Marcel’s story
How did you end up at Protec?
I was looking for a new prosthetist in the area because I was no longer satisfied with my instrument workshop. I started googling and came across the Protec site and it really appealed to me. I thought it was all very futuristic and at first I was afraid that I would have to pay for it myself, but that was not the case at all. The prosthesis is simply reimbursed by the health insurance company.
What was your experience at Protec?
The people were very hospitable and friendly. I was warmly welcomed and a lot was told about the company and the special method that was used there. The other employees explained what was going to happen and my questions were answered in detail. They really took their time with me. A world opened up for me at Protec. That’s how it was possible! My walking pattern was looked at, the construction of my current prosthesis and I was shown video images of how I walked. I had indicated that I did not like walking because I had the feeling that the prosthesis was following me. When we watched the film together, the instrument makers already said that they saw that on screen, the prosthesis was completely wrongly adjusted. Everything was wrong with it.
‘A world opened up for me at Protec!’
Here the socket was right in one go!
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.
Can you summarize Protec in a few sentences?
Modern, professional and hospitable. They know what they are talking about and they take their time. Here you as a prosthesis user are taken seriously.
We are only happy when you are
"It’s really strange to be able to see everything from a different perspective. I’m at eye level with others again. I can definitely feel it in all my muscles that I’m moving in a different way. The people in the apartment complex where we live were astonished when they saw me walking with crutches down the hallway. And when I first went to see my grandchildren with my prosthesis, my grandson was shocked when I stood at the door."
Read Frits's story
"There was no other option but to look for a counterbalance to the pain. And that’s a long process you go through. Because how do you learn to deal with such a setback? I started focusing on what I could still do, what was physically possible, what I could still enjoy. That’s how the strength to keep going was born. During that period, I learned to drive with my left leg. I’m very proud of that and happy about it!"
Read Karin's story
"In my arms and legs, dystrophy developed, and to make matters worse, I started suffering from thromboses. I was an independent dance teacher, had a wonderful and free life with my son, and suddenly I lost my freedom and independence. After years of being unable to walk, at Protec, I managed to start walking on two below-the-knee prosthetics within a week. I felt so lucky! I could have never imagined that it would feel this good."
Read Carla's story
