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What's it really like to work with the Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics team? Read on to hear directly from some of our patients about their Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics experience.
Leandro Espinal – “An Active Dad”
Stephen Mikulcik – “Doors Have Been Opened”
David Mosley – “Rediscovering a Desire to Help Others”
Karen Robinson – “Sandals—With Heels!”
Buffy Russell – “No More ‘I Can’t!’”
Patrick White – “The Chance to Share a Positive Message”
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Leandro Espinal – “An Active Dad”
A work-related accident led to a severe crush injury of my lower right leg. After several surgeries to clean the wound, the decision was made that the best chance for a full recovery was with an amputation. John was involved in my initial amputation to see if he could get a post-operative device to help shrink the stump, but unfortunately the swelling was too severe. Once the swelling was down and the stitches had healed, there was never any question I'd be going to Independence for my prosthetic care. It was the only facility the doctor recommended.
My experience with Independence has been outstanding. They are very responsive, supportive and aware of resources that are out there for amputees. They are flexible and understanding as to how limb loss changes your life, and they help make that transition much easier.
I'm slowly getting back to many of the things I did before. I'm working again on a limited basis right now, and hoping for more later. I'm walking better than anyone imagined. If I have an issue with fit, Independence is quick to respond, and that keeps me on my feet. I will be getting back to playing basketball again, as well. They've also ensured I'll be able to be an active dad with my girls, instead of watching from the sidelines, by making sure I have the leg I need to do a variety of activities. back to top
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Stephen Mikulcik – “Doors Have Been Opened”
I was in a motorcycle accident in July 2009. I was hit by a truck and lost my leg at the accident scene. After spending a month in Baltimore’s shock trauma unit, I was transferred to Christiana Care’s rehab facility. During my two weeks there, a nurse referred me to Independence. The Independence team fitted me with an Otto Bock prosthetic leg, which I am still using today.
Independence is like a close-knit family, and I felt immediately comfortable and accepted there. John has been hands-on throughout my care, and I feel a close connection with him because we share the same condition.
I do feel that the Independence team has helped me rediscover my potential. While I’ll probably never be 100% where I was before the accident, with the new technology I have and the support of the Independence staff, I believe I can be 95%, which says a lot. I even went skiing with the staff last winter—something I had never done, even when I had both legs. My experience here has opened lots of doors for me.
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David Mosley – “Rediscovering a Desire to Help Others”
On July 3, 2009, I left a business meeting and, while driving home, was hit head-on. Thankfully, I was ejected from my truck. My left leg, ankle and foot received compound fractures, and so did my right leg and ankle. The doctors believed they could possibly save my legs, but infection set in the left foot and ankle. The more the doctors tried, the more it became clear the left foot was not going to make it, and it was amputated. After several more surgeries to combat the infection that had moved to the right leg (20 procedures in total), I asked them to remove the right leg also so that I could move onto the healing process.
My wife found Independence and, after our call to set up an appointment, the “smiles” that came through the phone gave us a great feeling. Once we had our first appointment, we realized the “smiles” were real. The staff made us feel welcomed and answered all of our questions—even questions we didn’t know we had. The time they took with us seems to be typical for all their clients. We have always walked away wanting to give back to them as much as they have given us.
John Horne and his staff have raised our expectations and quieted all of our fears and apprehensions. As a bi-lateral amputee, I’ve encountered many folks before Independence who seemed to be learning along with us about what to expect and what treatment I should receive. Not so with Independence. John explained the process by which I would return to “eye level” and told us that, with practice and dedication, I would be able to walk again—and do just about whatever I set my mind to. He told me to learn the techniques my inpatient physical therapist was going to teach me and pay attention to everything they offered. Each step has been better than I expected. My inpatient physical therapist gave me the feeling that I was unique and special as long as I gave my all and tried to learn the correct techniques. John, my therapists and doctor have worked very well together and they helped me to stay focused and move forward. My results have been fantastic and I will continue to recommend Independence to everyone.
The team at Independence cares about everyone who has suffered from limb loss, and they take the time to talk to you and your family. They instill a feeling that you should give to others what they are giving to you, “pay it forward” to all those you come in touch with. I was introduced to the Amputee Support Group via Independence, and John has opened my mind to setting new goals and striving to be more than a victim.
The whole team at Independence was kind and lent a collective ear. They helped me rediscover how important it is to anyone’s recovery to have people around you who can empathize, as well as sympathize, with your situation. They helped me rediscover my desire to help others and my desire to give to others.
To that end, I have founded Unlimbited Independence, Inc, a mentoring/support group. My wife and I have dedicated our efforts to facilitate the recovery process for others and their families through a strong support system; individual and family communications to assist in coping with the many obstacles; an example of how well one can adjust and regain the ability to walk, work and be social; and the opportunity to discuss the technical, social and family adjustments. We are currently serving as peer visitors/mentors at the Christiana Care Hospital/Wilmington Hospital, where I completed my outpatient physical therapy. We are giving back to the staff and patients, and they give back to us. I also participated in a West Chester University panel dealing with the rights of people with disabilities. I will continue to advocate for our rights and equal access through the Amputee Coalition of America. back to top
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Karen Robinson – “Sandals—With Heels!”
From years of wear, my old prosthesis no longer fit properly and had become very uncomfortable. I sought out a facility for my care that would provide a higher level of professionalism and service than I had received at other clinics in the past. My search led me to Independence.
I knew right away that my experience with Independence would be different. From the beginning, John Horne paid close attention to my needs and asked a lot of questions. I truly appreciated the fact that he respected me as a seasoned patient. I knew what I needed and explained it to the team in detail, and they really got it. My results have been phenomenal—a prosthesis that fits comfortably and looks almost natural—and were always delivered with a spirit of excellence and a warm smile.
As an amputee himself, John was easy to work with because he understood my needs and perspective. His team is always cooperative and followed through on every detail. The team also made me feel special, and I could tell that everyone cared about my satisfaction and happiness. I am very satisfied and still telling my family and friends about John and his team.
Shoes are very important to a woman when she’s dressing up. In the past, there have been certain types of shoes I couldn’t wear, and I felt self-conscious about that. Through working with Independence, I have gained the ability to wear sandals—with heels! Even the way I look in my clothes now has made me feel more confident. With my new prosthesis, I feel more complete from top to bottom and happy to be me.
Independence Prosthetics – Orthotics is a great facility for receiving help with a missing limb because you’re treated like a human with feelings and not just a number! back to top
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Buffy Russell – “No More ‘I Can’t!’”
I was born with a rare brain disorder called Schizencephaly, which left me with a mild form of palsy on my left side, and I was in and out of casts and braces for my left leg most of my life. Nine years ago, I took a bad fall, which damaged nerves in my left leg, causing it to be paralyzed. Doctors told me that there was nothing they could do for me. I have been a patient at Independence for three years now. I was originally referred there by my foot doctor for a cam walker for my “good leg.” I walked into the office, and John happened to see me walking a bit like Frankenstein and asked, “Can I ask you why you are walking like that if it’s not too personal?” I went on to tell him the story of my drop lock brace, and he looked at me with a grin on his face like he usually has when he has an idea, and said to me, “What would you say if I told you that I could possibly get you walking normally again without anyone noticing that big clunky thing?” I said, “Sure, why not? I have nothing to lose!” Little did I know that John and the whole team at Independence where the answer to a prayer that I had been praying for six years!
My experience at Independence has been great. The process was explained to me in detail from start to finish, and I always knew that if I had questions, I would get a straight answer. I’ve always left my appointments feeling like I had had input to the process and was comfortable with the treatment plan and next steps.
John and all the employees always have a smile on their faces and they truly care about the patient. No problem is ever too big or too small for them to handle. Their warmth and compassion towards their clients is endless. They never see a patient for his or her “disability,” but rather for his or her “ability.” They understand where each individual patient has been and where he or she wants to be. Independence P&O sees each client as a whole person not just a body part.
I have definitely rediscovered my potential with Independence P&O. They have me doing things that, nine years ago, I would have told you that I couldn’t. They gave me nine years of my life back and have given me the hope to realize that there is no end to my potential. Without Independence P&O, I would be in a wheelchair telling everyone including myself, “I can’t.” Words can never express how grateful I am to everyone that works there and what they have given to me!
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Patrick White – “The Chance to Share a Positive Message”
Following open-heart surgery for constrictive pericarditis, I developed an allergic reaction to a blood thinning medication. I developed gangrene in both feet up to the ankles and in the top half of my right hand, including all four fingers and the top of my thumb. As a consequence, both legs were amputated below the knees, and half of my right hand was amputated as well. John Horne was working in conjunction with my vascular surgeon. I got to know him early in the process, and he was a tremendous help, both physically and morale-wise. I wouldn’t have even considered working with another company.
Working with Independence has been a great experience. I was discharged from the Therapy Center at Wilmington Hospital in late July 2008, and John had me fitted with test prosthetics in a matter of two or three weeks. I took my first real steps in his facility—a monumental occasion for my wife and me. Over the last two years, the progress has been continuous. I was back to work (teaching at the University of Delaware) in time for the 2008 Fall Semester. In less than two years, I now walk freely, using my quad-cane only for long-distance walking. We keep my wheelchair in the office at UD. I don’t even use it at home. I climb and descend stairs comfortably. It’s like “Welcome Back to The World!” Independence deserves most of the credit.
The whole team is upbeat and serious, accessible and flexible. Their commitment is obvious, but the atmosphere is informal and friendly—my kind of people. No whining or whimpering—just look ahead and get it done!
My work, as a professor of English at the University, defines who I am. If I had been prevented from returning to what I do, I would have had no pivotal center to my life—nor would my wife, who also teaches there. She deserves to be more than a caregiver, and we’ve been fortunate enough, with the help of people like those at Independence, to re-integrate seamlessly into our professional situation. It also allows me to communicate with students on a new level. They don’t have everyday contact with many people in my situation, and they seem interested in what my situation is like and how to handle it. It gives me the chance to forward a positive message which might be useful down the line, when they face personal adversity of their own. back to top
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