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
"I’ve now been a prosthesis user for half a century. For many years, I functioned quite well with my prostheses. I am a visual artist and a teacher, I lead an active life, and I have a job that requires me to stand. I’ve also always traveled a lot. However, I often suffered from sores in my groin, but I kept going. I simply want to do things and not always be focused on my prosthesis, which can limit me."
Read Hilli's story
"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
"Mr. Bakels wears two upper leg prostheses. He had two internal knee prostheses that were rejected by his body, requiring the amputation of both his legs. The doctor who treated him told him that at his age he would never be able to learn to walk again with prosthetic legs."
Read Rob's story
