jOHN'S nEXT step
“Be patient. It is essential to be willing to learn and work hard on this long journey.” This is the words from our most recent amputee patient that Next Step had the pleasure to work with.
John is an above knee amputee, who suffered an amputation due to vascular related complications. Fortunately, John was able to find the help he needed through his therapy department which referred him to Next Step.
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Recently, John worked with Next Step prosthetist Travis Barlow, CP & Co-Owner and was fitted with a lock and pin socket system, Össur Balance Knee, and WillowWood Sach Foot.
First and foremost, John knew had to be willing to learn about being an amputee and prosthetic user. John states “A lot of people come out from an amputation bitter, however I felt grateful. Travis taught me how to have a positive outlook toward the prosthetic and walking again.” John stated Travis and him had a great relationship, “as Travis was always calm, easy to relate to, and trust worthy.
In the future, John intends to learn to walk again independently. Recently, John had a friend at his facility who was also a prosthetic user. After a couple months of therapy, he walked out of the facility to return to his home. John states “he’s my hero, and I plan to do the same. I know it will be a long road, but I am willing to put in 110%.”
John also looks forward to returning to his everyday activities such as cooking and house cleaning. John’s willingness to learn and work is an inspiration to us all, and we can’t wait to see what is in store for him!
ROBERT'S sTORY
Meet Robert!
Recently, the staff at Next Step had the pleasure to work with Robert to provide him his new finger prosthetic. Robert suffered a traumatic injury leaving him with an amputated index finger through the middle phalanx. Following the procedure, Robert quickly became faced with many new challenges in his everyday life such as not being able to tie his shoes, button his shirt, and working with his hands. Robert also was also unable to enjoy the activities he loved the most – playing guitar and woodworking.
Robert is native to a small town 90 minutes north of Charlotte, North Carolina and searched for prosthetic clinics in the area but struggled to find one that provided finger prosthetics. Robert mentioned he expanded his Prosthetic Clinic search to the Charlotte area and found Next Step as they had a page dedicated to providing Naked Prosthetics and experience working with patients in the past.
Next Step Prosthetist, Travis Barlow, had the opportunity to work with Robert providing him with a Naked Prosthetic PIPDriver which is designed for individuals who have an amputation through the middle phalanx. This device restores length, provides dexterity, replaces a missing DIP joint, and protects sensitive residual ends
With the help of Robert’s new Naked Prosthetic, he plans to return to his normal activities of daily living such as picking up things independently, tying his shoes, and buttoning his shirt. However, what Robert is most excited about is playing his guitar and wood working. Robert enjoys playing guitar in his free time and at his church. Robert also enjoys wood working such as building birdhouses and mailboxes for his friends and family members.
Robert describes his experience with Next Step as “Good- Travis was able to provide adequate education, stayed in contact with me, and supported me through the process.”
Robert’s advice to amputee’s would be “do as much as you can do with the life that we have.”
James' Journey
Recently, James worked with Travis at Next Step and received his Suction Socket Prosthesis with Freedom Innovations Kinterra foot. His prosthesis also features a UNYQ cover which provides an individualized look and style for every amputee.
In April of 2019, James received a below-knee amputation due to a condition known as Charcot Foot. This condition left him in intense pain, and bed ridden for the 3-4 months prior. Once he received his amputation in April he felt relief from that intense pain.
A couple of days following James’ procedure, he was admitted to a Mt. Holly Rehabilitation. Here, he discovered Next Step. In the days to follow, Travis came to meet James and begin the prosthetic process. James describes his experience with Next Step as easy and always accessible. James mentioned Travis could see him at multiple locations whether it was in Gastonia or in the Charlotte office. He also mentioned that Travis could accommodate his schedule at a phone calls notice.
Prior to receiving his prosthesis, James faced many challenges with his mobility as he would have to utilize a wheelchair leaving him unable to do everyday tasks. However, he now is able to overcome those challenges which he says has given him a sense of independence and confidence again. James enjoys his free time now playing guitar in his band Stepside Deluxe and visiting the beach.
Some advice that James would give to other amputees is to “be patient, the process can be lengthy, stick with it and don’t feel sorry for yourself.”
Blanca's Journey
Meet Blanca! Our newest amputee patient at Next Step. Recently, Blanca worked with our prosthetist Travis, and received her suction below knee prosthesis featuring the Freedom Pacifica LP foot.
At the age of one, Blanca was involved in a traumatic incident leaving her with a severed foot that led to a below knee amputation. While growing up, Blanca often used crutches to ambulate through early life and later received her first prosthesis in her home country of Honduras which featured a plastic socket, suprapatellar cuff and a SACH foot. She has used that same prosthesis for 8 years and desperately needed a new one.
Blanca discovered Next Step from a family friend, which had a friend that had a fantastic experience with Travis Barlow. Blanca describes her experience with Next Step as life changing, as Travis was very knowledgeable, and always there for her. Blanca mentioned that Travis saw her on multiple occasions throughout the process, and even visited her house.
Prior to the prosthesis, Blanca faced many challenges such as walking and participating in everyday activities around the house. However, Blanca has overcome many of those challenges after receiving her prosthesis and is now able to enjoy activities such as cooking and walking her dog.
Some advice Blanca would give amputees is “Never give up, keep going. There's always changes in life, never lose hope.”
