“I almost died before coming here. And now? I feel better than I have in 20 years.”
– Scott Payne, former FBI agent, author, and guest on the Joe Rogan Experience
Decades of Service, a Lifetime of Pain
Scott Payne’s body tells the story of a life lived at the edge. A former FBI agent with 28 years in law enforcement, Scott spent most of his career embedded in high-stakes undercover operations. Before that, he was a college football player with something to prove—and the injuries to show for it.
From squats gone wrong to cartel takedowns, his journey reads more like a Hollywood script than a typical retirement story. And the physical toll? Devastating:
- First lumbar fusion in 2002
- Second lumbar fusion after the first failed
- Six shoulder surgeries (mostly rotator cuff tears)
- Torn bicep
- A total hip replacement
- Daily NSAIDs, whiskey, and restless nights just to cope
“I popped a bicep. Tore up both shoulders. My back had literally broken free—surgeons told me I had a disconnected spine for over 15 years,” Scott recalls.
After a total hip replacement in the U.S. in 2023 that led to a near-death experience from sepsis, Scott knew he couldn’t keep going down the traditional path. “I was in the hospital, screaming in pain for hours. The meds wore off, and the doctor was gone for the weekend. That was it for me.”
The Leap to CPI Stem Cells
Enter CPI Stem Cells, a cutting-edge regenerative medicine clinic in Tijuana, Mexico.
Scott was skeptical at first. As a federal agent who had worked along the U.S.-Mexico border for years, he had seen both sides of the coin. But after doing his research, talking to other patients, and connecting with the team at CPI, he took a leap of faith.
And it changed everything.
“It was the best hospital stay of my life. I went from fearing for my life in a U.S. hospital to laughing and binge-watching Netflix during my stay here.”
The Protocol: Precision + Power
CPI’s treatment plan for Scott was aggressive—but based on advanced diagnostics, including fresh MRIs and bloodwork.
Here’s what he received:
- 20 million stem cells in his right shoulder
- 10 million in the left
- 70 million in his cervical spine (neck)
- 120 million via IV, plus NAD+ therapy
That’s over 220 million stem cells, targeted and systemically deployed. It wasn’t a magic bullet, but it was a turning point.
Scott followed the protocol religiously—no heavy gym work for 90 days, daily mobility work, and tailored physical therapy.
At the three-month mark, he started testing his limits.
“I threw a ball to my dog and realized—holy crap—I haven’t been able to do that in years.”
Now, at six months post-treatment, Scott can:
- Sleep without meds
- Throw overhead without pain
- Perform 20 pull-ups
- Incline press again for the first time in years
- Walk and move without grinding joints or constant discomfort
Most importantly?
“I’m pain-free. And that changes everything.”
Mental Recovery Matters Too
Chronic pain doesn’t just wreck your body—it warps your mind and wrecks your relationships.
Scott remembers his family walking on eggshells for years. His daughters and wife got used to giving him space, avoiding conflict, and silently tolerating his short fuse.
“Once I started feeling better, my wife literally told me, ‘Go write it down on the calendar. This is the day you came back to us.’ That hit me hard.”
Now, he’s not just moving better—he’s living better.
Miracle Hope: The Mission Behind the Medicine
Scott’s journey to CPI was supported by Miracle Hope Foundation, a nonprofit that sponsors treatments for veterans and first responders.
Through that connection, his daughter was also able to receive immune-focused therapy. “It was a full-circle moment. I came here to fix myself, but I ended up bringing my family.”
He now partners with Miracle Hope to raise awareness and help other veterans access regenerative care. “We’ve got benefit concerts and events lined up. I’ll do anything I can to help.”
A Brotherhood of Recovery
One of the most unique aspects of CPI is the community. Patients are grouped into cohorts, connected via WhatsApp, and supported through every step of their healing journey.
“You’ve got jiu-jitsu guys, pilots, cancer survivors, cops, MMA legends, and everyday people—everyone supports each other.”
At dinner one night, a fellow veteran turned to Scott and said:
“This guy saved my life.”That same man could barely walk a year ago. Now, he’s thriving.
“Let It Grow”
When new patients ask Scott what to expect, his answer is simple:
“Let it grow.”Stem cells don’t work overnight. They regenerate tissue, reduce inflammation, and restore function—but it takes time, patience, and discipline.
“People get out of pain quick and want to go full throttle. I tell them—don’t. Let the tissue heal. Let it grow. It’s worth it.”
Safety, Comfort, and Culture
Despite initial hesitation, Scott now calls the CPI facility and the surrounding area in Tijuana “the safest and most comfortable place I’ve ever recovered.”
From top-tier accommodations and incredible food to door-to-door transportation and 24/7 care, CPI is a far cry from his experience in American hospitals.
“You can’t compare it. Fully staffed, attentive, caring—it’s the culture here. And it shows.”
From FBI Agent to Author
Scott’s story doesn’t stop with recovery.
He’s the author of Code Name: Pale Horse—a gripping autobiography detailing his undercover years infiltrating America’s most dangerous white supremacist groups, cartels, and domestic terror cells.
Chapter by chapter, he pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to live undercover for over a year, face life-threatening situations, and come out the other side.
He recently shared his story on The Joe Rogan Experience, where Joe opened with:
“Man, you’ve lived a crazy life.”Final Word: “Give It a Shot”
As Scott puts it:
“This stuff works. And I wish I had it 20 years ago. If you’re struggling, in pain, or facing another surgery—give this a shot. Literally. It’s changed my life.”
📘 Learn More:
🎙️ Listen: Scott Payne on the Joe Rogan Podcast
📚 Read: Code Name: Pale Horse by Scott Payne
🧬 Explore CPI: Visit cpistemcells.com
🎗️ Support Veterans: Miracle Hope Foundation