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 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."
Read Nicole's story
A few years after her leg amputation, Eugénie van Huijgevoort competes in adaptive CrossFit competitions. Eugénie was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017. During her treatments, she developed blood clots, which led to the amputation of her left upper leg. "After my amputation, I became less hesitant. That’s why I’m embracing the adventure of the Adaptive CrossFit Games in Texas."
Read Eugénie'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
