Diamond Member Testimonial: James Neal

We are here with James. Neal. James. Neal is one of our diamond package members. So, James, you joined our practice doing our combined orthobiologics and wellness program. When did we start with you?

About August.

Okay. And then we did, we did focused orthobiologics treatments for his knees. He has really bad knee arthritis. And how has that process been for you? We've done an injection of bone marrow, Aspirin. Yes. And then we've done a single PRP injection, some laser therapies. And so what was your pain like before we did your.

It was extreme pain, throbbing at night, limited ability to walk and go, avoiding stairs. And I mean, it was, it was bad. And I, you know, at that time when I came in, I had one of them. My knees were swollen up about the size of a grapefruit. So it's in pretty bad shape. Dr. Shatner's been seeing me for a long time and redirected me to this type of care, which has been fantastic.

Awesome. And so how would you describe the procedures that we did? Were they relatively easy to get through?

Yeah, everything's been relatively pain free. I mean, not any more pain than any normal shots and stuff. It's all been fine. Of course, everything. Michelle explains everything extremely well. And nothing's really been a surprise recovery from everything has been quick and easy.

How much downtime would you say you had after each of these?

Yeah, the stem cell stuff, now that was painful for probably the night and maybe the next morning, but by midday everything was fine other than just care on the incisions.

And so we've done your treatments for less than, you know, a month or two. Right. Like so. And then how much pain are you having now?

Relatively none. Now there's an occasional moment, a false step or something, but I mean, there's no throbbing, getting up and going. It's relatively been a great change.

And so that's super exciting. But what our goal with holistic orthopedics and our wellness programs is not just to treat your knees. Right. It's to treat the whole person. And so in your program, we incorporate a whole body wellness approach with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, wellness options, weight loss with our orthobiologic treatment. And the goal is to get you as healthy as possible while we do your treatments. You've had great results with the wellness program. How were you feeling before we started that whole wellness program?

Just, you know, lethargic and not really energetic, just not into bald and things like I kind of wanted to be and stuff. And always avoiding going up to bleachers and things like that. That is I was so worried about because I got two grandkids that are playing ball now, and I'm excited and wanting to go be a part of it. And this whole new season has been great. I'm going in the bleachers now, and it's just been great. Total change in my ability and my.

Wanting us to go do things. You know, I'll get up now and I want to go to the game. Look forward to going to the game, stuff like that. It's just been great.

How's your energy level?

Real good. Some of the medicine can kind of knock you down just a little bit for a little while, but you can deal with that. And then later in the week you're fine. And by the weekend, you know, I've been involved in everything on the weekend now compared to just sitting home by myself.

And how much weight have you lost thus far?

Just in two months, just ten pounds. But the supplements and all the other advice and treatments and stuff have contributed to this. Overall, my legs feel more muscular and stronger. My midsection seems smaller and stronger. The numbers say just ten pounds, but there's other things going in that make me feel tighter and fitter.

Well, and we can lose weight fast, but we really want to lose weight healthy, right? That's the goal.

That's like I said, my legs feel way better with use now. The muscles are stronger. I can tell that's different. And swim more. I was able to swim more this summer, so it finished up strong. Excited about next summer now, too, actually.

So what would you say to somebody who's considering our wellness program combined with orthobiologic spare piece?

I would say it's great. Of course, I hate to say this this way, but at my age, I was just banging my head against the wall. Lose three pounds, gain five in a day's time, which led to serious frustration. Give up, you know, things like that. And this has just changed everything. It's all encouragement, too, to eat less, watch what you're doing, and things like that. And the star and getting into it really quick and stuff. And the feeling's pretty fast of feeling better. Gives you the encouragement to continue. And it gets better and better. That's what I'm trying to say. It's been terrific.

Absolutely. And it's an investment, Right? It's money. Insurance doesn't pay for this stuff. What would you say to somebody who is considering the amount of money that it costs?

When I left after committing to a doctor. As good as I felt about Dr. Shatner, I was petrified about spending that kind of money on just me. I have two children, a wife, two grandkids, and it bothered me a lot. But my daughters. If I can get through this, my daughters told me that it's an investment in me, is an investment in them.

That's right, man.

And keeping me here longer. So everybody's on board with it, and it's been real good for my whole family. I'm so glad you hear that. Yeah.

You're going to make me cry.

Well, and, you know, one Gr Kids, too. So they want me to be here for his games and his growing up. And now I feel like I am going to be here for some of that. Most of that. So that's just been great.

That's exactly what we want. We want to help people change their lives.

Yeah. It's more of an investment in the whole family than just me was the lesson that I learned from my family.

So fantastic. Well, thank you so much, Jim. You, you're amazing. You're an impressive person and an inspiration to all of us.

It's been great. Thanks so much.