How is Carla doing now?
A few years ago, Carla shared her experience story about how, after the amputation of her legs and arm due to dystrophy, she unexpectedly learned to walk again with her prosthetic legs. Since then, she has taken huge steps – both literally and figuratively. What was once a dream – climbing stairs to visit her grandchildren – is now a reality. Carla has even taken up running on blades, which she discusses further in the interview.
Photos: by Team Para Atletiek
How is walking going now?
“It’s going well, but I always have nerve pain, of course. I mainly feel that at night and occasionally pressure pain as well. It’s still a bit of a trial-and-error process since the stump is constantly changing, but I can walk a lot and very well. Without any assistance and even up and down stairs. So that’s perfect.”
A few years ago, you said you hoped to visit your son on the third floor using the stairs. Did that work out?
“Yes, it worked out and quite quickly too! My son and daughter-in-law lived on the third floor at that time, with my grandchildren. I trained for that right away with Frank. Now, the grandchildren live with me and I can take care of them and walk them to school. In that regard, I do a lot.”
You’ve started running with sports blades. How’s it going?
“I train with the athletics club of Team Para Atletiek, an initiative by Paralympians. They felt it was important for others to be able to sports as well. Occasionally, I get training from them and I even had a blade training session with Paralympic top athlete Fleur de Jong. That was very special and educational. I wanted to burn more energy and try an outdoor sport with a challenge, something more than just walking. Athletics gives me that challenge. Since I rented the blades, I can get a lot more out of it. I really enjoy that!
‘Running feels like freedom to me’
Do you notice a difference now that you’ve been training on blades for a longer time?
“Yes, it’s progressing quickly. In the beginning, I could only hop a little, but now running is getting better and better. I was able to take off with them right away. I used to be a dancer, so I know well how my body works and that helps a lot. The blades are more comfortable than my regular prostheses because they’re less stiff and have more spring. Plus, with the blades, I don’t have any issues with my stumps. That’s really incredible.”
How long have you been using the blades and will you continue?
“I’ve been using them for about two months now. I’ve already discussed a reimbursement request for the blades with my rehabilitation doctor. A motivation letter needs to go to the insurance and possibly to the municipality. It’s often not reimbursed, but with Uniek Sporten, I’m hopeful I can get 80% covered. That would be amazing.”
Did you ever expect that you would start running?
“No, not at all. I didn’t know what to expect. Maybe I didn’t even think I’d be able to walk without a cane or go up and down stairs. During my amputation, people were quite negative about what would be possible. So, I had low expectations. But now, I have a normal life and with running included, even more. I never expected that. I’m 60 years old and instead of slowing down, I’m building up!”
What does it mean to you to be able to run?
“Running really feels like freedom to me. I have a lot of energy and I couldn’t channel it anywhere before. Now I can and I’m also working on my fitness. It’s just nice to move again. I simply need more for who I am and I’m getting that now by training with the blades. It’s great to pick up speed, it’s really exciting. Running is amazing, although you do need to master the technique. But when it clicks, it’s fantastic. It also helps that, even though I was ill, I’ve always kept training. You really notice that now. Because of that, I pick it up quickly, and that’s really great.”
‘Getting up to speed, that’s really exhilarating!’
Do you like that you can rent the blades at Protec?
“Yes, I really thought that was necessary. Otherwise, I would never have been able to try them out. During Protec’s Prosthesis Experience Day, I had them on once and it already felt good. That’s when I wanted to continue with it. Fleur de Jong also said: some people request a blade but have never tried it or have only tried it once. They don’t yet know how it feels or what they think about it. Renting them is really important to properly try it out.”
What would you like to share with others in a similar situation?
“I would say: try everything you want to do. Pain will always be there. I barely slept last night because of nerve pain. But I know it will pass again. Don’t let that stop you. Try things out, step by step. It’s not always fast or easy, but in the end, you get so much back for it. Don’t be afraid to fall. It can also go wrong for me if I fall, but I don’t plan for those things and I just don’t think about them. I would say: do what you want to do and go for it!”
Curious about how Carla came to Protec? Read her previous story.
We are only happy when you are
"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
"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
"I am happy to put my prostheses back on, lately they have often been in a corner. I don't regret my switch at all. They really take their time here, especially that, and watch you with several people. They are specialized and know what they are doing and always have a trick and solution if one does not work, yes they really think along with this."
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