Bill West - A Multi-disciplinary Approach With Transforming Results
Bill, who underwent a below-the-knee amputation following an accident at work, had been finding it difficult trying to re-adjust to his new prosthetic limb as well as come to terms with his situation.
After his lower limb was amputated in July 2001, Bill was fitted with his first prosthetic in September that year. He says that at first he was happy with the slow progress he was making. However, a move back to his native North-East turned out to be a step backwards for Bill.
“The prosthetist at the new hospital where I was being treated just couldn’t seem to get things right,” said Bill. “I was unable to walk more than 20 yards without sticks, everything was stiffening up and I was virtually immobile. I hadn’t been able to work since my accident and everything was having a very negative effect on myself and my wife.”
Bill’s barrister suggested he visit PACE for a multidisciplinary assessment and said that, if his insurance company were willing to pay, he would recommend that Bill attend PACE Rehabilitation on a private basis.
“I haven’t looked back since,” says Bill. “The first time I came to see Toby he took a cast and I couldn’t believe it when he had a new leg ready for me the next day. It fitted like a glove!”
“After just 12 weeks my life is completely different,” he says. “I’m happy again and all the feelings of depression have lifted. As well as getting a leg that fits perfectly I have been having extensive physiotherapy which has made a huge difference.’”
Bill thinks it is the focused approach to rehabilitation coupled with the skills of the practitioners at PACE which have made such a difference to his life in such a short space of time.
He concluded: “I now have an on-going relationship with the team at PACE Rehabilitation and while certain elements of my treatment will finish, that relationship will continue – I find that very reassuring.”