David’s story
I had an industrial accident in 2015, as a result of which my leg had to be amputated above the knee. I was a customer at an orthopedic workplace where I felt like a number instead of a person. At one point my lawyer told me about a company in Amsterdam that specializes in leg prostheses. And I made an appointment there.
You went to Protec because you were not satisfied with your prosthesis?
Yes, I wanted a second opinion and I was able to go straight away. They did a lot of different measurements there. My way of walking and standing was examined and video images were made of this, which I viewed together with the instrument makers. That was very enlightening and gave me a lot of insight into my walking pattern. After that second opinion I decided that I wanted to continue at Protec, I had confidence in it.
How did you experience the service?
Very pleasant. I really felt treated like a person and not a number. What I notice in this industry is that people are seen as products. This is not the case with Protec. At my previous instrument workshop it was ‘conveyor belt work’. There was hardly any personal contact with the patient. At Protec they try to put themselves in my shoes. It is important that people feel that it is all about them and not about making money. The personal attention they give here is so important.
‘I feel like a person here and not a number!’
Did you receive a good prosthesis?
During my first appointment, a socket was immediately made. I have a very muscular stump and that was quite a puzzle. I now have a second socket. I still wear that. I have no pain and get on it 12 hours a day, I work in construction. In the end, I think it can be changed a little bit in a few months, but I think I need to practice with it first.
Is this prosthesis different from the first one you had?
Yes, it’s a night and day difference. This prosthesis is lower than my previous one and therefore I can sit well and easily on my buttocks. My sitting position is better and I sit more easily and comfortably, also in the car. With a new prosthesis it is just like with new shoes: you have to break them in and then they become more and more comfortable. And that is certainly the case.
What is your most important finding at Protec?
At Protec I was treated as a person and not as a product. People who have to get a prosthesis are often insecure. After my accident I was looking for information and for others who had experienced the same thing. I was looking for something to hold on to. Often you are not that strong mentally after such an intense event. Fortunately I came out well. I work in construction again, swim, ride a motorcycle and climb mountains. I want to show others that this is also possible. So if people want to ask me something I am open to it. I am happy and satisfied that I have found my way to Protec.
We are only happy when you are
"It was truly amazing! After eight years of struggle, a whole new world opened up for me. First of all, two prosthetists dedicated four hours to me. The director even locked the front door, and the three of us had the entire place to ourselves. Complete attention, where do you still find that? By the end of the morning, I was walking freely on two trial prostheses. I had a smile from ear to ear. I could walk again! And that after eight years of problems with my sockets."
Read Robin's story
"Before, I sometimes spent an hour and a half in the fitting room without seeing anyone. I also had no idea what was being done to my prosthesis. Here, I sit at the coffee table, have a nice chat, and in the meantime, I quickly get a prosthesis that allows me to walk again. What more could you ask for?"
Read Pierre's story
"In the hospital, they suspected a streptococcal infection, and to save my life, my left upper leg was amputated. The physiotherapist at the hospital assured me that with a good prosthesis, I would be able to do everything again. He warned me not to be too quick to settle and not to be fobbed off with the first prosthesis I was offered. Advice that later came in handy."
Read Karin's story
