| Patient Testimonial
Zandra, GRAFTJACKET® Regenerative Tissue Matrix - Ulcer Repair Recipient
 One of the serious complications of diabetes is the development of foot ulcers (deep wounds). If left untreated, foot ulcers quickly lead to infection and often necessitate amputation. Sadly, over 80,000 lower limb amputations occur each year in the diabetic population, 85% of which are preceded by foot ulcers. Zandra has lived with diabetes since childhood and knows all about the perils of foot ulcers.
 About five years ago, Zandra was diagnosed with her first diabetic foot ulcer on the baby toe of her left foot. Zandra's surgical podiatrists, Dr. Jane Holewinski and Dr. Marie Williams of Premier Foot & Ankle Center in Miami, caught the ulcer in its early stages and were able to close the small wound with conventional treatment. A few years later, Zandra noticed the dry skin on the outside of her left foot had cracked open and another wound had emerged. This time Zandra was admitted to the hospital for a six week stay. She was put on antibiotics to treat the infection. Thankfully, the wound did close and amputation was avoided.
In 2004, Zandra faced the most frightening of her three experiences with diabetic foot ulcers. With her left foot having survived two ulcers, she had been putting more pressure on her right foot in everyday walking. Last winter, this caught up with Zandra and she developed a large wound on the bottom of her right foot. Her doctors let her know this was going to be a difficult ulcer to heal.
 "I was so nervous I would need an amputation to keep the infection from spreading to the rest of my body," said Zandra. "I hoped for a miracle that I would be able to keep my foot and all five toes."
Zandra's doctors presented a new treatment option called GRAFTJACKET® Matrix, an innovative tissue matrix designed to repair challenging diabetic ulcers of the foot that they felt could save her from needing an amputation. Zandra was open to anything and decided to move forward with the treatment. With just one application of GRAFTJACKET® Matrix, Zandra's wound began the repair process. The treatment promotes new tissue growth converting into a functional tissue that is much like the patient's own. Within 4-6 weeks, the ulcer was healed.
 It took about four weeks for the wound to completely close. "This last foot ulcer was the worst one I have had, but it closed the fastest," says Zandra, who is a broker and is on her feet traveling with clients much of the time. She can't imagine how she would have managed if she had lost part of her foot. Today, Zandra is back to her normal routine and checks her feet regularly for any suspicious sores.
These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level.
There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery.
Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.
All statistics related to diabetes and diabetes foot care are taken from published information provided by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), and National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC).
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