This is Part One of my participation in the Stem Cell Research Program (referred to as CADUCEUS) with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. ~Wayne McDonald
Before leaving the hospital on Tuesday January 5, 2010 my doctor told me about the Stem Cell Research Program (referred to as CADUCEUS). I said I would discuss it with my partner and contact the research program with my decision.
I decided to volunteer to be a part of the Stem Cell Research Program because I had NO health insurance and I wanted the best health care available at Cedars. In addition, I had already decided to go through County (Los Angeles County Department of Health Services) for regular check-ups and for my prescriptions. (Please click-on the category HEART DISEASE to read all my updates.)
On Thursday January 14, 2010 I went in for my first Baseline visit for the CADUCEUS study. The Baseline visit gathers health information (a "history") and a starting point of where I am in health. Today's appointment was from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
At 9:30am I met the Studies Nurse and had a EKG and health questionare. Next, I went to the Lab for my blood draw.
The second stop was imaging for a Cardiac MRI - a 1-1/2 hour procedure. Yes, 90 minutes in the MRI machine, no breaks.
After the MRI, I went to my pre-exam for a CAT Scan (CT). Before a CT the patient drinks a contrast material. The total time was less than an hour.
That was my full day - and I went home at 4:30pm
Note: This is an ongoing update of my HEALTHY recovery after a heart attack on New Years Eve 12-31-2009. Please click-on the category HEART DISEASE to read all my updates. ~Wayne McDonald, age 54 and 136 pounds - healthy.
