@@My Journey With Knee Pain -- And an Unexpected Alternative to Knee Replacement…read more Good morning, everyone. I wanted to share my personal journey with knee pain and the treatments I've tried, in hopes it might help someone going through the same thing. The Beginning of My Knee Pain About 10 years ago, I began experiencing serious knee pain. I'm now 67, so it wasn't exactly a surprise, but it was still life-changing. My orthopedic surgeon diagnosed me with bone-on-bone arthritis and recommended a knee replacement. Instead, I started with cortisone injections every three months. For years, those shots worked like magic. Along with physical therapy, knee braces, topical creams, and supportive orthopedic shoes, I was able to manage the pain and live my life. When the Injections Stopped Working Unfortunately, this year everything changed. The cortisone injections only gave me mild relief, and the pain returned long before I could get the next one. I tried: * Hyaluronic acid injections - no improvement * PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections - mild relief for about a month By June, my surgeon and I agreed it was time for knee replacement surgery. He also advised me to stop cortisone injections to reduce surgical risks. I scheduled the procedure and began preparing. A Setback I Never Expected Around this time, I joined this online knee replacement group for support -- but reading story after story of months-long pain and slow recoveries honestly scared me. Still, my pain was unbearable, so I was ready to proceed. Then, the unthinkable happened. I fell off a ladder and suffered a severe injury to my right leg -- the same one scheduled for surgery. I had an 8-inch skin tear, all the way to the bone. My surgeon immediately canceled my surgery, saying I'd need to wait at least a year for the skin to fully heal. The worst part? No more cortisone shots, ever. My skin was now too thin, and the risk was too high. My daily pain level was a 7 or 8 out of 10. I couldn't sleep, walking was torture, and my quality of life plummeted. Searching for Another Option Desperate for relief, I kept researching and came across Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) -- a procedure that blocks inflammation by targeting the tiny arteries around the knee. I asked about it on social media, and a few people shared they had tried it years ago but only got short-term relief. However, the procedure recently received FDA approval, so I decided it was worth investigating. I contacted the San Francisco Vein and Vascular Institute, and Dr. Nathanson was incredibly helpful. After discussing my situation, he encouraged me to give it a try. The Procedure On Monday, I went in for my GAE procedure. The facility was beautiful, the staff welcoming, and the equipment state-of-the-art. The entire procedure took less than an hour. I limped in with a cane... and walked out normally just a few hours later. No sharp pain -- only a dull ache. Over the next couple of days, I experienced mild soreness when standing, but it was nothing compared to before. Today, three days after the procedure, I am 99% pain-free -- no pain medication, not even Tylenol. Looking Back What I once saw as a disaster -- my fall -- turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It forced me to seek an alternative to knee replacement, and I am so grateful I did. I know GAE may not be permanent, but it can be repeated if needed, and by then, there may be even more options available. Today, I am deeply thankful to Dr. Nathanson and the San Francisco Vein and Vascular Institute for giving me my mobility and my life back. If you're struggling with knee pain and looking for alternatives, it may be worth exploring GAE. I'll continue to update my journey in the weeks ahead. Good luck everyone.

The SF Vein and Vascular team have been excellent from start to finish. Scheduling, billing, and…read morethe care team are professional, caring, and supportive. Dr. Nathanson performed three procedures for me with great skill and an excellent bedside manner. I experienced no pain, and my recovery was almost immediate with no downtime. The Bay Area has many options for vein care, but in my opinion, this team is the best. I traveled 90 miles for my appointments, and it was well worth it. The facility is easy to find, modern, and welcoming. I highly recommend SF Vein and Vascular.

Doctor Hui is a very good cardiologist, intelligent, a lot of experience, cares about his…read morepatients. However, it is very difficult to get appointments whether you are a new patient or an existing patient, just FYI. There is at least one excellent physicians assistant, Connie, Wong, and also Excellent admin staff in the office to try and help with communications and back up. Dr. Hui says if it's an emergency, he will find a way to see me soon. Fortunately I haven't had emergencies to test this, but I have to believe it's true. Been a patient there over 10 years.

I met Dr. Hui in 1997. He is still the best physician I have ever known in all of San Francisco…read more Brilliant thinker, skilled surgeon and highly intelligent. A super fast thinker and communicator. He is constantly learning, staying on top of data and trends. When my father and grandfather had heart issues, he gave expert analysis that saved and extended their lives. Fast forward a few decades, he revised an awful treatment plan I received from an uneducated physician. With his guidance and a quick trip to SimonMed for a calcium CT scan, I am feeling great and living well without meds! He is a true blessing to the medical field. May he live a long and healthy life!

I was really blessed to see that Dr. Levine was on the providers list for Vascular Specialists…read moreunder my insurance. After brief research I knew he was the one for me and when I stepped into his office and met him, I was right! I had to find a specialist after learning I had a blood clot from my ankle all the way to my groin and it went right up to the deep vein. Doc placed me on Xarelto and kept tabs on me with my ultrasounds. Within a few weeks I was able to get off of the meds and followup. The good news is that after a few months the clot was gone the hit so great news was that the vein was damaged. Solution according to Dr. Levine, a venal ablation. Whatever you say doctor! Had my procedure on Monday and man oh man I have zero pain or discomfort! I tease with my friends and joke that perhaps the doctor forgot to Operate I'm not one for sugar coating nor do I want that with me especially doctors, Doc is straight to the point. I like that! As for his staff !!! All I can say is 5 stars from the front desk to the back office! Love my ultrasound tech although his names escaping me right now, Veronica is the bomb and Vanessa and shay up in the front are rockstars too! I feel pampered every time I call or stop in. Varicose veins, or any vein for that matter, Dr. Levine is the man! Thank you again and again! See y'all in a few weeks.

Great surgeon. He literally saved my life. If you are in need of a vascular surgeon, Dr. Levine…read moreis the one to see. Pure genius

Dr Brent is an excellent cardiologist with an AMAZING support staff…read more His attention to detail and listening skills keep my visits on point and targeted to getting appropriate tests, while his staff follows through with the process of scheduling those tests . When I had a lapse with my primary care physician who retired, it was Dr Brent who helped me get required tests for a prescheduled surgery. I would recommend him without qualification, and his staff are a model for any medical office to emulate. Lee Reynolds

Excellent care Support staff was knowable and provided the…read moreneeded information. I highly recommend the doctor.

Goes the extra mile. Does not rush the visit and is quite thorough. She even called me after my…read moreappointment to discuss medications.

Very kind, thorough, and intelligent doctor. She not only explained every test result and upcoming…read moreprocedure in detail but made great recommendations about treatment plans. She really connects well with patients. I can't recommend her highly enough!

I would have loved to have seen her but she rescheduled on me THREE times. Once i get. Even twice,…read morebut three times? I need to see a doctor as I feel horrible. I don'tneed a doctor who cancels on me and I am clearly not important.

Dr. Motiani embodies a multitude of qualities: She is kind, attentive, inquisitive, responsive and…read moreknowledgeable. She approaches her specialty, managing hyperlipodemia (high cholesterol), with an open mind (based on peer reviewed studies) and listening ear, creating a partnership to help me manage my health. I am grateful to be under her care.

I had my annual check-up with Dr Rupsa Yess and as before she and her staff were excellent! She…read moreand staff are thorough; professional and nice in a professional way; asked the pertinent questions - listened - responded - made sure all was understood and ok with me; and on time! The staff is also great, organized and nicely courteous! Also scheduling, checking in, and scheduling next appointment was very smooth! I highly recommend Dr Rupsa Yee.

This was my first meeting Rupsa Yee and it was wonderful. The Reception, Medical Staff were so…read morekind and considerate with my hearing impairment. They all took time for explanation and some humor and just relaxing. I really appreciated this visit. Thank you

Arrogant and disrespectful. Horrible bedside manner. No actual care for his patients. He throws…read moretantrums too And front desk is just as bad. Rude!!! Customer service is nonexistent. Don't go to them if you don't have to.

Unable to review because whoever answered the phone at 650-652-8600 was RUDE RUDE RUDE. Had…read moreattitude and when I asked to speak to someone else she hung up on me. AWFUL customer service! Your front desk is a representative of your office and whoever that was needs to be spoken to or replaced.... Believe her name was Christine.

I have been a patient of Dr. Lee for 5 years, beginning when I was diagnosed with cardiac…read morearrthymia. He has always treated me with an informative and caring approach, providing me with recommended lifestyle changes as well as needed medications and instructions on their use. At his direction, after annual check-up appointments, I have now been weaned off of the medications and the annual followups and directed by him to contact his office if any cardiac concerns arise. Dr. Lee is a knowledgable and engaging physician.

...first visit with dr. lee...have been a pt. at this office for years...he did ok...look forward…read moreto his being my cardiologist...

Dr. Bartoli, provides excellent care. He is very patient and considerate which are qualities that…read moreseparate his practice from the rest. Highly recommend.

Dr. Adrian Bartoli is truly one of the best doctors I have encountered throughout my mother's…read morehealthcare journey. My mother suffered thoracic fractures and had to be rushed to the emergency room twice due to severe spinal and neck pain. Both times, Dr. Bartoli treated her, referred to us by the hospital doctors. During an incredibly stressful period for our family, he was calm, patient, and compassionate. What stood out most was how carefully he listened. He took the time to thoroughly explain my mother's condition, the procedures, and what we could expect in recovery. He never rushed us, and he made sure I understood everything. His bedside manner is exceptional -- kind, reassuring, and professional. I also deeply appreciate that he does not default to prescribing painkillers. Instead, he encourages a holistic approach to recovery and long-term improvement. At our follow-up appointment, he discussed multiple strategies to support my mother's healing beyond just medication, which gave us confidence that he truly cares about sustainable health outcomes. It's rare to find a doctor who combines technical skill, integrity, and genuine compassion the way Dr. Bartoli does. We are incredibly grateful for his care, and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking thoughtful and patient-centered treatment.