A Fight for Relief from Alcohol-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Barrett Prody’s Journey: A Fight for Relief from Alcohol-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Patient Demographics:

  • Name: Barrett Prody
  • Residence: Fort Lauderdale, United States
  • Diagnosis: Alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy in feet and lower legs
  • Treatment: Stem cell therapy
  • Treatment Country: Colombia
  • Clinic: Stem Cells Kyron Colombia
  • Facilitator: PlacidWay

Life Before the Diagnosis – "I Just Wanted to Feel My Feet Again"

Before neuropathy took hold of his life, Barrett Prody was an active and independent man. Living in Fort Lauderdale, he loved spending time near the water, walking on the beach, and staying on his feet for work and hobbies. But over the years, excessive alcohol consumption had unknowingly done damage. What started as occasional tingling in his toes gradually turned into persistent numbness, weakness, and eventually, a loss of balance.

Barrett first brushed it off as poor circulation or just "one of those things that happen with age." But when simple tasks—walking from his car to the grocery store, standing for too long, even feeling the sand beneath his feet—became nearly impossible, he knew something was seriously wrong.

"I always took my mobility for granted. You never think about how much you rely on your legs until they stop working the way they should. One day, I realized I couldn’t even feel the ground beneath me, and that was terrifying."

Struggling to Find Treatment – "No One Had a Real Solution"

Barrett visited multiple doctors in the U.S., each confirming what he already feared—his neuropathy was permanent, and there was no real cure. The only thing they could offer him were medications for pain and nerve supplements that provided little to no improvement. Some suggested physical therapy, but it didn’t address the underlying nerve damage.

The frustration grew when he looked into advanced treatments. Stem cell therapy was a promising option, but in the U.S., it was either unavailable for his condition or priced astronomically high—far beyond what he could afford. Insurance wouldn’t cover experimental treatments, and he felt like he was running out of options.

"It was exhausting to hear the same thing over and over: ‘There’s nothing we can do.’ I didn’t want painkillers. I wanted my life back. But in the U.S., getting real treatment felt impossible unless you were rich."

Searching for an Alternative – "There Had to Be Another Way"

Desperate for a solution, Barrett took to the internet, reading forums and medical studies about neuropathy treatments. That’s when he stumbled upon stem cell therapy in other countries—particularly in Colombia, where clinics were offering regenerative treatments at a fraction of the cost in the U.S.

The idea of traveling abroad for medical care made him nervous. He had never left the country for something this serious, and doubts crept in. Would the doctors be trustworthy? What if something went wrong? Would he even see results? But deep down, he knew staying home meant nothing would change.

"I was scared, no doubt. The thought of flying to another country for a procedure I didn’t fully understand was overwhelming. But staying in the U.S. meant accepting that I’d never walk properly again. That wasn’t an option for me."

Discovering PlacidWay – "Finally, Someone Who Could Help"

As Barrett continued his research, he found PlacidWay, a medical tourism platform that connected patients with international clinics. He reached out, explaining his condition and frustrations with the lack of options in the U.S. To his surprise, the team at PlacidWay quickly responded, guiding him through different stem cell clinics and treatment plans.

They recommended Stem Cells Kyron Colombia, a facility known for regenerative medicine and its success with neuropathy patients. The more he learned about the doctors and their expertise, the more confident he felt.

"For the first time, I wasn’t just reading vague promises online—I was talking to real professionals who actually had solutions. PlacidWay made it easy to connect with the right clinic, and suddenly, everything felt possible."

Preparing for the Journey – "Every Step Felt Like a Battle"

Making the decision was one thing; preparing for the trip was another. Financially, Barrett had to get creative—he used savings, borrowed some from family, and even set up a small crowdfunding campaign. Explaining his decision to friends and family was tough, with many expressing concerns about safety and effectiveness.

Getting his passport, booking flights, and navigating travel logistics were added stressors, but knowing he had already taken the biggest step—choosing to fight for his health—kept him moving forward.

The night before his flight, anxiety set in. He lay awake, wondering if he was making a mistake. But deep down, he knew he had to take this chance.

"I was terrified of the unknown. But the thought of living the rest of my life in pain and numbness? That was even scarier."

Arriving in Colombia – "I Finally Felt Hopeful"

Stepping off the plane in Colombia, Barrett expected chaos, but instead, he was met with warmth. The medical team at Stem Cells Kyron Colombia welcomed him, making sure he felt comfortable every step of the way. The clinic itself was clean, professional, and surprisingly modern—far better than he had imagined.

Meeting his doctor for the first time reassured him even more. They walked him through the procedure, explaining how stem cells would be injected into his affected areas to promote nerve regeneration. For the first time in years, he felt genuine hope.

"The moment I met the medical team, I knew I had made the right decision. They weren’t just treating me like another patient—they truly wanted to help me heal."

Undergoing Treatment – "A Rollercoaster of Emotions"

The procedure itself was smooth, with stem cells injected directly into his legs and feet. While not painful, it was an intense experience—knowing that these cells held the potential to repair his nerves. The next few days were filled with anticipation. Would it work? Would he feel anything?

The doctors reminded him that results wouldn’t be immediate—regeneration takes time. But even a week post-treatment, he started noticing small changes: a slight return of sensation in his toes, a little more stability when he stood.

"It wasn’t a miracle overnight, but something was happening. For the first time in years, I had hope that my nerves weren’t completely gone."

Recovering and Returning Home – "A Different Man"

Over the next few months, Barrett continued to improve. He combined his stem cell therapy with physical therapy, following the doctors' recommendations closely. Gradually, his numbness lessened, and his ability to walk improved. It wasn’t an instant cure, but it was progress—something he never thought possible before.

When he returned home, friends and family were shocked. He was standing taller, walking steadier, and most importantly, feeling hope again.

"Coming back home felt different. I wasn’t just surviving anymore—I was healing. I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t taken this chance."

A Message to Others – "Don’t Let Fear Stop You"

For anyone struggling with peripheral neuropathy or feeling trapped by the limitations of their home country’s healthcare system, Barrett has one message: Don’t wait.

"If I had let fear hold me back, I’d still be suffering every single day. Don’t let your country’s healthcare limitations decide your fate. There are real solutions out there—you just have to be willing to take that step. And with PlacidWay, you don’t have to do it alone."

If you're considering medical treatment abroad, PlacidWay can help you find the right clinic and doctors for your condition. Take control of your health today.

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Disclaimer: This is a personal story shared to inspire others considering medical tourism. Experiences and results may vary for each individual. Always consult a medical professional before making any health-related decisions.