This PA wasted my time. Does not listen to you at all. Talks down to you and only wants to concentrate on one aspect of your health issues. Only went once and will not go back to that practice again. My advice to you: See a real doctor!

I'm middle class, white, 29, male, 6' 4", 165Lbs, long hair (locks of love, bound), short scruff beard but clean. I'm overall healthy, except for a life long problem with my knees, chondromalacia is what she believes I have, based on xray mri and previous ortho. (Same establishment) This was my 1st visit to the referred P.M. specialist. Dr. Alves leonilde was kind and answered all of my questions, but came to a conclusion about my condition before she even saw me. Her prognosis was that I either do overpriced surgery she can't even say will fix my problem or take a couple free samples of some topical cream and do physical therapy (which I'm already doing). I have been on meloxicam(15mg), flexeril(5mg), and tylenol#3, on and off, safely as needed over the course of almost 2 years. She lectured me about bad eating habits, needing rest, lots of ice and tylenol..All of which I already do responsibly..1/3 of my appt. was taken up by a fellow employee willfully interrupting, discussing irrelevant computer stuff. Before the Dr. dismissed the appointment, and after her prescription choices she realized she hadn't even touched me, no reflex test, no stretching, bending, leg pulls nothing. I'm not insured (self pay), can't afford surgery and I'm a stay at home dad with 3 kids. I was just getting by with the meds I was taking before but now I'm cutoff, unless I do surgery, and I don't even know how they will treat me post op. If it doesn't work, what then? ..the look on her face when she first saw me was one thing, the diagnosis and prognosis without even considering my problem was another... the appt. literally went.."you're too young to be in pain (didn't know there was an age limit), I'll give you topical cream, but otherwise you need surgery, oh wait let's take a look at that knee. Well you have a problem, I can see it, it doesn't look right". My response "I know, why do you think I'm here". With no option other than surgery all I can say is that this Appt. was the epiphany of why young male don't use the health care system. I live in America and I still have to live in pain. 1 out of 5 stars because it wont let me do none.