know anything about my status).Also this is a land where everyone tend to know everything about everyone so it is better to be safe than sorry.And about questions....you just took my words out of my mouth...that`s exactly the way that I`m going to ask them....
BTW , this method although painfull is for some the last resort before surgical procedure which I tend to avoid.
Take care
Al

[Ann]

Also this is a land where everyone tend to know everything about everyone

Well, I know all about that sort of living! The joke where I live goes like this - we live on a rock* in the middle of the Irish Sea, with 85,000 alcoholics clinging to it. If you fart in Peel, they know ten seconds later "down Ramsey". Don't ask me why, but it's always "down Ramsey", whether you're west, north or south of Ramsey. You can't be east of Ramsey unless you're in a boat. Just one of those Manx thangs. (*572 km2 / 221 sq mi)

The population in the town where I live is only about 4,500. Talk about everyone knowing your business! But it's good here, because people look out for each other and help each other. There's a fantastic sense of community - even more so than any other area on the island. (The Isle of Man, btw) And you know what? My positive hiv status and that of several other people living in my town is common knowledge. And we don't get any grief over it either.

Anyway, yes, it sounds like you're on the right track regarding how to go about asking about their sterilisation procedures. They should be the same regardless of the patient. You can subtly remind them of this by asking about their "universal precautions".

Good luck, I hope the procedure brings you some relief.

Ann

[SASA39]

This could be a good "modus operandi" :

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Each patient and injury is unique; therefore it is important to discuss any treatment with an orthopaedic surgeon. If PRP treatment is recommended, Dr. Hall suggests asking your doctor the following to help determine if it is right for you:
1.Are there any contraindications for the method ?
2. What are possible side effects? (Examples include increased pain or inflammation at the injection site.)
3. How many injections will I receive?
4. Will there be any restrictions?