Amputations and prosthetic limbs are usually associated with images of heart break, pain and broken dreams. But, every once in a while, we see proof that miracles do happen. Marcell Blignaut’s story is one of an example of this.
At the beginning of this year Marcell was in a nearly fatal motorcycle accident. His left leg was badly injured and there was no possible way doctors could save it. He had multiple injuries and therefore after his amputation, all attention was paid to keeping him alive.
Marcell was under sedation for approximately 2 weeks where after he was woken up and told he had lost his leg. He was positive right from the start as he was extremely grateful to be alive. As I got to know him better, it was easy for me to see that his zest for life and positive attitude would enable him to make a success of the long rehabilitation process that lay ahead.
We soon began putting compression on his residual limb and 2 weeks later he was discharged from hospital. He was fitted with his first socket and C leg. His first steps were quite shaky and it articulated our uncertainties for the road ahead. Marcell immediately started with intense prosthetic driven physiotherapy and his walking improved a mere two weeks into his rehabilitation program. He continued with physiotherapy for many weeks and today he is reaping the rewards of a good fitting prosthesis, excellent componentry and intense physiotherapy.
Before the accident, Marcell participated in rock climbing, kick boxing, quad biking and scuba diving. It is amazing to see that not long after the accident, Marcell is diving and riding quad bikes again and a few weeks from now, he will receive his black belt in kick boxing.
Marcell is rehabilitated to his full potential and today he is one of the best above knee prosthetic walkers.
Well done Marcell, we are all very proud of you!