Derek Eady's Pro-Flex XC Torsion & Direct Socket Story

Eight years ago, my life changed forever. While working on the roof of my home, I slipped and fell 5 and half metres... feet first. I shattered my right leg and pelvis and broke my back in 3 places. I had been a frontline Ambulance Paramedic for 15 years, and I knew I was in serious trouble. As my colleagues worked to stabilise me and get me to the hospital, I wondered if I would ever be able to work again. Over the next 7 months, I had numerous surgeries to try and save my leg. While the rest of my body healed, my leg wasn’t recovering, so I made the difficult decision to amputate.

Five months after my amputation I was back working in an ambulance. My Össur Re-Flex Shock prosthetic foot gave me the confidence to continue working in a highly demanding frontline Ambulance role for a further five years. I am now on the Ӧssur Pro-Flex XC Torsion as my everyday leg.

Two years ago I had the opportunity to work with the Ӧssur Team to pair it with their Direct Socket System where we also added the Unity pump to the foot to improve the suspension. I have tried many different casting and socket manufacture techniques over the years, but the Ӧssur Direct Socket is hands down the best fitting socket I have ever used.

Whether it is going out for a run on my Flex-Run running blade, skiing in the mountains or scuba diving in the tropics, the Össur Direct Socket has meant I can challenge myself without the fear of blisters from rubbing.

Having a great team working with my prosthetist is essential for me to be able to maintain the active life I have always lived. I have never turned away from a challenge. Since retiring from the ambulance service, my wife Kirsten and I have been working on our 42 foot sailing yacht “Lemanja” and we’re getting her ready to head offshore to cruise the pacific.

Offshore sailing is an extremely challenging environment. I will be working closely with my prosthetics team and Ӧssur over the next few months to ensure I have the foot I need to meet the demands of the sea.