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
"When I entered Protec that first time, I was amazed. I was met at the door by the instrument maker in a very modern building. There was an enormous peace, there was no rush at all, it was friendly and soon felt "own". The conversation was extensive, I was asked about my history and the things I now encounter in functioning with my prosthesis."
Read Annet's story
A few years after her leg amputation, Eugénie van Huijgevoort competes in adaptive CrossFit competitions. Eugénie was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017. During her treatments, she developed blood clots, which led to the amputation of her left upper leg. "After my amputation, I became less hesitant. That’s why I’m embracing the adventure of the Adaptive CrossFit Games in Texas."
Read Eugénie's story
"I arrived in the morning and left the house at four o'clock with a new prosthesis. At other instrument makers I was cast in plaster, I had to wait weeks for a tube and I had to make adjustments all the time. This was good at once. I could walk away with it right away, the tube fit like a glove. This prosthesis is attached to my leg and feels like one whole. That is quite a progress. Even though I don't walk much, I want to walk stable and good and I can do that again."
Read Marcel's story
