Robin’s story
It was really great! After eight years of struggles, a world opened up for me. First, I was given four hours of time by two instrument makers. The warden locked the front door and we had the whole place to ourselves. Full attention, where else can you find that? At the end of the morning I just walked loose on two test prostheses. I had a smile from ear to ear. I could walk again! And that after eight years of problems with my sockets. My day couldn’t go wrong! And every time I think about that day, a smile comes to my face.
You had problems for eight years?
Yes, in 2011 both my legs were amputated above the knee. After that, an incredible search for good prostheses began. The previous instrument makers where I was a customer were unable to make them for me. In those eight years I’ve been to two instrument companies, had twelve sockets for my right leg and in the end I couldn’t get me to walk. And then you come here and suddenly you are standing on two well-fitting sockets. Bizarre.
You could immediately walk well with it?
Yes, that was the most surprising thing. The socket immediately felt good. It’s a different kind of socket. This tube is less high in your groin, making it much easier to sit. You do not rest on your sit bone, but get stability from the pressure of the liner around your stump. You have to get used to that, but that went very quickly for me. You have much more freedom of movement. My colleagues did not know what they saw! They also thought it was very special at work, some colleagues spontaneously gave me a hug. I walked again! I love it and it really brightens me up. I really felt seen at Protec. I didn’t feel like a number, but a person.
Robin walked after eight years with two fitting leg prostheses!
How are things going now?
I’m now going to follow walking training with Frank Dik. That’s part of the service. I also find that very special. And my instrument maker Kas even comes to have a look, despite his busy schedule. They are involved, knowledgeable and take their time. That makes the difference!
What do you think is the added value of Protec?
Turnkey service. You come, they take their time, explain a lot, make your prosthesis and you leave. How customer-friendly is that!
We are only happy when you are
"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
"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
"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
