After a week in the hospital and multiple failed attempts to get proper
blood flow to the lower half of my leg, I subsequently had my left leg below
my knee amputated. The doctors reassured me, prior to my amputation, that
they would do their best to save my knee. The doctor saved my knee but
amputated my leg guillotine style. The distill end of my leg was a mess and
made for difficult prosthetic fittings and chronic pain and discomfort. For
ten years I suffered from pain and discomfort. My leg dictated what I did
or didn’t do.
I received an invitation to attend a Patient Evaluation Clinic where I was
evaluated by Kevin Carroll LP, VP of Prosthetics for Hanger Prosthetics and
Orthotics. Kevin has worked with me for about ten years and knew my
background and how difficult my leg was to fit. He took me aside and asked
me what I thought about having surgery to relieve my problems. I knew that
at some point in time I would have to have surgery again but I didn’t want
to be set back. I told him that I valued his opinion and would entertain
his suggestion. He went on to describe the Ertl procedure and how it has
made a positive impact on many lives and that he thought it would improve my
life tremendously. I took his advice and flew to California in November of
2004.
My life since the Ertl procedure has been nothing short of miraculous. I
stay on my leg all day. I have no pain or discomfort. I am able to hike
through the woods at a pace that most “normal” people wouldn’t be able to
do. I am the proud father of two sets of twins, ages 4 and 11. I think the
most important result from the Ertl procedure is the fact I no longer tell
my kids that I can’t do something. I do everything!! Two months ago I ran
for the first time in 13 years!!!
Thank you Dr. Ertl and Kevin Carroll!!! You have both changed me and my
family’s life in ways that I never thought was imaginable.
Chad Thompson
Customer Support Representative
Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics
Augusta,Maine
Thank you Chad and Kevin Carroll for your support.
Anthony T. Barr
President
Barr Foundation
