POA
Have you ever been to a place that you thought would bring you sadness and frustration only to find that it brought you hope and happiness? I have. For me, that place is Prosthetics and Orthotics (POA) Orlando. I will never forget the first time I walked in. I had both of my legs and I was terrified for what was to come. I knew then that my life would never be the same. What I didn't know is how much of an impact this place would have on my body and soul. From day one, my prosthetist Roger, who is admittedly very honest and does not sugar coat in the slightest told me what to expect. It would be a while before I was walking. It would be a while before my pain diminished and it would be even longer before I was wearing anything even closely resembling skinny jeans again.
As I look back to 4 months ago, I see how much I needed that truth my first week at POA. Losing a limb is not something that happens gently or slowly. It comes in a split second when you least expect the horrific accident or the moment your doctor gives you the worst news of your life. Just like that. This is a building full of people who have been through real trauma. POA gives us the brushes to paint a better picture. They show us how to be more than our pain. They are proud of us and it shows. On any given day you will find kids running around the gym playing hide and seek without a care in the world. And you will find new patients mingling by the walking bars and introducing themselves to everyone, thrilled to finally meet other amputees who understand what they are going through.
There is something about watching others take their first steps. Witnessing the moment they conquer the monster that is limb loss. It's a truly emotional thing to witness and it never gets old. POA is the kind of place where we cheer for each other's accomplishments. It is the kind of place where miracles happen. The team lead by Stan Patterson is dedicated to helping people get their lives back. Amputees come here from around the world. Many have been amputees for years and haven't found a clinic that could help them gain their mobility back or battle their insurance for prosthetic coverage. They come here when no one else has been able to help and they desperately need it. If you aren't already driven with a "the sky is the limit" spirit, you will be here. POA is a place full of hugs and laughs and determination. Only happy tears are cried here. 4 months after that first day and I am walking and my pain is diminished. I am still waiting on fitting in those skinny jeans...
