Christopher has made virtual leaps and bounds in his progress since the last time saw I saw him. At 16, Christopher Janse van Rensburg was diagnosed with Fibromatosis and struggled for three years with his condition. In that time, he had seven operations in an attempt to remove it, all unsuccessful. He had no blood flow to his right foot and he was eventually left without the function of his right leg too.
On the 12th of January 2019, the decision to amputate was made. From our first meeting, Christopher’s attitude amazed me. He was always well informed and totally mentally prepared for the decision. He’d already clued himself up and had a wealth of knowledge surrounding prosthetics before we had even met. He had clearly done his homework, which can only work to the advantage of any amputee! To make such a mature, informed decision at such a young age with such a positive attitude is truly inspiring.
Since the first prosthetic fitting of his Above Knee prosthetic leg was done, his determination was palpable. After the second day, he was walking without crutches like someone who had been using a prosthetic leg for years. This is a grueling and often very painful process, but Christopher never complained, not once.
After a few months had passed, he began talking about doing jogging, running and triathlons. We took him to the Össur mobility clinic in September. He ran stiff-legged with the Flex-Run™ foot for the first time in two years; he was so elated to run again! This kick-started the process of building Christopher his own prosthetic leg made for running. Watch as he enjoys his new leg for the first time below:
A day-to-day prosthetic does not lend itself well to running; a running prosthetic requires more shock absorption and “flex” in the foot to reach the desired speed. Christopher wanted speed and I am so happy we could give it to him in the form of the Flex Run paired with the Cheetah® Knee from Össur. His socket is designed with a flexible brim for optimum speed and comfort. Even before I could warn him of any potential issues, he started jumping on the leg and all I could do was close my eyes.
Next, we were off to Hoërskool Garsfontein for Christopher to test out his running. Running with a prosthetic is no easy task, and he became understandably winded.
We supplied him with his final prosthesis in Decemeber of 2019. Now, he has set himself a personal goal to jog the 21km Two Oceans in April of next year. This is in preparation for his next goal which is to do a half Iron Man before completing a full Iron Man. What an amazing young man! He was not satisfied with walking again… he will run! He has adapted quickly to life after amputation.
Christopher, we are so very proud of you!!!! Super well done!!!! – Jaco Deist
Keep an eye on our blog for more information on Christopher and the rest of our patients’ progress!