Next Step O&P

International

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Foundation^©

"Dedicated To Helping RSD Patients Worldwide"

Eric M. Phillips

P.O. Box 1145

Lakeville, Massachusetts 02347 USA

Phone: 508-946-9888 Fax: 508-946-3338

Office Hours

Monday through Friday

9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST

Please view the following new topics:Dr.Ellen G. Wattay's Updated Manual for the Diagnosis and Treatment of RSD/CRPS I, Clinical Contribution To CRPS I, RSD Poems, RSD Stories, Clinical Trials: Lenalidomide in the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I and CRPS, Sympathectomy, The National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI), and Next Step O&P.

Next Step

Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc

As, a recent amputee I had the great pleasure and honor to meet Peter Couture, CP, President and Clinical Director of Next Step Orthotics & Prosthetics located in Warwick, RI.

I met Peter prior to my amputation for a consult. Peter took the time to discuss my options that I may have after having an amputation. Since my case is not your typical amputation case due the fact that I suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). My amputation would be a little bit different for many reasons:

1. How would my RSD react to the amputation? Would the amputation cause my RSD pain to get worse?

2. How would my stump react to wearing the prosthetic?

3. Would I be able to stand or even take my first steps in more than 20 years?

Peter, took the time to listen to all my concerns and fears about having an amputation. Peter and his staff have made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything that I am doing will work out well for me.

Well, I must tell you that it has only been 11 weeks since my surgeries (August 25 and 27, 2008). I had to have a two-stage amputation due to the infection in my left foot. On November 12, 2008, I was able to stand without the use of my crutches and I took my first steps in more than 20 years.

I, now recall the first meeting that I had with Peter. He told me that he would have me walking the first time I put on my new leg. Well, I must tell you that he was 100% right.

It has been more than 20 years since I last walked on two feet. With the help of Peter and his staff, I am able to take my Next Step in life.

I can't thank Peter and his staff enough for all their help and support. You all have made my life so much better.

All my Best!

Eric M. Phillips

To contact Peter Couture, CP, President and Clinical Director of Next Step Orthotics & Prosthetics.

Please visit Next Step's website at:

http://www.nextstepoandp.com/index.html

My First Steps After 20 Years

November 12, 2008

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Eric M. Phillips, and Associates will not be held liable for any damage or loss as a result of information provided on this page or associated documentation. Again, this WEBSITE is simply published as an information source and should not be used to treat or make judgments on RSD. All material owned by others, that is distributed or published on this website, disk media, facsimile or copied through electronic or photographic means has been done so with the permission of the owner or author. Any and all material published in error, will be immediately removed or corrected upon notification of such. The IRSDF organization title known as the "International Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Foundation" and all associated material on this website may not be copied, reproduced or quoted without expressed written permission from the owner; Copyright ©1996-2009 Eric M. Phillips- Last Update 11/16/2008