Patient-Focused Pioneer of Birth-Tissue Regenerative Medicine

Pat Levey suffered from dry eye and other inflammatory issues for many years. In 2015, following treatment with steroids, she endured corneal infections and then a more serious corneal ulcer. Pat endured a number of treatments for the corneal ulcer that didn’t work, with increasing pain and as her vision deteriorated. All of this greatly affected her quality of life, her career as an artist, and she was growing increasingly worried that she would lose her vision. Pat’s physician recommended treatment with PROKERA, the only therapeutic device recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce inflammation and prevent and remove scarring of the ocular surface. Following treatment with PROKERA, Pat’s pain has been relieved and her vision has been restored. The result has been life changing and allowed her to return to her artwork and daily activities.

“PROKERA changed my life –  it gave me back my life as an artist.”

Paul Tull was in a motorcycle accident that caused severe hip and knee trauma. While minor surgery and rehabilitation offered initial relief, years later he found himself plagued with chronic pain and arthritis. His mobility was compromised and his work as a CRNA at the local VA hospital became challenging. Paul’s quality of life suffered. He tried physical therapy and steroid injections that didn’t work; he was in constant pain and relied heavily on pain medications. His doctor recommended a total hip replacement, however, being young, this wasn’t an option he wanted to consider. One day Paul saw a local orthopedic surgeon, Mark Miedema, M.D., on television talking about his success with CLARIX FLO, an allograft comprised of both umbilical cord and cryopreserved amniotic membrane tissues. Paul decided to have the minimally invasive injection in his hip and knee and couldn’t be happier with the results. Paul is no longer dependent on pain medications, his quality of life has improved, he is more active, and back enjoying his passion for music.

“[My] quality of life suffered. Over the counter medications were a daily occurrence…and eventually prescription medications.  I didn’t want that.”