I cannot say enough about how Duke Orthopaedics changed my life!

Sixteen years ago, I broke my left leg in four places and shattered my ankle. At that time I was told I would always have pain and trouble, and I did. I had a rod, screws, and a plate put in, and my leg sat badly in what was left of my ankle.

As the years went on, the pain got worse and arthritis set in until one day while I was with a class going up stairs, I had an excruciating pain -- different than before.

I had worn off the remaining cartilage in my ankle, and bone was rubbing on bone. I had no insurance and could not work. I was told I needed an ankle replacement and that Duke was the cutting edge of that relatively new procedure.

I was blessed enough to be seen by Selene Parekh, MD. He worked with me and clearly told me the situation. Once I received my disability I called and he got me right in. He and his staff were so kind and efficient. I didn't even spend the night in the hospital!

There is a new procedure which handles the pain better with a catheter behind the knee. I had to keep weight off of my ankle for about six weeks, but it was incredible! I stopped anything but Tylenol after four days from the surgery.

My ankle healed smoothly and hurt less than the last 16 years of my life. I now have no swelling, and I can walk without a cane! I have no limp! It is now February and my surgery was in November. I used to have pain in my sleep, but that is gone too.

It is a true, life-changing miracle and I owe it all to Dr. Parekh and Duke Ortho. Thank you!