“During the big snowstorm in March 2012 we had one foot of snowfall over night. The next morning I was swinging a broom while knocking heavy snow off breaking branches. I lost my balance and fell over leaving my left foot well planted in the heavy, wet snow. My foot completely broke off my leg. My neighbor heard me scream and he helped me hop into my house and called 911. An ambulance couldn’t come for two hours so after one hour a fire engine came and the firemen started an IV with pain meds. An hour later, I was taken to Riverbend Emergency Room by the ambulance and Dr. Sheerin operated on my broken ankle that afternoon. He put in a large plate and many screws. He did a great job and addressed all of my questions and concerns. Because I had no electricity at my house, I was kept in the hospital for three and a half days. I had to stay completely off my broken ankle for seven weeks and then could begin to use crutches. I then began to see Heidi Gaines for physical therapy at Slocum twice a week. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with my pain. I made slow but steady progress. Now I no longer need see her, but continue my therapy exercises at home. It has taken seven months to recover and I am still working on it. I’m 68 years old with no osteoporosis but my age may make recovery a little longer.”