Testimonial by recipient of Ertl Procedure

Testimonial by recipient of Ertl Procedure

10/20/2003

The gentleman below requested his message be forwarded to the O&P
Listserves.
Thank you
Anthony T. Barr
President
Barr Foundation
www.oandp.com/barr

-----Original Message-----
From: AJ Johnson [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 11:30 PM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: RE: Ertl Video


I've had a long and arduous road the last 9 years, so my story isn't a short
one. But as far as the amputation goes, my prosthetist here in Macon,
Ga--Jim Young at the CH Martin Co. is the one who actually pushed for me to
have the procedure. He gave me the video and got me in touch with the right
people--The Ohio Willow Wood Company (who helped me in NUMEROUS ways before,
during, and even now after my surgery). I traveled from middle GA to
Columbus, Ohio to have my Ertl done @ Grant Medical Center by Dr. Atilla
Poka (pronounced poke-uh). I was fitted with an IPOP and was up walking
around at about 12 hours post-op. Although I was casted all summer long, I
did more with the IPOP & cast than I have with 2 feet in over 4 years--I
went to the beach, took many shopping trips, worked on my tan by the pool,
and just did what any normal 26 year old teacher would do during her summer.
I've had a prosthesis for almost 10 weeks now and I'm able to run, jump
rope, hop, squat, and do pretty much anything I want. It's just an
unbelievable feeling to actually feel healthy. I guess it's sort of like a
giant burden has been lifted off my shoulders or like I've been let out of a
cage. This has made such an impact on me that I've decided to go back to
school to get my master's degree in O&P. I start classes in January! Below
are the names/addresses of myself and the people that helped me get the
attention I needed to get my life back. Again, thank you for doing what you
do! You'll never know the impact that video had on my life.

Jim Young c/o CH Martin Co. - 130 College St., Macon, Ga 31201 (478)
742-4331

Dr. Poka c/o Ortho Trauma and Recon Surgery- 340 East Town St, 10th Floor,
Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 462-7894

AJ Johnson 444 Forest Hill Rd. # 417, Macon, Ga 31210 (478) 731-8525

Also, I don't mind if you want to use my comments--if they can help someone
else, I'd be more than happy for someone to read them.



AJ
Like those before me; steady and strong- I will walk.
For those who doubt my ability- I will run.
To heights yet foreseen- I will climb.
With the wisdom of a better way- I will live.

-----Original Message-----
From: AJ Johnson [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 6:00 PM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Ertl Video
Hi,
I'm writing to thank you for making Beyond the Bridge available to
people. My prosthetist had been talking to me about taking a big
step--driving 10 hours to meet a new doctor and have an Ertl
amputation--instead of just having my surgery done locally. Although he was
fairly convincing, your video really sealed the deal. I had my amp done
6/3/03 and haven't looked back since! I'm doing more now than I've been able
to do in over 4 years. Although the healing time was a bit longer, it was
completely worth it. Thanks for doing what you do!
AJ Johnson ( <Email Address Redacted> )
Like those before me; steady and strong- I will walk.
For those who doubt my ability- I will run.
To heights yet foreseen- I will climb.
With the wisdom of a better way- I will live.