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
"It turned out that I had leukemia and efforts were made to save my legs using various treatments. However, it ultimately became clear that saving my left leg was not feasible. After many issues with my previous prosthesis provider, I requested a second opinion at De Hoogstraat Orthopedics/Protec. Finally, I am in the right place."
Read Aad'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
"I have a complex condition, with open wounds on my shins and it’s a journey to figure out how to manage that. At Protec, they think along with me and help me find solutions."
Read Frank's story
