Imagine, if you can, going through 41 years of your life with a wound on your foot that never completely healed. The frustrating cycle of surgeries and setbacks would be enough to break the spirit of most people, but it did not break our patient Johnny. Johnny was injured in 1975 while serving in the military. Doctors tried to repair the damage to his foot and ankle by adding rods and plates to his leg and foot. After 45 surgeries, Johnny's foot and leg were still unable to heal completely, and he kept getting infections. In the spring of 2016, Johnny was faced with the very difficult decision whether to go through with amputation surgery or continue living, as he had been, with chronic wounds and no promise that they would ever heal.

 

Johnny did finally come to the decision that it was time to go through with amputation surgery in August of 2016. At first, he struggled to come to terms with how life his might change. He was concerned about how others may view him or treat him differently now that he was an amputee. He wondered if being an amputee would prevent him from doing what he wanted to do and if he made the right decision. However, he now looks back on those concerns, and he is grateful that he did not allow them to dissuade him from going through with his amputation.

 

Less than 2 ½ months after his surgery, Johnny was walking again on his own without needing crutches or a cane or assistance of any kind. This was a huge morale boost for Johnny, and, as he puts it, "I'm happy I can get around [now] like 'normal' people."  The day we delivered Johnny's prosthesis was a special day for us as well because we were able to give Johnny's prosthesis to him on Veterans Day. It was a touching way for all of us to be able to honor this veteran and thank him for his service. We wholeheartedly agree with Johnny who said, "I'm a winner, not a loser!"

 

Johnny's had these words of advice to others out there who may be where he was not so long ago, wrestling with the tough decision of having to go through amputation, "Stay Strong! Keep pushing forward and don't give up. It is all about will power. Life is too short to give up. You gotta' keep on moving forward."

 

We are truly honored and privileged to have the opportunity to work with Johnny, and we were truly touched to hear Johnny share in his interview with us that he would absolutely recommend Optimus to his family and friends. "Optimus treats you fair and does what is right! They are always here to answer your questions and help." This is truly our passion at Optimus: to partner with our patients during their journey and work together to help our patients reach their goals. We look to continuing to work with Johnny for many years to come!