Fran Riessen
Cranston, RI
Mother of three, volunteer, above-the-knee amputee
Riessen4@aol.com

“Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer out of the blue.  I was a registered nurse at the time, with three young daughters and a very active life.  Within a matter of weeks, my leg was amputated above the knee, and my life changed dramatically. I was a rehab nurse at that point, so I had pretty realistic expectations of my level of activity after the surgery. Several colleagues recommended a wonderful physical therapist, who in turn introduced me to Mike. 

I was impressed with Mike right away.  He was responsive and very accommodating, making home-visits when three young children and limited mobility made getting to his office a challenge.  He listened and was sincerely interested in helping me reach my optimum level of function.

The quality of care Nunnery has given me over the years has been outstanding.  I’ve been most impressed with the number of changes Mike has been willing to make so that I am comfortable and can function independently.  I live a very active life again as a parent and volunteer in the community – I do everything I need to do, and most of the things I want to do.

Every once in a while, something happens with my prosthesis, and I need to be seen immediately.  Mike always fits me into his schedule, and he and his staff have been very understanding when I need to bring my children, who affectionately refer to Mike as “the leg dude”.

As time goes on, I know components wear out, our bodies change, and adjustments need to be made.  Mike is always looking at ways to make improvements that will help me.  He keeps up with new technology and is willing to try new things, without putting me through unnecessary trials.  Mike always asks me if I want to try something new.  If it works, great, and if not, that’s fine too – I never feel pushed.

The process of properly fitting a prosthesis for an above-the-knee amputation requires a great deal of patience and sensitivity.  Mike and his staff are thoroughly professional and sensitive to my needs, which really puts me at ease. They've gone above and beyond anything I would have expected when my PT first referred me eight years ago.”