Opinions needed on stem cell storage

[SilverNodashi]

Hi,

Has anyone opted to have their baby's stem cells stored, for later usage if necessary?

My firstborn has been in and out of hospital a lot in the past two years, due to problems with her right kidney at birth. So now we're considering storing my-soon-to-be-born 2nd daughter's stem cells.
It's going to cost quite a lot to do this and our medical aid doesn't cover it. So, after having spend thousands in the last 2 years on excess payments, which the medical aid doesn't pay (not to mention transport, accommodation and take ways - my wife and daughter often spend 5 to 7 days in hospital!), we're going to have to foot the bill out of our own pockets.

Has anyone done this before? Do you have any feedback, either positive or negative about it? I don't want to mention the company's name who's doing it since there's only a couple of companies doing it and we got a nice deal with them.

But, in general, have you had to use some of the stemcells? Which Doctor's / hospital did you use, and did you run into much trouble, or is it "like it says on the box?"


I know this is still quite new, but I also understand the value behind all of this. I have lost some friends in the past, due to cancer and other serious illnesses. Stemcells can be used to help in cases where compatible bone marrow can't be sourced and can also help with a lot of blood related diseases. So all-in-all it does sound like a good idea. But in this case it's a lot of money to spend.

 

[dlevine]

We had a baby 7 months ago and did the whole stem cell thing. Did it through Cryo Save. Cost about R16k. If anything i just never want to be in a position where i say "If only i had done it". Please GD i never have to use it, but i have it in need. I can never place a price on my Sons health. See it as an insurance policy.

 

[MisterBigglesworth]

We had a baby 7 months ago and did the whole stem cell thing. Did it through Cryo Save. Cost about R16k. If anything i just never want to be in a position where i say "If only i had done it". Please GD i never have to use it, but i have it in need. I can never place a price on my Sons health. See it as an insurance policy.

Same here, did this with the first and will again with the second. Thats really what it is...an insurance policy and not having that guilt one day of what if... Sure, it is pricey...but they have monthly payment plans. We didnt go with the above, we went with Netcells - they were fantastic during the whole process.

https://www.netcells.co.za/

 

[syntax]

We seriously considering this as well

 

[Niner]

As a gynaecologist, I reckon it's a great idea. Didn't do it with our first, will do it with our second. I see it as an insurance policy and it's not that expensive if you pay it off over 5 years.

Some things to consider -1. Take blood and tissue, it gives you more cells to work with and only store locally - it saves some money.
2. Remember the stem cells for your 2'nd child will most likely be used to 'cure' your 1'st child.
3. I prefer Cryo Save to Net Cells. Cryo Save actually tests the cord cells for viability before storage. If they're not viable, you don't pay and you don't get an unwelcome 'surprise' when you need them.

If you want more info, drop me a PM.

 

[SilverNodashi]

I thought I'd give some feedback on this matter. We decided to go with Cryo-Save and the whole "package" cost R22,000 (I think). They sent us a sealed box which I had to carry with me the whole time. On the day of birth, the umbilical cord and tissue blood was put in containers in the box, which had some ice-packs which I had to activate when everything was in the box. Their courier picked up the box about 3 hours later and we got a confirmation last week that the tests were good and the stem sells have been stored safely.

My daughter Katryn was born premature and spend 2 weeks in NICU since she was on antibiotics. She's been home for about a week now and doing well.

All in all I think we made a good decision, and hopefully if the stemcells are needed (I hope not...) it would serve a good purpose.

 

[dlevine]

Same process as us, they were very professional in all aspects etc etc. Congrats on the birth, wonderful news.

 

[goga]

Went with Netcells also.
- Same as all above, insurance policy of sorts and hopefully won't need it.
- I believe they also test for viability, and no cost incurred if samples taken are not viable
- Have decent payment plans - up to 5 years
- They've now tied in with Discovery Health, so you get an additional discount on the cost
- It was approx. R4k upfront, balance payable monthly +/- R260 odd after discovery discount (for both cord tissue and blood)

Glad we did it. Sent us the box and assured us that the hospital we're using has "spare boxes" readily avail if we forget ours or rush there in an emergency.
The nurses decided to call in the Netcells rep who was on hand to ensure everything was properly dealt with (enough sample collected, courier informed and on time, items properly packaged etc).

 

[maumau]

What an amazing facility to have. Congratulations to those of you who've opted to use it - and hopefully you'll never have need of those stored cells. Also love the fact that Discovery have come on board.

@OP how come medical aid aren't paying medical expenses for your first child? sounds like you need to change medical aids.