Doris Soltis

Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in both hips and was told that I would eventually need 2 total hip replacements. At that time, I more or less shrugged this off and thought tomorrow would be a better day. That tomorrow NEVER came. In fact, every day got worse. After all those years of excruciating agony, 6 epidurals, 2 cortisone shots and every NSAID you can name, I finally decided to have the surgery because NOTHING gave me any relief. To say I was apprehensive is putting it midly. I was terrified not knowing how things would turn out, but at that point, I had little choice.

I have had 2 total hip replacements by Dr. Furman from Sarasota Orthopedic Associates.  My first surgery was on August 8, 2011.  I was walking the next day and out of the hospital in 3 more. This surgery was a complete and total success, and within weeks, I was pain free on the left side.  With this behind me, I chose to have the right hip done on January 23, 2012 and had the exact same results.

I am now totally pain free on both sides and have regained my active life style once again. In fact, I was back on a cruise ship 9 weeks after each surgery. I don't know how I could ever thank Dr. Furman for the wonderful job he did and returning me to the freedom of having a pain free life. I shall be enternally grateful to him. My association with Dr. Furman and Sarasota Orthopedic Associates has been extremely beneficial and rewarding, and I can highly recommend him as an excellent orthopedic surgeon. HE IS MY HERO!!

Robert Murphy

I broke my ankle 3 times while playing college sports.  Over the years the ankle deteriorated making it very painful to walk.  After much research both on the internet and consulting orthopedic surgeons, I found Dr. Cottom who performed ankle replacement surgery.  His pre and post surgery care have been superb.  I especially like the conservative approach taken for the healing process before beginning rehab.  I would rate my care by Dr. Cottom and his staff as excellent.

Robert Murphy

Rev. Neal S. Busker

After 10 years of painful suffering from dysfunctional arthritic pain in the left ankle, I began a search for a medical professional who was on the cutting edge of orthopedic medicine hoping to find someone with good news and a promise of relief.

Following visits to several podiatrists, who could not fix the problem, I found my way to Sarasota Orthopedic Associates and Dr. James Cottom.

Dr. Cottom was straight forward and thorough in his exam.  After a number of testing procedures, Dr. Cottom determined that there was significant help available and I was a good candidate for a complete ankle replacement.

Dr. Cottom, a highly gifted and skilled surgeon, performed complete ankle replacement surgery on me the 15th of February 2011.  Fourteen weeks following surgery my recovery had progressed to where I had no pain, was walking normally and now I'm looking forward to many years of enjoyable mobility.

My extravagant thanks to Dr. James Cottom for suing his superior Gifts to help people in need.

Sincerely,

Rev. Neal S. Busker

Barbara Brown

To all of the wonderful people at SOA:

I would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, x-ray technicians and office staff for all of the kindness and real compassion that you have shown me.

When a "life changing" accident sent me to Sarasota Memorial's ER with a badly shattered ankle, I was glad that my physician had earlier referred me to SOA.  When the doctor from SOA arrived at the ER I knew I was in good hands.  After performing a complex ankle surgery the SOA physician was there for me through every step of my recovery.

In addition to my Foot and Ankle Surgeon at SOA, I also received care by the Pain Management Specialist who joined in to help with my rehabilitation.  His inspirational stories and encouragement to "work harder" have been the reason I joined a gym, after finishing physical therapy, and I am now living a normal life.

Recently, at a doctor's visit, someone referred to my SOA physician/surgeon as a "miracle worker".  I agree and am happy that as I age (and my joints age) I will know tht the great people at SOA are here to help!

Thanks again!

Barbara Brown

Joseph Castronova

In 2005 I had a right fusion at a hospital in the Tampa area, unfortunately it resulted in a staff infection.  As a result I was admitted to a Nursing Home for 7 weks.

In 2006 I saw a Foot and Ankle Specialist at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates.  It was suggested that I get foot and ankle fusion on the right foot.  There was some apprehension of a positive result because of the previous infection.  I had the suggested surgery in 2007 and the fusion was a success!  My right foot was saved thans to Sarasota Orthopedic Associates.

Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis I also nedded a left foot fusion.  I had two foot fusion surgeries and the results were unsuccessful due to bone quality.  In 2011, I once again had the same surgeon, at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates, conduct the 3rd surgery on my right foot.  He implanted an Arizona Pin and used a bone graft used for spine fusions, "Angel Dust" and the results were successful!

My fusion surgeries on both feet were a solid success thanks to my Doctor/Surgeon at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates.

Deb Giura

I always feel like I am the only patient in the practice! No matter what I need, the physician's assistant is always polite and accomodating to my requests. I feel like there is nothing the doctors and staff would not do to help in the care and recovery of the patients. I cannot say enough good things about Sarasota Orthopedic Associates!

Thank you,
Deb Giura

Ann Morris

I've had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 32 years old (30 somewhat years).  As the years progressed, my left ankle started to go bad and I was experiencing a lot of pain in the bones.  My rheumatologist had started giving me cortisone injections, which worked for awhile, but eventually the pain became very severe and it started shooting up my leg to a point where I couldn't walk.  It was suggested that I get a CT Scan and see an orthopedist and that's how I came to Sarasota Orthopedic Associates.

One month after my cat-scan I had surgery, a total ankle replacement.  The surgery was a success and I have Sarasota Orthopedic Associates to thank.  In addition to the great care by the surgeon, the staff was very friendly, nice and helpful.  Every time I called, my call was always answered in a timely manner.  I was very pleased. 

Sincerely,

Ann Morris

June Brasgalla

I am a 77 year old woman and have been a patient at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates for ten years.  I have been treated over the years for shoulder and knee pain.   Among other things, I have had surgery on my foot and thumb and have also had nerve conduction testing.   At all times, I have been treated with the utmost respect and given straight answers to my concerns.   The professional atmosphere at this office carries down from the doctors to the nurses, the techs and staff at the front desk.   I am always treated with friendliness, respect and professional attention to my problems.    At my age, I have lots of friends who need orthopedic care and I recommend this office to all my friends without question.