Why isn't this procedure available in America? Doesn't the US have the best heath care in the world? I have always thought we did, although I question now why I am in a hospital, trying to communicate in another language, for this procedure to heal my husband/family. (Thank goodness I live in Las Cruces and recognize many phrases. However, Steve and I have noted that Costa Rican Spanish is as different from New Mexican Spanish, as a Brit's English varies from that of someone from Alabama. In Las Cruces, a tostada is a corn chip. When I ordered a tostada this morning, I got toast and butter. Oh well, I digress...)
Back to the medical care. So adult stem cell research is legal in the US, but has it been approved by the FDA? I don't even know. However, there is no procedure like this one available within the US. We are aware of one clinic that treats with stem cells, but only for very certain types of MS. Steve did not qualify for that treatment, and even if he did, there were 1000 people on the waiting list, the last I heard. After many discussions with the other highly intelligent people here receiving treatment, the conclusion as to why we had to travel outside our great nation, boils down to a few possibilities.
First of all, the FDA is VERY slow to approve new things. Is this because government is too big and approvals take that long to make it through the process? Is it due to frivolous law suits, when people take medications and something goes wrong, so they sue doctors and/or drug companies? Maybe it has to do with the fact that pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars selling medications for illnesses that have no cure. They fund most of the research for drug approval. But, is it really a drug when they take your own cells and inject them back into your body? Hmmm....
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I hate to say it Laura, but maybe the answer to your question lies in the fact that we are treating so many people who either A) don't have health insurance because they can't afford it (in my opinion the insurance companies should get with the procedure people - hospitals, car repair shops, etc. and LOWER the prices on their services!), or B) we are treating so many illegals in our country that the prices HAVE to increase on services because someone has to pay for those people. (Isn't this what is really a HUGE problem in California?)
ReplyDeleteI know it sounds as if I am insensitive; I am not. However, if I went to France and decided I wanted to live there, I would have to sign up just like everyone else for any services I receive. In fact, I don't think I would get many services at all! I KNOW I wouldn't be able to vote(illegals here are getting ready to be able to). George's niece lives there and has had to jump through all kinds of hoops to get anywhere at all.
Anyway, I'm sure it boils down to one thing...money and greed.
Why don't the American doctors (In Costa) force the issue in the states? I agree with you...it doesn't seem like a big deal to put your own stuff back in your body!
LP