Every so often, someone completely inspiring crosses our path. HEINRICH GRIMSEHL shares the story of one patient who continues to amaze Meet Louisa Brown: Wife, mother of twins, Christian counsellor, fitness fanatic, professional photographer, Rottweiler breeder, and … oh yes, I almost forgot, transfemoral (above-the-knee) amputee. In 2002, Louisa lost […]
Amputee Corner
Prosthesis only the tip of the iceberg
For HEINRICH GRIMSEHL rehabilitation is much more than simply fitting a patient for a prosthesis. He shares his thoughts What is a rehabilitation protocol and why is it so important? This is better explained by an example. Let’s say for example your leg was amputated below the knee, the wound...
Dangers of Dr Google
With so much information available online, it can be difficult to pick the right products and solutions for you. HEINRICH GRIMSEHL points out the value of consulting the specialists Recently I visited a rehabilitation doctor’s consultation room. On her desk was a coffee mug with the following words on it: “Please...
Dealing with the shock of amputation
It is traumatic to lose a limb, but there is also hope. Heinrich Grimsehl speaks to a few amputees Usually, if somebody asks you what is the worst thing that could happen to you, amputation rates among the top three. The idea of giving up part of your body can...
Making fishers of men
With a little determination and creativity, a dream to fish was realised and a life-long friendship was formed Durban, 2000. “There is a wit ou in a wheelchair waiting to see you outside. He doesn’t want to come in. He’s in a hurry.” These were the words from my lab...
I lost my leg, please treat me properly (Part 2)
In the second part of the series, Heinrich Grimsehl investigates the ideal socket fitment protocol Please be informed that this article is a follow up from my article in the previous edition of ROLLING INSPIRATION. The same disclaimer applies. This is simply my opinion. Also, this article should only be...
I lost my leg, please treat me properly
Not all medical professionals perform quite as required – therefore you should know your rehabilitation landmarks. In the first part of this series, Heinrich Grimsehl explains some basic treatment protocols At the beginning of an article like this the disclaimers are important. You will soon see why. Everything in this...
A fighting spirit
After a horrific accident at his place of work, Clive Isaks had to adjust to life with two prosthetic hands – and he has done so with courage If you are working with an industrial electronic metal guillotine and, while trying to remove a metal plate stuck in the mechanism,...
The “upside-down” knee
A breakthrough in knee prosthesis technology has proven to be very good news for above-the-knee amputees Transfemoral amputees with especially short residual limbs are finally offered a prosthetic solution with incredible results. Just as the name suggests, the Very Good Knee, or VGK-S (S for short stump), is an...
Your greatest senior moment: a guide for older amputees
While much about growing old can be daunting and overwhelming, rehabilitation after an amputation doesn’t have to be! How did this happen?! How did you get here?! As they saying goes,“Ageing is not for sissies.” This is a reality that you’ve had to make peace with more times than you’d...