limb loss is never a straight line.
The journey of limb loss is never a straight line. Every amputee’s journey is unique, and it is a path paved with hurdles, physical demand, and deep emotional shifts. Yet, it is also a journey that can reveal the true depth of human resilience. Today, we are sharing Wayne’s journey as a new below the knee amputee, at the age of 78!
Wayne sustained an injury to his right ankle a long time ago. On October 9th, 2025, Wayne was involved in a motor vehicle accident that re-injured his ankle. After his accident, the doctors tried to salvage his limb to no avail. Wayne understood that at this time, amputation was the best option for him and his elective amputation was completed on October 31st of 2025.
a positive Mindset is everything.
Wayne’s mindset of his amputation and what came after was simple: he was determined to “get better with it all.” Through it all, Wayne even kept his sense of humor intact. When asked what he hoped to achieve with his prosthesis, he joked that his top goal was "to be able to stand up while going to the bathroom." While it brings a smile, it is a powerful reminder of the basic, daily independence that is so easily taken for granted.
Wayne’s rapid progression from wheelchair to independent walking is a testament to his determination. After working together on a pre-amputation plan, we monitored his healing closely using a rigid removable protector. After some delayed healing on his residual limb, on March 30th, 2026, Wayne was cast for his socket, was upright, and tackling gait training within the parallel bars.
We delivered his definitive prosthetic leg on April 24th—the very last day Wayne would ever need to roll into our clinic in a wheelchair. In just two weeks, he transitioned to a rolling walker. And barely a month after the delivery of his prosthesis, he achieved total independence, walking right into our office with no assistive device at all, keeping his walker packed away in the car just for long distances.
We are so incredibly proud to be a part of Wayne’s journey, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for him. Keep standing tall, Wayne!
Your goals are closer than you think, and the team at Tillges Orthotics & Prosthetics is ready to help you reach them. Just like Wayne, you have the power to redefine your mobility and reclaim your independence. You do not have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out to our dedicated prosthetic specialists today at 651-772-2665 to set up your consultation and start moving forward.