GAE Patient Story: Chronic Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis Treated at Medical Vein Clinic
Rebecca had meniscus tears in both knees and knee osteoarthritis that had progressively worsened over five years. She lived at a daily pain level of 7 to 8, with spikes to 9 to 10. She had tried physical therapy, multiple medications, steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, compression, red light therapy, a TENS unit, and an expensive knee brace; nothing brought lasting relief. After one consultation at Medical Vein Clinic in San Antonio, she had her first GAE procedure on a Wednesday, her second the following Tuesday, and was traveling the following week. Within a month, her pain dropped to zero in her left knee and a 1 in her right. This is her story in her own words.
GAE — Genicular Artery Embolization — is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis by reducing blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee joint. The procedure takes approximately 90 minutes, requires no surgery or general anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day. Clinical studies show approximately 90% of GAE candidates experience significant pain improvement. Learn more about GAE at Medical Vein Clinic.
Meet Rebecca
Years of Chronic Knee Pain and Failed Treatments
For years, I lived with constant knee pain. I had meniscus tears in both knees and, as I got older, osteoarthritis began to take its toll. In the last five years, especially, the pain became impossible to ignore. Most days, I lived at a 7–8 pain level, and the spikes to a 9–10 were what finally pushed me to look for an answer.
Before finding GAE, I tried everything: physical therapy, Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, magnesium cream, red-light therapy, Vicks VapoRub, kinesiology tape, ice, heat, a TENS unit, compression, steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and even an expensive knee brace that ended up limiting my mobility. I elevated my legs every night. Nothing brought lasting relief.
How Rebecca Found Medical Vein Clinic San Antonio
Then I learned about GAE, and Medical Vein Clinic in San Antonio popped up in my online research. I’m big on reviews, and theirs were excellent, so I called. They saw me the very next day.
Walking toward the building, I saw the sign that said, “Love Your Legs Again,” and it felt like a sign, I was in the right place. Inside, everything just clicked. The clinic was beautiful: white walls, blue artwork, purple flowers, black seating, and stunning light fixtures. Everyone I encountered was warm, upbeat, and genuinely fun. Dr. John Hogg, MD, founder and board-certified radiologist at Medical Vein Clinic, came in with so much energy and kindness. He even squatted down next to me, showed me his own knees, and shared that he’d been through knee replacement himself. In that moment, I knew I could trust him.
Rebecca’s Results: Pain Down to Zero Within Weeks
Now I’m about a month out on my right knee and three weeks out on my left. I occasionally feel a “funny little tingle in my legs,” which I chalk up to healing, but the difference is incredible. My daily pain went from a constant 7–8 down to almost nothing: zero in my left knee and maybe a 1 in my right, and even that depends on the day. I know maximum results can take up to three months, so I’m thrilled with where I already am.
Most major insurance plans cover GAE when knee osteoarthritis is documented, and conservative treatments have been attempted for at least six months.
What Life Looks Like After GAE
I’m now realizing how much pain had quietly taken over my life. I avoided stairs, looked for chairs with arms so I could push myself up, and even changed my preferred airplane seat to avoid “scooching” across the row to the window seat. My mobility and my confidence had been shrinking without me noticing. Now I’m retraining my brain, strengthening my quads, and enjoying movement again.
Getting in and out of the car is easier. Walking feels natural. And best of all, I don’t have to plan my life around knee pain anymore. It’s like getting space back in my mind, my emotions, and my day-to-day life. I’m incredibly grateful.
Rebecca’s Results at a Glance
- Conditions treated: Meniscus tears in both knees, knee osteoarthritis
- Pre-treatment daily pain level: 7 to 8, with spikes to 9 to 10
- Treatments tried before GAE: 12+, including physical therapy, steroid injections, hyaluronic acid, TENS unit, compression, red light therapy
- Post-GAE pain level, left knee: 0
- Post-GAE pain level, right knee: 1
- Timeline: First knee treated Wednesday, second knee the following Tuesday, traveling the following week
- Physician: Dr. Thomas Gianis and Dr. John Hogg, Medical Vein Clinic San Antonio
Rebecca’s Experience at Medical Vein Clinic
I tell everyone: the experience at Medical Vein Clinic was wonderful. The diversity of the staff, the humor of the doctors, the seamless process – everything was built around helping me. There were no unnecessary appointments or delays. Just care, compassion, and results. My only regret is that this clinic doesn’t offer more services in other areas of healthcare I might need. I am genuinely thrilled I had GAE. It gave me my life back. I consider myself lucky to find Dr. Thomas Gianis, MD, board-certified vascular surgeon at Medical Vein Clinic — he was fabulous. I feel like I have a new friend.
Both Knees Treated in One Week, Traveling the Next
I had a trip planned and hoped the procedures could be done quickly. Medical Vein Clinic didn’t waste a moment. I had my first knee done on a Wednesday, the second the following Tuesday, and I was traveling the next week. The entire experience- nurses, staff, and the process- was flawless. Everyone made me feel cared for. I even baked brownies and cookies for the staff before my second procedure, and they welcomed my goodies like it was Christmas morning. Ready to find out if GAE is right for you? Call 210-622-8000 or book online at medicalveinclinic.com/book-an-appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do GAE results show up?
Many patients feel improvement within a few weeks, and results continue building over time. Rebecca was about a month out on one knee and three weeks on the other when her daily pain had already dropped from a constant 7-8 down to nearly zero. Maximum results can take up to three months, so relief keeps improving after the procedure.
Can GAE be done on both knees at the same time?
Both knees can be treated, typically in separate sessions a short time apart rather than the same day. Rebecca had her first knee done on a Wednesday and the second the following Tuesday. Your physician will plan the timing based on your evaluation.
Is GAE painful during or after the procedure?
No. GAE is minimally invasive and done under IV sedation, so you’re comfortable during the procedure. Afterward, some patients notice a mild “funny tingle” in the legs as part of healing, as Rebecca described, rather than significant pain.
What activities can I do after GAE?
Recovery is quick, and most patients return to normal activities soon after. Rebecca traveled the week after her second procedure and got back to walking, stairs, and strengthening her legs, things she’d been avoiding for years.
How long do GAE results last?
Relief from GAE typically lasts three to five years. Because the procedure calms the inflammation driving the pain, the results tend to hold, and the procedure can be repeated later if needed. Maximum benefit develops over the first three months.
What if I have already tried steroid injections and they did not work?
GAE may still be a good option. Rebecca had tried physical therapy, multiple medications, steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and more without lasting relief before GAE worked for her. GAE addresses the inflammation at its source rather than masking pain, which is why it can help when other treatments haven’t.
Does Medical Vein Clinic perform GAE in San Antonio?
Yes. Medical Vein Clinic performs GAE for chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis at its San Antonio locations. The procedure is performed by board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Thomas Gianis. Call 210-622-8000 or book online to schedule an evaluation.
Does insurance cover GAE?
Most insurance plans cover GAE for osteoarthritis knee pain. We verify your benefits before your procedure so you understand your coverage. Call 210-622-8000 to confirm.
If you have chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis and have tried conservative treatments without lasting relief, you may qualify for GAE. Call Medical Vein Clinic at 210-622-8000 or book a consultation online at medicalveinclinic.com/book-an-appointment. We have two locations in San Antonio: Stone Oak at 18831 Meisner Drive and Northwest San Antonio at 5742 W. Loop 1604 N.
