At CPI Stem Cells, patients often arrive after exhausting every conventional option available to them. Many have complex medical histories shaped by years—or decades—of trauma, surgery, and chronic inflammation. Few stories reflect that reality more clearly than that of Mikey Thompson.
Mikey’s journey spans a lifetime of severe injury, repeated surgical intervention, and progressive loss of function. By the time he arrived at CPI, his condition had left him dependent on a catheter, managing constant pain, and facing the psychological toll that often accompanies long-term disability.
A Lifetime of Trauma and Medical Complications
Mikey’s medical history began in childhood. At just 12 years old, he survived a gunshot wound sustained during a Boy Scouts outing. The bullet passed through his abdomen and exited his back, resulting in extensive internal damage. Surgeons were forced to remove 12 inches of his large intestine and approximately 18 inches of his small intestine—a traumatic event that would have lasting consequences.
Years later, in his early 30s, Mikey suffered a severe spinal disc injury. Surgical intervention followed, but complications during recovery led to a medical emergency. He entered a coma, with critically low blood oxygen levels for over two hours. CPR was performed, and his wife was contacted and told he might not survive.
Although Mikey recovered, his spinal issues persisted.
Seven Back Surgeries, a Heart Attack, and a Spinal Fluid Leak
In 2019, Mikey underwent what would become a turning point in his medical journey. During a scheduled spinal surgery, unforeseen complications required four additional corrective procedures. At the same time, he developed meningitis, requiring prolonged intravenous treatment through a PICC line placed into his heart.
During this period, Mikey suffered a heart attack, which he survived.
Further complications followed when two unintended punctures were made in his spinal cord, resulting in a spinal fluid leak that persisted for three and a half years. To stabilize his spine, surgeons ultimately fused vertebrae from the base of the sacrum to L3.
The cumulative effect of seven spinal surgeries, ongoing inflammation, and neurological disruption left Mikey with permanent functional impairment. He became dependent on a catheter and lived with persistent pain.
“Psychologically, it destroys a man,” Mikey explains. “My body was fighting years of trauma and inflammation.”
A Recommendation That Led to CPI
Mikey’s path to CPI came not through another specialist or referral—but through personal observation.
After attending a concert, Fletcher from Pennywise noticed Mikey struggling physically and encouraged him to seek care at CPI. With limited options remaining and little to lose, Mikey made the decision to explore regenerative medicine.
Treatment at CPI
At CPI Stem Cells, Mikey underwent a comprehensive regenerative treatment protocol tailored to his complex spinal history. His treatment included:
- 18 targeted injections
- 50 million stem cells delivered intrathecally, directly into the spinal canal
Given the extent of his prior injuries and surgical history, expectations were measured.
What followed was unexpected.
Functional Improvements Within Days
Within seven days of treatment, Mikey experienced a significant functional change:
he was able to urinate without a catheter for the first time in years.
“It’s beyond liberating,” he says.
Additional improvements followed:
- He discontinued long-term pain medications—not intentionally, but because he no longer felt pain
- He experienced no withdrawal symptoms, an outcome his physician described as highly unusual
- Chronic inflammation and daily discomfort markedly diminished
Perhaps most meaningful to Mikey was his return to music.
A drummer since the age of eight, he is now able to sit at a drum kit for up to 12 hours at a time, pain free—something he once believed would never be possible again.
A Different Kind of Medical Environment
Beyond clinical outcomes, Mikey describes CPI as fundamentally different from traditional medical facilities.
“This isn’t a typical medical environment. It’s a family. They don’t want repeat patients—they want people to heal and move on with their lives.”
For Mikey, that philosophy translated into restored independence, renewed confidence, and the ability to fully re-engage with his family and passions.
Looking Forward
Mikey Thompson’s experience reflects what can be possible when regenerative medicine is explored thoughtfully and responsibly—particularly for patients with complex histories who have exhausted conventional options.
While individual results vary, his case underscores the importance of addressing chronic inflammation, neurological compromise, and recovery in a comprehensive manner.
Learn More
If you or someone you love is exploring options beyond traditional treatments, you can learn more about regenerative care at CPI.
👉 Visit www.CPIStemCells.com to schedule a Free Doctor Call