I’m writing to you with my experience back in June, 2012.  It was a beautiful summer morning when I set out, with a helmet and a dream, to learn how to ride a motorcycle, a dream I had dreamed my whole life.  Two hours in, I dumped the bike, pinning my foot underneath it.  My initial thought was that my foot was simply severely sprained so I jumped back on the bike and rode without another incident for another 7 hours.  I knew I was in trouble when I removed my riding boot which revealed severe swelling and the prettiest color purple. Portsmouth Hospital ER confirmed a fracture to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th metatarsal, casted me, and released me with instructions to contact Atlantic Orthopaedics for follow up.  Being an office assistant for a local podiatrist, my daughter was skeptical of the care I would receive from an orthopedic practice.  But then I met Dr. Cameron Eilts, an orthopedic podiatrist!  Dr. Eilts took the time to thoroughly review my X-Rays with me. My 3rd and 4th metatarsals were twisted and cracked, the 5th metatarsal was fractured and fragmented.  He explained that the surgery necessary to repair my injuries would be challenging and prepared me for the worst… a plate and screws, and possible rods to straighten the twisted bones.  Rods?  Really? Amazingly, when Dr. Eilts straightened and plated the 5th metatarsal, the 3rd and 4th straightened on their own… no rods!  During my follow up visit with him a week later, Dr. Eilts offered a prognosis that indicated he understood my priorities: I would be running in 5 weeks!  “He gets me,” I thought.  My sister was quick to doubt, “You never ran before,” she reminded me. By August, 2012 I was cast free and pain free, and by September, 2012 I was back in the gym.  Today, I’m once again wearing 5″ heels, something I’m certain would make Dr. Eilts cringe!  But more importantly, I’m running 8 minute miles.  My foot is stronger than it was prior to my injury, and I owe it all to Dr. Eilts.  His expertise saved my foot, and my future.  His care and compassion earned him my trust.  Dr. Eilts is a brilliant surgeon and I will be forever grateful for him.