Carol S. sitting, smiling at her computer desk at work with her prosthetic leg.
Carol S., Surgery Below Knee, January 2018
My name is Eric Herbert. I started this journey in October of 2019. After making the decision to have my left leg amputated, I wondered where my life would go from there. While recovering from surgery, I was visited by two current amputees (Chad & Jonathan), who gave me the inspiration I needed to believe that I could overcome this. Then I met Eric Chen, who reassured me that with dedication, determination, and discipline, that I could resume a new “normal life.” The staff at VSA Prosthetics were not only great at fitting me with a prosthetic leg, their upbeat demeanor and infectious attitude helped make the transition smooth and easy. My biggest concern was, “What would be my new normal?” Again, the staff at VSA showed me that normal was what I deemed it would be. I dance like no one is watching, I can walk as if I don’t have a prosthetic. And I got my swag back. Thanks VSA for all you do!
My name is James (Jimmy) Cagle. I have been battling infection in both feet since 2009. In 2009 I had my left foot cut off below the toes. Then in 2014 I had three different diabetic ulcers in my right foot. Two ulcers healed slowly, but eventually did heal. The last ulcer was on the heel, and I fought a good fight, but it never did heal.
I sing in a band and one night I just did not feel right, and I left before the show and went to Cobb Wellstar Hospital. My entire foot was infected and growing. I was in bad trouble. The only way they could get rid of the infection and save my life was to have my right leg amputated below the knee quickly before the infection spread to my heart.
I fought many years for this not to happen, but always knew it would come to this. No one wants to lose a leg. I was confused and downright scared. I was at the point when I had my leg amputated, and I didn’t know how I would carry on with my busy life. However, Dr. Sayeed put me at ease, said he knew he could get rid of the infection, and told me that I could carry on with my life. Still not complete sure, I then met Prosthetitst Orthotist Eric Chen after my surgery and he was the most kind and gentle soul I had ever met in the medical field. He laid out the plan for my recovery and said to be strong — he somehow knew I could do this. I never felt more at ease. I was in rehab 2 days after surgery, and after 1 week in rehab, I graduated, whereas most patients take 2 weeks at least to get released. Some need home health care, but Eric gave me such inspiration that I worked hard at home every day. To make a long story short, in 9 short weeks I was healed and in my new prosthetic leg. This was the plan Eric had for me, and it worked to the tee. Now 13 weeks after surgery, I am walking without a walker or a cane.
I am back singing on stage with my band and not missing a beat of how my life was before. In fact my life is much better. Where I had been in much pain for 9 years, I am completely pain-free.
I use my story on social media, and many say I am their inspiration in their lives. What they don’t realize is how Eric was my inspiration! Yes I was determined to get through this with a great attitude and strong will. Eric made sure that this would happen, made sure it could, and most definitely would happen with a strong attitude and hard work. I may be an inspiration to others, but Eric Chen of VSA Prosthetics is my inspiration.
Jimmy is the lead singer for the Bone Daddys Band, a local Classic Rock and Country band, and he hasn’t skipped a beat, despite this set-back and the challenges that he has had to face. His positive attitude, along with the incredible support of his wife, have been inspirational to all and has contributed to his tremendous success.
He has elected to join VSA Prosthetics’ network of peer visitors because of how much he was able to benefit from it through his own journey.
My name is John David Sims, and I am a retired teacher/principal with the Cobb County School System.
At the age of 80, I had a very significant life changing event – I became an amputee. Unfortunately, this is due to a long history of smoking that led to vascular disease, and ultimately loosing my left leg above the knee.
I have been a patient of Vascular Surgical Associates for numerous years, and in particular Dr. Hafner. I had several surgeries prior to the amputation, to try and help with the blood flow in my leg, but after a length of time, and a final surgery to try and save my leg, there were no other options but to amputate.
The day before my amputation surgery, a young man came into my hospital room to discuss the amputation and how things would go with a prosthetic after the surgery. This was when I met Eric Chen – and even before I had my leg removed, I began developing a special relationship with Eric.
Eric has been a wonderful inspiration to me during the entire process from surgery, fittings for prosthetics and physical therapy. Also, being a part of the support group has been a tremendous help to me and my wife. Now at the age of 81 and being an amputee, I feel certain I can continue living my life, thanks to the tremendous support I have from family, the support group and Eric.
Patti has worked and volunteered with the local special needs community for several years. She helps run various athletic events throughout the year. She has worked very hard in her rehabilitation, and with the help of a computerized prosthetic knee, she is able to remain independent in her daily routines.
Chad’s journey began in May 2017 when they discovered blood clots in his legs. Through a long and arduous battle with infections, multiple surgeries and revisions, he was still able to work from home and in October 2017 was able to return working at his office part-time with the help of adaptive Hand Controls in his vehicle. He had his final revision surgery on his right below-knee amputation that December, and when he finally healed up, he was fitted and walked for the first time using his prosthesis in January 2018. He was able to complete a rigorous outpatient rehabilitation program, and he’s back to work full-time. Chad is an outstanding example of success and what can happen through daily efforts of working hard and never giving up.
Through his personal experiences, Chad quickly recognized the need of having a person, an example, who has “been through it” who could be made available to help answer questions and guide others through this difficult process. He believed in it so much that in June 2018 he joined the VSA Prosthetics team as a Peer Advisor / Advocate, assists with the fabrication of prosthetic limbs, and participates in the Amputee Care Group meetings throughout the year.
Chad has worked in the sheet metal industry for over 35 years. He’s married with two children and two grandchildren. He remains very active in his grandkids’ lives, enjoys swimming in his pool, playing golf, going to the beach, and going on cruises.
Some years ago I had an accident that damaged my right leg severely. After a 4-year circulation battle, at the age of 70, I lost it above the knee. In my working life, I had been a tool and die maker for 25+ years and had pretty much given up being able to stand in front of my machines again and work as I had.
Through the help and patience of Eric Chen, along with his staff, I am able to do practically all of the operations I did before and my “standing time” at the machines and projects increases all the time. Beyond just trials and fittings with the leg, Eric helped me in many practical ways with using my new leg and inspired me not to give up and helped me set the goals to “get back.”
For all of this, I am truly thankful.
After 3 years of not walking and dealing with pain from a diabetic foot wound, VSA gave me hope through my surgery and got me back on my feet faster than expected. Now I am doing everything I once did, mowing my lawn, working out, jogging – things I once thought impossible.
