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Peptide Critic Community

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  1. Randy the Rats Research Forum
  2. Results & Lifestyle
  3. The Tri-healing protocol for Shoulder and Knee: the tale of 2 lab rats
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The Tri-healing protocol for Shoulder and Knee: the tale of 2 lab rats

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Results & Lifestyle
cartalaxbpc-157tb-500
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  • WisGal64W Online
    WisGal64W Online
    WisGal64
    wrote on last edited by WisGal64
    #1

    7/24/2026 Update
    On day 8 of post-surgery for Rat#1. Tremendous amount of pain and sleepless nights despite meds.
    The articles I've read seem to be all over the place as far as when the KLOW stack can be introduced. I've read within 72 hours, while others say 2 - 4 weeks. So decided to begin with GHK/KPV on Wednesday(7/22) evening. But unsure of when to introduce BP/TB....

    **For those who have experience with this, how soon after did you begin post-surgery? **

    7/16/2026: Rat#1: in surgery as I type this, 2 - 4 wks post surgery will begin another cycle.

    Rat#2: Will try another cycle in August

    Update 6/20/26: Rat#1
    He still feels pretty good, but can't do real heavy lifting which is required for his job.
    BUT, had a follow up visit with Doc. More Xrays and MRIs, then was referred to Surgeon, which was not a good sign.

    Prior In 2018 when they opened his right shoulder, surgeon said it looked like hamburger, tissue is shredded, degenerative, not much to work with

    Fast forward to now: after reviewing the Xrays and MRIs, they still want to do surgery, however, instead of a full shoulder replacement, will do another rotator cuff surgery and remove as much arthritis as they can, collarbone and shoulder are full of it.

    Surgeon says, the tissue looks good and there is enough to sew to.

    Whether the Cartalax/TB/BP combo was the reason, or whether his body simply had more regenerative capacity than they expected, IDK, but the fact remains, he now has repairable tissue where he previously had none. My thoughts are that the real evidence will show when they open it up again. Staying positive and hopeful 😄

    Post surgery, plan to start a Klow stack to help with the healing along with physical therapy. Eventually add in another cycle of Cartalax.

    As for Rat#2: plan to restart research in the next month or so, I ain't giving it up yet ☺ 🙂


    Lab Rat #1 — Shoulder OA + Post‑Surgical Pain
    Background:
    Two rotator cuff surgeries, arthritis in the joint, severe mobility limits. Couldn’t lift arms overhead, couldn’t hold weight, daily tasks were becoming impossible. Steroid injection in January gave ~2 weeks of relief. Durolane gave ~3 weeks. Advil was basically a food group. Shoulder replacement was on the horizon.

    📅 February — Research Cycle Begins
    Baseline:

    Continued Vitamin D3 (5000 IU daily)

    Week 1
    Protocol:
    BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
    TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
    Injection sites rotated between bicep and shoulder area

    No weekend dosing. Notes: No side effects.

    Week 2
    Added: Cartalax 1 mg daily
    Continued BPC‑157 + TB‑500 (same schedule)
    Notes: No side effects → titrated Cartalax to 2 mg.

    Weeks 3–4

    Protocol:
    BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
    TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
    Cartalax: 2 mg daily

    Observation: Pain decreased
    Could lift arms overhead for the first time in a long time

    Paused 1 week to assess → benefits maintained.

    Cycle 2 (Weeks 1–4)

    Repeated full protocol:
    Cartalax 2 mg daily
    BPC‑157 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
    TB‑500 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)

    Results: Significant improvement
    Pain largely resolved
    Shoulder mobility nearly normal

    Cycle 3
    Week 2 and going strong.

    Functional gains: Building cabinets, Holding tools for long periods, Using saws, Doing tasks previously impossible (couldn’t even hold a coffee pot before)

    Side effects: None reported across all cycles. Some lab rats are reporting a sting with Cartalax, neither Rat#1 or 2 have experienced this.

    Summary:
    Lab Rat #1 = Energizer Bunny.

    Lab Rat #2 — Knee OA + RA
    Baseline supplements: NR, NAC, Glutathione(oral Reduced, D3-K2, Astaxanthin,
    CoQ10 + PQQ reintroduced Week 8

    Research Cycle — Week 1 (Started Apr 26)
    Protocol:
    TB‑500: 0.5 mg
    BPC‑157: 0.25 mg
    Cartalax: 1 mg
    (Evening injections)

    Note:
    Lab Rat #2 was cautious with BPC‑157 due to a prior eye‑related reaction in January. Started low. No recurrence of eye issues so far.

    Day 4 Observations:
    Knees felt heavy, stiff, and fatigued
    Literature suggests this can occur due to Collagen II upregulation

    Morning stiffness slightly improved the next day

    Increased to 2 mg Cartalax
    Knees still heavy
    Stiffness/fullness without visible swelling
    Monitoring bloodwork

    Update 3
    Lab Rat #1 thriving.
    Lab Rat #2… not so much.

    Stiffness → pressure → difficulty walking
    Ice helped temporarily
    Literature suggests this may be part of early “remodeling,” but unclear
    Continued cautiously

    Update 4 (5/16/26)
    Lab Rat #1 = unstoppable.
    Lab Rat #2 = officially paused research.
    Entered a full flare in both knees
    Walking became extremely difficult
    Pain escalated beyond “uncomfortable”
    Waiting for orthopedic evaluation
    Very disappointed — had high hopes

    Important note:
    Lab Rat #2 has RA + OA, which complicates responses and may explain the flare. This shouldn’t discourage others whose physiology is different.

    Rat#2 ORTHO appointment on 5/17/2026
    Suspicions confirmed, it's the RA aggravating the OA, and the flare up is due to it was never really calmed down from Dec

    “Currently in a committed relationship with my plateau. Waiting for my receptor reset to file for divorce”

    P S J M B 6 Replies Last reply
    21
    • WisGal64W WisGal64 referenced this topic on
    • joeypepsJ Offline
      joeypepsJ Offline
      joeypeps
      wrote on last edited by joeypeps
      #2

      Appreciate you sharing your research experience! Happy to hear the results for subject 1. Hoping for a good outcome on RS2 🙏

      1 Reply Last reply
      2
      • C Offline
        C Offline
        Commander
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        You aren’t kidding, my shoulder injury gets better every day. Just from KLOW. But that has the. oC157 and TB500 you take in it.

        Please excuse my typos. Small Phone & Bad Eyes

        1 Reply Last reply
        2
        • WisGal64W Online
          WisGal64W Online
          WisGal64
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          @gym.rat No not IM, pinch the skin, SubQ only. No pain at all.

          “Currently in a committed relationship with my plateau. Waiting for my receptor reset to file for divorce”

          1 Reply Last reply
          1
          • B Offline
            B Offline
            brandenscheidecker
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            were did you find cartalax? I need to add this!

            1 Reply Last reply
            1
            • WisGal64W Online
              WisGal64W Online
              WisGal64
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              @brandenscheidecker flawless compounds, glow aminos and skye peptides are who I have purchased from. Both flawless and glow bumped up testing this week to include sterility and endo.

              “Currently in a committed relationship with my plateau. Waiting for my receptor reset to file for divorce”

              B 1 Reply Last reply
              4
              • Stan DouglasS Offline
                Stan DouglasS Offline
                Stan Douglas
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                I used the same dosage on my rat with a Wolverine mix but went 20 days straight with good results.

                Boutta start a new round tonight but with separate vials. The BPC will be .5 x2 per day as per the Wiki:
                https://www.peptideprotocolwiki.com/peptides/bpc-157

                TB will be 2mg x3 per week for the first week then .75 x2 per week
                https://www.peptideprotocolwiki.com/peptides/tb500

                Planning for the next 6 weeks.

                1 Reply Last reply
                1
                • WisGal64W Online
                  WisGal64W Online
                  WisGal64
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  @gym.rat. The stinging I keep seeing on posts sounds worse than ghk, gonna steer clear, I’m a big puss when it comes to that kinda pain lol

                  “Currently in a committed relationship with my plateau. Waiting for my receptor reset to file for divorce”

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • WisGal64W WisGal64

                    @brandenscheidecker flawless compounds, glow aminos and skye peptides are who I have purchased from. Both flawless and glow bumped up testing this week to include sterility and endo.

                    B Offline
                    B Offline
                    beachfun
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    @WisGal64 That’s awesome! I’ve been eyeing cartalax from 2 falls in 2 years on my shoulder. 1 on an icy driveway and another off a 3’ countertop. I direct inject into my shoulder with bpc 3 times a week while still doing GLOW blend and KPV at times.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    1
                    • B Offline
                      B Offline
                      beachfun
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      @gym.rat Interesting… I never felt anything from 50mg injections of my NAD+. Maybe I need to try “buffered”

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • Hammertime65H Offline
                        Hammertime65H Offline
                        Hammertime65
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        After reading all this, I ordered some cartalax from JadeNexus (bogo sale). Will add this to see if it helps. I've been running Klow (30 units) for about 6 weeks, and while it has helped, I still have a lot of pain in the places where I've had surgery. Had my right knee replaced last year and still dealing with issues there. Trying to put off having my left one done because that was the most excruciating pain I've had. Hopefully cartalax with tirz will help. Just saw a youtube video from Dr. Brad that a recent study shows glp1 might actually rebuild cartilage. Fingers crossed.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        4
                        • WisGal64W WisGal64

                          7/24/2026 Update
                          On day 8 of post-surgery for Rat#1. Tremendous amount of pain and sleepless nights despite meds.
                          The articles I've read seem to be all over the place as far as when the KLOW stack can be introduced. I've read within 72 hours, while others say 2 - 4 weeks. So decided to begin with GHK/KPV on Wednesday(7/22) evening. But unsure of when to introduce BP/TB....

                          **For those who have experience with this, how soon after did you begin post-surgery? **

                          7/16/2026: Rat#1: in surgery as I type this, 2 - 4 wks post surgery will begin another cycle.

                          Rat#2: Will try another cycle in August

                          Update 6/20/26: Rat#1
                          He still feels pretty good, but can't do real heavy lifting which is required for his job.
                          BUT, had a follow up visit with Doc. More Xrays and MRIs, then was referred to Surgeon, which was not a good sign.

                          Prior In 2018 when they opened his right shoulder, surgeon said it looked like hamburger, tissue is shredded, degenerative, not much to work with

                          Fast forward to now: after reviewing the Xrays and MRIs, they still want to do surgery, however, instead of a full shoulder replacement, will do another rotator cuff surgery and remove as much arthritis as they can, collarbone and shoulder are full of it.

                          Surgeon says, the tissue looks good and there is enough to sew to.

                          Whether the Cartalax/TB/BP combo was the reason, or whether his body simply had more regenerative capacity than they expected, IDK, but the fact remains, he now has repairable tissue where he previously had none. My thoughts are that the real evidence will show when they open it up again. Staying positive and hopeful 😄

                          Post surgery, plan to start a Klow stack to help with the healing along with physical therapy. Eventually add in another cycle of Cartalax.

                          As for Rat#2: plan to restart research in the next month or so, I ain't giving it up yet ☺ 🙂


                          Lab Rat #1 — Shoulder OA + Post‑Surgical Pain
                          Background:
                          Two rotator cuff surgeries, arthritis in the joint, severe mobility limits. Couldn’t lift arms overhead, couldn’t hold weight, daily tasks were becoming impossible. Steroid injection in January gave ~2 weeks of relief. Durolane gave ~3 weeks. Advil was basically a food group. Shoulder replacement was on the horizon.

                          📅 February — Research Cycle Begins
                          Baseline:

                          Continued Vitamin D3 (5000 IU daily)

                          Week 1
                          Protocol:
                          BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                          TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                          Injection sites rotated between bicep and shoulder area

                          No weekend dosing. Notes: No side effects.

                          Week 2
                          Added: Cartalax 1 mg daily
                          Continued BPC‑157 + TB‑500 (same schedule)
                          Notes: No side effects → titrated Cartalax to 2 mg.

                          Weeks 3–4

                          Protocol:
                          BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                          TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                          Cartalax: 2 mg daily

                          Observation: Pain decreased
                          Could lift arms overhead for the first time in a long time

                          Paused 1 week to assess → benefits maintained.

                          Cycle 2 (Weeks 1–4)

                          Repeated full protocol:
                          Cartalax 2 mg daily
                          BPC‑157 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                          TB‑500 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)

                          Results: Significant improvement
                          Pain largely resolved
                          Shoulder mobility nearly normal

                          Cycle 3
                          Week 2 and going strong.

                          Functional gains: Building cabinets, Holding tools for long periods, Using saws, Doing tasks previously impossible (couldn’t even hold a coffee pot before)

                          Side effects: None reported across all cycles. Some lab rats are reporting a sting with Cartalax, neither Rat#1 or 2 have experienced this.

                          Summary:
                          Lab Rat #1 = Energizer Bunny.

                          Lab Rat #2 — Knee OA + RA
                          Baseline supplements: NR, NAC, Glutathione(oral Reduced, D3-K2, Astaxanthin,
                          CoQ10 + PQQ reintroduced Week 8

                          Research Cycle — Week 1 (Started Apr 26)
                          Protocol:
                          TB‑500: 0.5 mg
                          BPC‑157: 0.25 mg
                          Cartalax: 1 mg
                          (Evening injections)

                          Note:
                          Lab Rat #2 was cautious with BPC‑157 due to a prior eye‑related reaction in January. Started low. No recurrence of eye issues so far.

                          Day 4 Observations:
                          Knees felt heavy, stiff, and fatigued
                          Literature suggests this can occur due to Collagen II upregulation

                          Morning stiffness slightly improved the next day

                          Increased to 2 mg Cartalax
                          Knees still heavy
                          Stiffness/fullness without visible swelling
                          Monitoring bloodwork

                          Update 3
                          Lab Rat #1 thriving.
                          Lab Rat #2… not so much.

                          Stiffness → pressure → difficulty walking
                          Ice helped temporarily
                          Literature suggests this may be part of early “remodeling,” but unclear
                          Continued cautiously

                          Update 4 (5/16/26)
                          Lab Rat #1 = unstoppable.
                          Lab Rat #2 = officially paused research.
                          Entered a full flare in both knees
                          Walking became extremely difficult
                          Pain escalated beyond “uncomfortable”
                          Waiting for orthopedic evaluation
                          Very disappointed — had high hopes

                          Important note:
                          Lab Rat #2 has RA + OA, which complicates responses and may explain the flare. This shouldn’t discourage others whose physiology is different.

                          Rat#2 ORTHO appointment on 5/17/2026
                          Suspicions confirmed, it's the RA aggravating the OA, and the flare up is due to it was never really calmed down from Dec

                          P Offline
                          P Offline
                          pm24
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          @WisGal64 was Cartalax given in the arm/shoulder also? Or was it given separate in the belly? I’m having the same issue and about to start the same protocol.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • WisGal64W Online
                            WisGal64W Online
                            WisGal64
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            @pm24 Targeted the area of the shoulder and bicep

                            “Currently in a committed relationship with my plateau. Waiting for my receptor reset to file for divorce”

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • WisGal64W Online
                              WisGal64W Online
                              WisGal64
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Wish you the best!

                              “Currently in a committed relationship with my plateau. Waiting for my receptor reset to file for divorce”

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              1
                              • WisGal64W WisGal64

                                7/24/2026 Update
                                On day 8 of post-surgery for Rat#1. Tremendous amount of pain and sleepless nights despite meds.
                                The articles I've read seem to be all over the place as far as when the KLOW stack can be introduced. I've read within 72 hours, while others say 2 - 4 weeks. So decided to begin with GHK/KPV on Wednesday(7/22) evening. But unsure of when to introduce BP/TB....

                                **For those who have experience with this, how soon after did you begin post-surgery? **

                                7/16/2026: Rat#1: in surgery as I type this, 2 - 4 wks post surgery will begin another cycle.

                                Rat#2: Will try another cycle in August

                                Update 6/20/26: Rat#1
                                He still feels pretty good, but can't do real heavy lifting which is required for his job.
                                BUT, had a follow up visit with Doc. More Xrays and MRIs, then was referred to Surgeon, which was not a good sign.

                                Prior In 2018 when they opened his right shoulder, surgeon said it looked like hamburger, tissue is shredded, degenerative, not much to work with

                                Fast forward to now: after reviewing the Xrays and MRIs, they still want to do surgery, however, instead of a full shoulder replacement, will do another rotator cuff surgery and remove as much arthritis as they can, collarbone and shoulder are full of it.

                                Surgeon says, the tissue looks good and there is enough to sew to.

                                Whether the Cartalax/TB/BP combo was the reason, or whether his body simply had more regenerative capacity than they expected, IDK, but the fact remains, he now has repairable tissue where he previously had none. My thoughts are that the real evidence will show when they open it up again. Staying positive and hopeful 😄

                                Post surgery, plan to start a Klow stack to help with the healing along with physical therapy. Eventually add in another cycle of Cartalax.

                                As for Rat#2: plan to restart research in the next month or so, I ain't giving it up yet ☺ 🙂


                                Lab Rat #1 — Shoulder OA + Post‑Surgical Pain
                                Background:
                                Two rotator cuff surgeries, arthritis in the joint, severe mobility limits. Couldn’t lift arms overhead, couldn’t hold weight, daily tasks were becoming impossible. Steroid injection in January gave ~2 weeks of relief. Durolane gave ~3 weeks. Advil was basically a food group. Shoulder replacement was on the horizon.

                                📅 February — Research Cycle Begins
                                Baseline:

                                Continued Vitamin D3 (5000 IU daily)

                                Week 1
                                Protocol:
                                BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                Injection sites rotated between bicep and shoulder area

                                No weekend dosing. Notes: No side effects.

                                Week 2
                                Added: Cartalax 1 mg daily
                                Continued BPC‑157 + TB‑500 (same schedule)
                                Notes: No side effects → titrated Cartalax to 2 mg.

                                Weeks 3–4

                                Protocol:
                                BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                Cartalax: 2 mg daily

                                Observation: Pain decreased
                                Could lift arms overhead for the first time in a long time

                                Paused 1 week to assess → benefits maintained.

                                Cycle 2 (Weeks 1–4)

                                Repeated full protocol:
                                Cartalax 2 mg daily
                                BPC‑157 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                TB‑500 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)

                                Results: Significant improvement
                                Pain largely resolved
                                Shoulder mobility nearly normal

                                Cycle 3
                                Week 2 and going strong.

                                Functional gains: Building cabinets, Holding tools for long periods, Using saws, Doing tasks previously impossible (couldn’t even hold a coffee pot before)

                                Side effects: None reported across all cycles. Some lab rats are reporting a sting with Cartalax, neither Rat#1 or 2 have experienced this.

                                Summary:
                                Lab Rat #1 = Energizer Bunny.

                                Lab Rat #2 — Knee OA + RA
                                Baseline supplements: NR, NAC, Glutathione(oral Reduced, D3-K2, Astaxanthin,
                                CoQ10 + PQQ reintroduced Week 8

                                Research Cycle — Week 1 (Started Apr 26)
                                Protocol:
                                TB‑500: 0.5 mg
                                BPC‑157: 0.25 mg
                                Cartalax: 1 mg
                                (Evening injections)

                                Note:
                                Lab Rat #2 was cautious with BPC‑157 due to a prior eye‑related reaction in January. Started low. No recurrence of eye issues so far.

                                Day 4 Observations:
                                Knees felt heavy, stiff, and fatigued
                                Literature suggests this can occur due to Collagen II upregulation

                                Morning stiffness slightly improved the next day

                                Increased to 2 mg Cartalax
                                Knees still heavy
                                Stiffness/fullness without visible swelling
                                Monitoring bloodwork

                                Update 3
                                Lab Rat #1 thriving.
                                Lab Rat #2… not so much.

                                Stiffness → pressure → difficulty walking
                                Ice helped temporarily
                                Literature suggests this may be part of early “remodeling,” but unclear
                                Continued cautiously

                                Update 4 (5/16/26)
                                Lab Rat #1 = unstoppable.
                                Lab Rat #2 = officially paused research.
                                Entered a full flare in both knees
                                Walking became extremely difficult
                                Pain escalated beyond “uncomfortable”
                                Waiting for orthopedic evaluation
                                Very disappointed — had high hopes

                                Important note:
                                Lab Rat #2 has RA + OA, which complicates responses and may explain the flare. This shouldn’t discourage others whose physiology is different.

                                Rat#2 ORTHO appointment on 5/17/2026
                                Suspicions confirmed, it's the RA aggravating the OA, and the flare up is due to it was never really calmed down from Dec

                                S Offline
                                S Offline
                                samsavvysienko
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                @WisGal64 My research subject had similar shoulder pains, could barely lift over head. They just finished an 8 wk cycle of klow. They state it hasn't felt this good in forever & can sleep easier w/out pain. Exciting news! Keep us updated.

                                B 1 Reply Last reply
                                2
                                • S samsavvysienko

                                  @WisGal64 My research subject had similar shoulder pains, could barely lift over head. They just finished an 8 wk cycle of klow. They state it hasn't felt this good in forever & can sleep easier w/out pain. Exciting news! Keep us updated.

                                  B Offline
                                  B Offline
                                  beachfun
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  @sam-savvy-sienko Yes!!! Gotta love that! vs what? Surgery? That’s great to hear…

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • WisGal64W WisGal64

                                    7/24/2026 Update
                                    On day 8 of post-surgery for Rat#1. Tremendous amount of pain and sleepless nights despite meds.
                                    The articles I've read seem to be all over the place as far as when the KLOW stack can be introduced. I've read within 72 hours, while others say 2 - 4 weeks. So decided to begin with GHK/KPV on Wednesday(7/22) evening. But unsure of when to introduce BP/TB....

                                    **For those who have experience with this, how soon after did you begin post-surgery? **

                                    7/16/2026: Rat#1: in surgery as I type this, 2 - 4 wks post surgery will begin another cycle.

                                    Rat#2: Will try another cycle in August

                                    Update 6/20/26: Rat#1
                                    He still feels pretty good, but can't do real heavy lifting which is required for his job.
                                    BUT, had a follow up visit with Doc. More Xrays and MRIs, then was referred to Surgeon, which was not a good sign.

                                    Prior In 2018 when they opened his right shoulder, surgeon said it looked like hamburger, tissue is shredded, degenerative, not much to work with

                                    Fast forward to now: after reviewing the Xrays and MRIs, they still want to do surgery, however, instead of a full shoulder replacement, will do another rotator cuff surgery and remove as much arthritis as they can, collarbone and shoulder are full of it.

                                    Surgeon says, the tissue looks good and there is enough to sew to.

                                    Whether the Cartalax/TB/BP combo was the reason, or whether his body simply had more regenerative capacity than they expected, IDK, but the fact remains, he now has repairable tissue where he previously had none. My thoughts are that the real evidence will show when they open it up again. Staying positive and hopeful 😄

                                    Post surgery, plan to start a Klow stack to help with the healing along with physical therapy. Eventually add in another cycle of Cartalax.

                                    As for Rat#2: plan to restart research in the next month or so, I ain't giving it up yet ☺ 🙂


                                    Lab Rat #1 — Shoulder OA + Post‑Surgical Pain
                                    Background:
                                    Two rotator cuff surgeries, arthritis in the joint, severe mobility limits. Couldn’t lift arms overhead, couldn’t hold weight, daily tasks were becoming impossible. Steroid injection in January gave ~2 weeks of relief. Durolane gave ~3 weeks. Advil was basically a food group. Shoulder replacement was on the horizon.

                                    📅 February — Research Cycle Begins
                                    Baseline:

                                    Continued Vitamin D3 (5000 IU daily)

                                    Week 1
                                    Protocol:
                                    BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                    TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                    Injection sites rotated between bicep and shoulder area

                                    No weekend dosing. Notes: No side effects.

                                    Week 2
                                    Added: Cartalax 1 mg daily
                                    Continued BPC‑157 + TB‑500 (same schedule)
                                    Notes: No side effects → titrated Cartalax to 2 mg.

                                    Weeks 3–4

                                    Protocol:
                                    BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                    TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                    Cartalax: 2 mg daily

                                    Observation: Pain decreased
                                    Could lift arms overhead for the first time in a long time

                                    Paused 1 week to assess → benefits maintained.

                                    Cycle 2 (Weeks 1–4)

                                    Repeated full protocol:
                                    Cartalax 2 mg daily
                                    BPC‑157 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                    TB‑500 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)

                                    Results: Significant improvement
                                    Pain largely resolved
                                    Shoulder mobility nearly normal

                                    Cycle 3
                                    Week 2 and going strong.

                                    Functional gains: Building cabinets, Holding tools for long periods, Using saws, Doing tasks previously impossible (couldn’t even hold a coffee pot before)

                                    Side effects: None reported across all cycles. Some lab rats are reporting a sting with Cartalax, neither Rat#1 or 2 have experienced this.

                                    Summary:
                                    Lab Rat #1 = Energizer Bunny.

                                    Lab Rat #2 — Knee OA + RA
                                    Baseline supplements: NR, NAC, Glutathione(oral Reduced, D3-K2, Astaxanthin,
                                    CoQ10 + PQQ reintroduced Week 8

                                    Research Cycle — Week 1 (Started Apr 26)
                                    Protocol:
                                    TB‑500: 0.5 mg
                                    BPC‑157: 0.25 mg
                                    Cartalax: 1 mg
                                    (Evening injections)

                                    Note:
                                    Lab Rat #2 was cautious with BPC‑157 due to a prior eye‑related reaction in January. Started low. No recurrence of eye issues so far.

                                    Day 4 Observations:
                                    Knees felt heavy, stiff, and fatigued
                                    Literature suggests this can occur due to Collagen II upregulation

                                    Morning stiffness slightly improved the next day

                                    Increased to 2 mg Cartalax
                                    Knees still heavy
                                    Stiffness/fullness without visible swelling
                                    Monitoring bloodwork

                                    Update 3
                                    Lab Rat #1 thriving.
                                    Lab Rat #2… not so much.

                                    Stiffness → pressure → difficulty walking
                                    Ice helped temporarily
                                    Literature suggests this may be part of early “remodeling,” but unclear
                                    Continued cautiously

                                    Update 4 (5/16/26)
                                    Lab Rat #1 = unstoppable.
                                    Lab Rat #2 = officially paused research.
                                    Entered a full flare in both knees
                                    Walking became extremely difficult
                                    Pain escalated beyond “uncomfortable”
                                    Waiting for orthopedic evaluation
                                    Very disappointed — had high hopes

                                    Important note:
                                    Lab Rat #2 has RA + OA, which complicates responses and may explain the flare. This shouldn’t discourage others whose physiology is different.

                                    Rat#2 ORTHO appointment on 5/17/2026
                                    Suspicions confirmed, it's the RA aggravating the OA, and the flare up is due to it was never really calmed down from Dec

                                    J Offline
                                    J Offline
                                    Juan Doe
                                    wrote on last edited by Juan Doe
                                    #17

                                    @WisGal64 was there a break between the 1,2, and 3rd cycles? Or was Cartalax taken without breaks?

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                                    0
                                    • WisGal64W Online
                                      WisGal64W Online
                                      WisGal64
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      @juan-doe Cycle 1, took a week break, but then cycles 2 and now 3, no breaks, Cartalax 2mg daily.

                                      “Currently in a committed relationship with my plateau. Waiting for my receptor reset to file for divorce”

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      2
                                      • WisGal64W WisGal64

                                        7/24/2026 Update
                                        On day 8 of post-surgery for Rat#1. Tremendous amount of pain and sleepless nights despite meds.
                                        The articles I've read seem to be all over the place as far as when the KLOW stack can be introduced. I've read within 72 hours, while others say 2 - 4 weeks. So decided to begin with GHK/KPV on Wednesday(7/22) evening. But unsure of when to introduce BP/TB....

                                        **For those who have experience with this, how soon after did you begin post-surgery? **

                                        7/16/2026: Rat#1: in surgery as I type this, 2 - 4 wks post surgery will begin another cycle.

                                        Rat#2: Will try another cycle in August

                                        Update 6/20/26: Rat#1
                                        He still feels pretty good, but can't do real heavy lifting which is required for his job.
                                        BUT, had a follow up visit with Doc. More Xrays and MRIs, then was referred to Surgeon, which was not a good sign.

                                        Prior In 2018 when they opened his right shoulder, surgeon said it looked like hamburger, tissue is shredded, degenerative, not much to work with

                                        Fast forward to now: after reviewing the Xrays and MRIs, they still want to do surgery, however, instead of a full shoulder replacement, will do another rotator cuff surgery and remove as much arthritis as they can, collarbone and shoulder are full of it.

                                        Surgeon says, the tissue looks good and there is enough to sew to.

                                        Whether the Cartalax/TB/BP combo was the reason, or whether his body simply had more regenerative capacity than they expected, IDK, but the fact remains, he now has repairable tissue where he previously had none. My thoughts are that the real evidence will show when they open it up again. Staying positive and hopeful 😄

                                        Post surgery, plan to start a Klow stack to help with the healing along with physical therapy. Eventually add in another cycle of Cartalax.

                                        As for Rat#2: plan to restart research in the next month or so, I ain't giving it up yet ☺ 🙂


                                        Lab Rat #1 — Shoulder OA + Post‑Surgical Pain
                                        Background:
                                        Two rotator cuff surgeries, arthritis in the joint, severe mobility limits. Couldn’t lift arms overhead, couldn’t hold weight, daily tasks were becoming impossible. Steroid injection in January gave ~2 weeks of relief. Durolane gave ~3 weeks. Advil was basically a food group. Shoulder replacement was on the horizon.

                                        📅 February — Research Cycle Begins
                                        Baseline:

                                        Continued Vitamin D3 (5000 IU daily)

                                        Week 1
                                        Protocol:
                                        BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                        TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                        Injection sites rotated between bicep and shoulder area

                                        No weekend dosing. Notes: No side effects.

                                        Week 2
                                        Added: Cartalax 1 mg daily
                                        Continued BPC‑157 + TB‑500 (same schedule)
                                        Notes: No side effects → titrated Cartalax to 2 mg.

                                        Weeks 3–4

                                        Protocol:
                                        BPC‑157: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                        TB‑500: 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                        Cartalax: 2 mg daily

                                        Observation: Pain decreased
                                        Could lift arms overhead for the first time in a long time

                                        Paused 1 week to assess → benefits maintained.

                                        Cycle 2 (Weeks 1–4)

                                        Repeated full protocol:
                                        Cartalax 2 mg daily
                                        BPC‑157 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)
                                        TB‑500 0.5 mg (Mon–Fri)

                                        Results: Significant improvement
                                        Pain largely resolved
                                        Shoulder mobility nearly normal

                                        Cycle 3
                                        Week 2 and going strong.

                                        Functional gains: Building cabinets, Holding tools for long periods, Using saws, Doing tasks previously impossible (couldn’t even hold a coffee pot before)

                                        Side effects: None reported across all cycles. Some lab rats are reporting a sting with Cartalax, neither Rat#1 or 2 have experienced this.

                                        Summary:
                                        Lab Rat #1 = Energizer Bunny.

                                        Lab Rat #2 — Knee OA + RA
                                        Baseline supplements: NR, NAC, Glutathione(oral Reduced, D3-K2, Astaxanthin,
                                        CoQ10 + PQQ reintroduced Week 8

                                        Research Cycle — Week 1 (Started Apr 26)
                                        Protocol:
                                        TB‑500: 0.5 mg
                                        BPC‑157: 0.25 mg
                                        Cartalax: 1 mg
                                        (Evening injections)

                                        Note:
                                        Lab Rat #2 was cautious with BPC‑157 due to a prior eye‑related reaction in January. Started low. No recurrence of eye issues so far.

                                        Day 4 Observations:
                                        Knees felt heavy, stiff, and fatigued
                                        Literature suggests this can occur due to Collagen II upregulation

                                        Morning stiffness slightly improved the next day

                                        Increased to 2 mg Cartalax
                                        Knees still heavy
                                        Stiffness/fullness without visible swelling
                                        Monitoring bloodwork

                                        Update 3
                                        Lab Rat #1 thriving.
                                        Lab Rat #2… not so much.

                                        Stiffness → pressure → difficulty walking
                                        Ice helped temporarily
                                        Literature suggests this may be part of early “remodeling,” but unclear
                                        Continued cautiously

                                        Update 4 (5/16/26)
                                        Lab Rat #1 = unstoppable.
                                        Lab Rat #2 = officially paused research.
                                        Entered a full flare in both knees
                                        Walking became extremely difficult
                                        Pain escalated beyond “uncomfortable”
                                        Waiting for orthopedic evaluation
                                        Very disappointed — had high hopes

                                        Important note:
                                        Lab Rat #2 has RA + OA, which complicates responses and may explain the flare. This shouldn’t discourage others whose physiology is different.

                                        Rat#2 ORTHO appointment on 5/17/2026
                                        Suspicions confirmed, it's the RA aggravating the OA, and the flare up is due to it was never really calmed down from Dec

                                        M Offline
                                        M Offline
                                        MrNatural
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        @WisGal64 Hi, I have been using KLOW (.5, .5, .5 and 2.5 GHK), cartalax (3mg) daily for 2.5 months. Injected at the knees for OA. I rotate KLOW and Cartalax side to side.
                                        Knee caps very sore and medial compartment has the most OA.
                                        I combined this with shockwave therapy. 3 session, will go back for 1-2 sessions after a small break
                                        I could not walk without serious pain. Forget going down the steps. Walking nearly pain free now. I have Synvisc One injections intra articular in the AM at my ortho. So far so good. Still probably gonna have to get a TKR but for now it's been a great relief. Get me through the summer and deal with it in the winter

                                        B 1 Reply Last reply
                                        1
                                        • WisGal64W Online
                                          WisGal64W Online
                                          WisGal64
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          @mrnatural that is wonderful!

                                          Did you experience any heaviness or stiffness in your knees when you first started the Cartalax?

                                          “Currently in a committed relationship with my plateau. Waiting for my receptor reset to file for divorce”

                                          J 1 Reply Last reply
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