Success Story - Barry Herman

In His Words...

“Because of the therapists, doctors, nurses, and aides on [the acute rehabilitation unit], I can write my success story. I am a type 2 diabetic, and in 2013, I started getting infections in my lower legs and feet. My amputations started on my right foot with my toes. After a few minor bone surgeries, it progressed to where I needed a right leg below-knee amputation in 2018.

In a few months, I had my first prosthetic limb and, with inpatient and outpatient rehab, was able to walk out of the rehab hospital. In 2023, I acquired another infection in my left leg, and after a left above-knee amputation, I found myself back at rehab. I am using my new left leg prosthesis and get stronger and able to walk further every day. I am getting ready to walk out of therapy and return to my everyday activities. Thanks to everyone here at RHRW, I am able to do so.”

The Full Story

Barry was originally admitted to the acute rehabilitation unit after a left above-the-knee amputation with a past medical history of a right below-the-knee amputation. Upon admission, he required physical assistance with transfers, mobility, and daily activities. He was discharged at a modified independent wheelchair level of mobility.

A few months later, Barry returned to the unit for an intensive inpatient prosthetic training program. He made excellent progress and was able to return home utilizing his bilateral prostheses to ambulate up to 150 feet with a rolling walker and complete stairs with minimal assistance.