Pat M. Keeps Moving Forward
For Pat M. of Sutton, Nebraska, staying active has always been part of life.
Born in Henderson and raised in Sutton, Pat spent 30 years serving others as a State Fire Marshal and Enforcement Deputy before retiring in 2021. Today, he and his wife, Barbara, operate a small mowing business, caring for about 10 yards each week. They also enjoy camping at Nebraska State Parks, fishing and traveling together.
Pat’s journey as an amputee began after he broke bones in his foot. When the cast did not provide the support he needed, the bones began to collapse. Pat later developed sepsis, ultimately leading to a below-knee amputation in 2016.
After wearing several prostheses over the years, Pat needed a new prosthetic provider when the practitioner he had been seeing moved out of state. He was introduced to Rakesh Srivastava, CPO, founder and CEO of Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics.
“As an amputee himself, Rakesh knows what his patients are going through,” Pat said. “He’s the best practitioner I’ve ever worked with.”
Advanced Technology with a Personalized Design
Pat was recently fit with a Proprio microprocessor foot from Össur. The prosthetic foot features a waterproof microprocessor ankle designed to adapt its movement and help provide greater stability, improved safety and a more natural walking pattern.
Pat quickly became comfortable with his new prosthesis. He appreciates the improved fit, finds it easier to put on and has been able to continue the active lifestyle he enjoys.
The prosthesis also reflects an important part of Pat’s life and career. Fred Calabro, Innovative P&O’s lead laboratory technician, created a custom design featuring fire scenes, fire extinguishers, two Dalmatians and other firefighting imagery.
“The staff at Innovative P&O are terrific,” Pat said. “Many people have positively commented on how the prosthesis looks.”
Ready for the Road Ahead
Pat and Barbara have been married for 41 years and have three grown children. Whether Pat is mowing lawns, camping, fishing or traveling, his new prosthesis is helping him continue doing the things that matter most.
At Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics, advanced prosthetic technology is combined with personalized care, in-house craftsmanship and an understanding of each patient’s individual goals. For Pat, that meant creating a prosthesis designed not only to support his mobility, but also to tell part of his story.
