Gulp . . .

Talked to Dr. Saile when I picked Joey up this afternoon.  She explained that instead of just filing the groove at the bottom of the femur to deepen it, she cuts out a v-shape piece with the cartilage attached, then files down the "V" where that piece was removed, then she puts the original piece back with the cartilage attached.  She said the pressure of the patella against it after surgery keeps it in place until it grows back together and no pin or anything is needed.  She also said she planned to tighten up the ligaments on that leg as well.  But then when I asked about the cost she said that the total, including the x-rays and blood tests done before the surgery, the surgery itself ($600), the anesthesiologist, intensive care overnight after the surgery, and necessary visits afterward would come to  approximately $1500!

Gulp!

Craig said he was going to talk to Ashley about it and then he  would call me back next week and let me know what she said about whether  she might be able to do the surgery.  I'll tell you what, I know the doctor at LSU is excellent -- the best.  But $300 -- compared to $1500??

Hmmm.  

We'll see what happens.