Finding new life: an amputee’s journey of resilience For some, the news of getting a prosthetic leg might be the end of the world. For Ralph Martinez, this was a chance to live life again, pain-free, and to help others in the same situation. Ralph, a 45-year-old salesman, had been suffering from Charcot foot, a rare and disabling disorder that results in nerve damage to the foot, after a toe-removal procedure. He soon discovered that there was an ulcer under his foot, infecting not just his foot, but also his leg. After a check-up, his podiatrist immediately sent him to the hospital. Before Ralph knew of the severity of the situation, he was going into sepsis, placed on an insulin drip, and admitted into the ICU. He was treated at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan with the discovery that he would need to have his leg amputated immediately. On Sept. 25, 2023, Ralph’s leg was surgically removed. “I had a premonition when all this started and researched Charcot to find out what it means when it’s getting worse and how you live with it,” said Ralph. “My mother-in-law was a double amputee, and we took care of her at home. Seeing how she chose not to take advantage of the prosthetics to get back on her feet made me sad. I didn’t want that for myself.” He agreed to prosthetic training at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. On Dec. 26, Ralph received the best, late Christmas present—being able to walk again. “People who saw me after that day told me that I looked so happy, that I had life back in me,” said Ralph. He credits the Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Rehab team for his supreme return to the world. “At my training, not only did they help me learn how to walk again, but also helped me with my posture and core,” said Ralph. “Once I could walk, I began training at home, too, as I didn’t want to be in my chair anymore and not be active.” Ralph knows he was placed in this spot for a purpose, not only to make himself stronger and live pain-free, but also to help others in a similar situation. Currently, he’s working with the Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Rehab team to help any others currently going through amputations/training in prosthetics. He had the opportunity to speak with other people who were in rehab and who had just had their legs amputated. “They were down and I told them, there’s no reason to be sad. We are the same age and even with my other health issues, I did it. If I can do it, you all can do it too!” he said. “I have a family, and our only child graduates next year. I want him to see that anything is possible and things, even like this, won’t limit you. Anything is always possible if you put your mind and soul to it.” SAHealth.com 3 KEEPING WELL — SPRING 2024
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