I am a retired train driver since 2015, prior to driving trains I was a sheet metal tradesman, both in private enterprise and with the railway. My accident in 2019 put an end to my very happy retirement and started my rehabilitation. I have undergone 14 operations and my injuries were extensive, but I have always been keen to get back to living my life like I did before my accident.
In the beginning of 2021, just under the 2-year mark, the bones in my foot collapsed and I could no longer walk, I decided the best way forward was amputation. While in Westmead Private Hospital, I was told about APC Prosthetics and this is where our journey began to get me back to a near normal life.
When I first started seeing the team at APC in March 2021, I met Alex who fitted me with a wet room leg, which gave me confidence that I wouldn’t slip in the bathroom. I also received an everyday leg, which as my stump changes need occasional adjustments and replacements. My experience with APC has been a God send, the physios at Westmead private hospital told me about APC and I rang to make an appointment before I was discharged from hospital. APC provide you with everything you need to meet your goals.
At my age, days can be hard but the staff at APC have been there for me when I have faced hurdles. There are habits you get into with posture that cause pain in the neck, back and shoulders but the team led by Cathy and David soon draw your attention to how you can rectify any problems you might be having. My passion is riding motorcycles so my eagerness to walk, then ride, gives me motivation to press on and keep moving. I have learnt so much from the team at APC about skin care, massage of the stump to assist with circulation, prosthesis fit in your wet room leg and every day leg, I don’t know what I would have done without them.
My goals are to walk as pain free as I possibly can, build my stamina and ride some of the distances I used to. My prosthesis has allowed me to walk and now after two and a half years I’m riding again. I try to get over to my local park where they have exercise equipment and a walking track around a pond, and on bad days I watch the ducks more than exercise.
I’m proud of the fact that when the time came to make the decision about amputation, I did my research about the process and was able to make an informed decision. This meant there were no real surprises and I knew what to expect. I am also proud of how far I have come since my amputation.
As an amputee we have good and bad days, sometimes a shower can be all the workout you need for the day so don’t be too hard on yourself when those days come around, just press on and do better when you feel you can. Cathy from APC constantly reminds me that the energy you burn just trying to walk with a prosthesis is huge, so just remember to take it easy.
Be sure to surround yourself with people that know what you have endured and who have your best interests at heart. These are the people that will provide the best support and advice along the way.
