Karin
Karen's story
'All that attention for me alone was like a warm bath' In May 2007 I fell ill. After 2 days I got spots on my left leg and I got sicker and sicker. In the hospital they suspected a streptococcal infection and to save my life my left upper leg was amputated. The physiotherapist in the hospital assured me that with a good prosthetic leg I could do everything again. Before I got sick I was training for the Four Days Marches of Nijmegen, and according to the physiotherapist that should also be possible with a leg prosthesis. He warned me not to be too easily satisfied and not to be fobbed off with the first prosthesis that came along. An advice that later came in handy. Prosthetic sleeve did not fit The hospital period was followed by admission to a rehabilitation clinic. I had an instrument maker there that I didn't click with. He couldn't make me a good tube. I was psychologically ready to move on with my life but physically it was disappointing. I didn't know whether I was expecting too much or whether it was the case/instrument maker that was the problem, so I started looking for another instrument maker and ended up here. Their idea behind a second opinion: “because there is always room for improvement”, immediately appealed to me. Extensive attention What immediately struck me was the friendliness of the people, it seemed as if all employees knew that I was coming for a second opinion. It felt like a second opinion was a rarity, while afterwards I heard that two second opinions were done per week. The meeting was very pleasant and familiar. I immediately felt at ease. For the first time (this was the third instrument workshop I visited, within a year of the amputation) I found what I had been missing, subconsciously, all along: the feeling that I was the center of attention and not the prosthesis. In my previous experiences I had the impression that I had to adapt to the theory of prosthetics. It was always said that I just have “a tough stump”. During the second opinion, I was listened to carefully, my complaints were taken seriously. No problem, just a challenge The team looked at the fit of the socket, my walking and the stump and then came to a striking conclusion: “It's not a bad socket, but they need to make something that fits your leg better. ” I immediately felt comfortable and hinted that I actually wanted treatment there. The director saw no reason for this. According to him, my own instrument maker should be able to make me a good case. Moreover, he thought this address was too far for me, because I live 150 km from here. He sent me back with some advice and the message that my instrument maker could always call him. He did tell me that I was always welcome, of course, if it didn't work out with my own instrument maker. In the end we agreed that I would try one more time with my former instrument maker. Unfortunately, this again did not yield the desired result. The rehabilitation doctor was of the opinion that I had reached my final level (I was walking with a C-leg and walking stick at that time). I did not agree with that and was referred to De Hoogstraat. I felt like the most important customer! Also during the intake, it was immediately noticeable how helpful the employees are: I had an appointment at 1 pm and I was fifteen minutes early. Although it was lunch break, someone came to ask me who I came for. Already during the casting there, I clearly noticed a difference in approach. The casting and measuring went more extensively than I was used to, but the biggest difference was that I was told what they were doing and for what. My prosthetists were very persistent and 'planed', tinkered and tinkered with angelic patience until I had a prosthetic upper leg that met my needs. As a result, I always felt that I was the only, if not the most important customer. After reading the book The Power of Adjustment I realized that more clients feel this supported and understood. Thanks to the expertise, drive and support of the people, I have exchanged my walking stick for a sports prosthesis, AMAZING! Honest advice about leg prostheses I would encourage anyone who is not satisfied with their prosthesis to request a second opinion. I have had a very positive experience at De Hoogstraat and I think everyone agrees with their approach. You are heard and seen, you get honest advice and they are not out to win customers. And here too: if you are not satisfied after a second opinion, I would say: keep looking! Don't be fobbed off and don't give up too quickly. Continue until you are satisfied. With me it is true that every new tube brings with it the necessary 'problems'. But I know it will work out in the end. And if you have that confidence, you take a pain for granted. If the trust is not there, any pain is too much. Want to read more customer testimonials? Click here.
