Wife, Mother, Social Worker and Athlete: I am complete
My name is Mona. I am a wife, a mother, a social worker, and an athlete. I have been an amputee for over 18 years and this is my story.
I was a typical college girl, walking on campus when I was struck twice from behind by a drunk driver. The impact tore my right leg apart. My parents were given two options: Amputate my leg below the knee or salvage my leg by reconstruction. As any parent would, they chose the latter. They were told limb salvage would require many surgeries, lots of physical therapy, and many risks; including the possibility of infection. As fate ran its course, I developed gangrene from infection and my forefoot was amputated. This was the beginning of a long and difficult journey.
For the next seven years, life for me was like living on a medical roller coaster. During this time, I found myself in and out of hospitals; over 20 trips to the operating room and countless hours of rehabilitation and physical therapy. Thankfully, even with all of this chaos and confusion, I found a wonderful partner in life and we married. Yet, something was missing. I wanted to have children and be a critical part of a family; I wanted to be complete. I was always experiencing pain and repeatedly dealing with medical problems related to my right leg. It was then in 1997, I chose to undergo my final surgery; elective amputation of my right leg below the knee. How ironic, I thought, "to lose something to become whole again". This was the best decision I have made for my life and myself.
My first prosthesis was a pin lock system. It was easy to put on and take off, but I struggled with frequent sore spots and comfort issues. I became frustrated and worried that I may have made the wrong decision with elective amputation. My expectations and aspirations as an amputee were much greater than my results. I needed something different than what I had received thus far.
I had heard about MK Prosthetic & Orthotic Services and their reputation for progressive patient care. It was time for a change. My new adventure started about three years ago with MK Prosthetic & Orthotic Services. I was initially fit with a suction design prosthesis and then advanced to a newer design type using elevated vacuum technology. I have been astonished by the comfort and improved fit of my prosthesis. This is what I was looking for. I can wear my prosthesis all day, without pain and my gait is nearly flawless. I do have occasional difficulties with my prosthesis, although I find them to be no more problematic than my sound limb. Sometimes I go through life too fast and these problematic times simply remind me to slow down and smell the roses.
After one year as a patient of MK Prosthetic & Orthotic Services, I was presented the opportunity to join their team and provide social services to fellow amputees. I am blessed with the opportunity to be welcomed into patient's lives and to guide them into the journey, which is their future. I work closely with many of the amputee patients and their families to assist them in support and education, so they may be in control of their lives. Their futures are full of questions and uncertainties. My goal is to provide education, support, and a positive attitude in assisting patients through a new and fulfilling life as an amputee. I work as a liaison with the community to ensure that amputee patients' needs are met. For example, rehabilitation before and after the delivery of a prosthesis, funding, transportation, and other psychosocial needs.
I also am a leader for San Antonio's amputee support group. We gather the second Saturday of every month at Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital (5101 Medical Dr). This is a group of 20-40 (amputees and loved ones) that offers continued support and encouragement to each other; we have educational lectures and testimonies. It is a very positive and uplifting group of people who share with each other. For others who are not comfortable in a group setting, one on one support is available as well (either in person or telephone) just let me know your needs and I will do my best in trying to help you!
I have been married for 14 years now and have been blessed with two wonderful children. I am a wife, a mother, a social worker, and an athlete. I am complete. I hope to run a half marathon soon. MK Prosthetic & Orthotic Services has helped me reach my potential as an individual and I will be forever grateful.
Mona P.