I heard that UAB-Birmingham has a charity surgery program for special cases of people in dire need of surgery.  I can't find the proper contacts online and would like to hear from anyone who works at UAB or anyone who has participated in this program  at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Medical Center or elsewhere.  I'm 47 years old, suffering for many years from traumatic osteoarthritis and in need of left knee and right ankle replacement surgeries.  I previously have had arthroscopic joint surgeries at HealthSouth Medical Center in Birmingham. Thank you.
214935
Knee replacement surgery is very expensive and you may need to apply for medical assistance through your county medicaid agency.  You may get some relief from injections of medication in the knee.  You might consider the research study at:  University of South Alabama - Mobile Alabama 36688-0002 / 1 (251) 460-6101\nHyalgan is a synthetic joint fluid made from rooster combs which is indicated mild to moderate arthritis. It is administered as a knee injection given once a week for 3-5 weeks. Hyalgan has been shown to provide improved shock absorption, cartilage nutrition, and pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Hyalgan candidates have mild to moderate arthritis with significant knee pain and wish to avoid surgery. The ongoing study involves evaluating patients with either 3 or 5 injections of Hyalgan. Enrolled patients are randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1) 5 weekly injections of Hyalgan or 2) 3 weekly injections of Hyalgan + 2 weekly injections of saline. Both the patient and physician are blinded to which group the patient is assigned. The USA Sports Medicine & Joint Reconstruction doctors hope to determine which injection regimen is superior in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. If you are interested in this study contact the Sports Medicine/Joint Restoration Service staff.\nhttp://usacartilage.southalabama.edu/research.html#knee\n\nContact UAB Center for Joint Replacement\n510 20th Street South | FOT 930 | Birmingham, Alabama 35294\nPhone: 205-934-4668 \n\nAttend the upcoming Patient Education Seminar:\nEnjoy Life without Hip and Knee Pain\nApril 26, 2004 - 10:00am \nJune 28,2004 - 10:00am \nOctober 25, 2004 - 10:00am \nAll seminars are held at the Kirklin Clinic \nCall 205-975-6500 to register\nhttp://www.uabjointcenter.com/seminars.html
338651
I had the same problem at 15 but back then you just lived with it.  I have had both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis for the past 50 years and let me tell you, it's no joke!  Sissies don't make it; it takes a lot of grit to keep going.  I've had a knee replacement, a lumbar laminectomy, a cervical discectomy and in 8 days, I will have a total hip replacement.  I know how very frustrated.  Personally I did not have any luck with therapy, orthopedic inserts, braces, or a TENS unit.  I have taken Voltaren 75 mg. twice a day since 1990.  I have walked with a rollator for two years.  I have no answers for you but I feel your pain, both physical and emotional.  I have a wonderful team of doctors and surgeons.  If it were not for my faith in God I would not have anything to look forward to.  God bless and good luck!
76437
I've participated in health studies through Stanford University Hospital and they never ask me for money up front. In fact, you never should have to pay to participate in a study. It sounds like a scam to me. If I were you, I'd read the contract carefully. Note all the restrictions on how to get your money. Why would they ask for money up front if they were going to give it back to you, anyway?? I'd run in the other direction.
303615
I know we have a great program here at the University of Arkansas. Just apply online! You may also want to look at the campus in Little Rock (where the med school is). The main web page is:\nhttp://www.uark.edu\n\nFayetteville is a great place to live!
402845
You should check with OSU.  They have an excellent neurosurgeon named Dr. Gary Rea.  I'm not sure about insurance acceptance but it is the university system and I would find it hard to believe that they would be able to turn it down.
231303
My grandmother donated her body to Emory University/ Medical School when she died.  I'm not sure how she did it, but I'm sure that if you contact a medical school, they'd love to take you:)
490344
Hi There, I am currently residing in Michigan. I believe you should go to UofM AnnArbor Hospital. \n\nGreat Hospital, I go there for all my check up and doctors appoinment, if he is a younger child, beneather 18, he will go down to the clinics on the Taubman Floor as I do.
357442
Hi I am 42 and I have had 5 knee ops on my knee following a skiing accident that tore my ligaments and meniscus.  The athroscopy or scoping is an investiagtory procedure and relatively simple.  Recovery periods are usually quite quick but it does depend on whether they do any work whilst looking.  The major ligament replacements involve fibre optics as well but the recovery period is long (months) I am not sure on knee replacements but I would guess the recovery period is much much longer.\n\nI suggest you look at the website below and check the forum as you can get a lot of information from people with all sorts of knee issues.\n\nGood Luck
339676
My husband just had a DOUBLE knee surgery on April 20th.  He is a senior citizen.  It has been very successful for him.  He went from a high walker to a regular walker, to two canes, to one cane & now needs no canes at all.  Before the surgery he was in horrible pain all the time when he walked.\n\nIncidentally he is also very overweight.  But the surgery has been a blessing to him.\n\nHe did spend about 4 weeks in hospital plus 4 weeks in rehab after the surgery.  But is doing fine now.\n\nGood luck to her.
342607
I dropped them years ago when it took them 3 months to diagnose my daughter with Crohn's Disease.  She suffered horribly and lost 25 pounds.  They told me she had some kind of "virus," and even possibly cancer.  It was the most stressful time for all of us - my other kids were terrified their sister was going to die.  As soon as open enrollment came at my job I dropped Kaiser and enrolled in a PPO, which is more expensive but has totally been worth it for the kind of care she received.  With a PPO you don't need a referral to a specialist, so when my knee was killing me I just made an appointment with an orthopedist who did an MRI that week and surgery within the next three weeks.
122391
...actually here's a video of a "minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery" at the Brigham.\n\nhttp://www.or-live.com/BrighamandWomens/1193/\nclick on the link..\n\nNot sure if there's anywhere in Chattanooga, but maybe you should check with Vanderbilt or Univ. of Tenn.
668302
I recommend shriners hospitals for crippled children. They are good, and free. They have helped me in the past.\n\n I believe there is one in tampa.\n\nYes she needs evaluated but you dont know what it is yet. a problem with the growthplate, hip dysplasia, who knows. \n\n\nI dont see why you need a good lawyer unless the doctor did something to cause this problem or make it worse
618224
I mentor guys with prostate cancer. I had it four years ago at 51 years old and had a radical prostectomy. Two weeks later my surgeon became one of the only ones doing robotic removals. \n\nI have talked to him at length about the benefits. He said, because of the new accuracy he will never go back to the old surgery method. However, he made it clear, that he and most others have a hard time getting the hang of the robotic procedure, and usually need re-training. \n\nSo, don't be one of your doctor's first patients.\n\nI have talked to several guys who were very happy with their robotic procedures. Their recovery time is about 3-4 weeks instead of 6-8 weeks.\n\nBut, no matter what any doctor tells you E.D. is going to be your biggest issue afterward. Only about 25% of patients fully recover. I'm at about 90%, and all the viagra in the world isn't going to help me (done them all, hate them all). \n\nIncontinence shouldn't evern be a concern if you have a top notch surgeon at a major center doing the work. I was at UC Irvine medical center.  My doctor's name was Alhering. \n\nThe trauma of surgery, robotic or not ,will take its toll. I also had my limph nodes removed, so there was additional trauma.\n\nBut, I wouldn't change a thing. I'm in good shape - for the moment.
416933
Hi Jessica,  I had a total knee replacement in 2001 and i had 2 surgery before that. Has your doctor put dye in your knee to see if they can pick up anything wrong with your knee?? If your not happy with your doctor go see a different doctor. About the arthrits in your knee,you probably do have it in your knee. I did before the total knee replacement and i know how painful arthrits can be. Wishing all the luck in the world.Find a doctor who cares about your health. A Friend.\n\n  Clowmy
198563
Alas, with health care in our country ... we don't have socialized medicine where the care is dispensed only by need. If you are asking people to give you a rather complicated and expensive procedure, prepare to put on your work gloves and work for it. \n\nThe thing you have to do is look at the resources in front of you and try to figure your moves out. Somehow, you found out you needed knee replacement surgery ... could that medical practitioner work through their resources?  See what Kent County's Health Department and the State says. Find out which of the local hospitals is considered the 'teaching hospital' and try to talk to a social worker or intake counselor there. Look up where the medical schools are in our state and try to work with them as well. Use this tool called a computer and find out everything you can - become a student of this.\n\nAnd most importantly, have a good reason why. Don't tear up and talk about your hardships. We all need help in one way or another. Know how are you going to make a real difference once you get your gift and be prepared to tell everyone a reason why this is important to all of us as well as yourself.  If you have a reason for this greater then yourself, it will happen.
306771
Good luck and best wishes.\n\nThe Beautiful Recovery Association (B.R.A)*
639013
There is an office of Osteopaths on Park Ave, very near General Hospital.  They appear to be some of the most progressive in the area.\n\nIf you do not have any luck with them, you could check with the younger Dr. Dan Federovich, on  Vestal Parkway.\n\nI no longer live in the area, so I do not have access to a local phone book.\n\nI hope this helps you.