About two weeks after surgery, once medically stable, Petros moved to Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital for intensive therapy, where he faced his rehabilitation challenges head-on. Dr Rajesh Bhoola, a member of the multidisciplinary team that assisted Petros, emphasises the complexity of recovery from such a traumatic event.

“Losing a limb is a significant, life-changing event, and it can be extremely stressful for a person to imagine how they will manage daily life and earn a living afterwards,” he explained.

The personalised rehabilitation programme included a spectrum of therapies: from physiotherapy and occupational therapy to psychological support and nutritional guidance. Occupational therapist AndreÌa Teixeira-Jardim commented on the importance of integrating patients into a new rhythm of life, stating that mobility assessments and practical skills training were pivotal to Petros’s progress.

“They taught me how to do so many things, including making myself breakfast on crutches – it is really not as easy as it might sound if you’ve never had to do it yourself,” Petros admits, demonstrating the literal and metaphorical hurdles he encountered in daily life. Initially hesitant about mobility options, he was persuaded to try walking with a prosthetic leg. “The occupational therapist convinced me to try, telling me that I would get used to it,” he said.

Once Petros's wound had properly healed, the next hurdle awaited in the form of prosthetic limb adaptation.

“Tight bandaging is applied for months afterwards to form the stump into a cone shape for greater stability within the prosthetic leg,” explained Dr Bhoola, as the arduous work of fitting and acclimatisation began. On 20 January 2025, Petros returned to start training with his new prosthetic leg where he found the determination to succeed.

“At first, it seemed daunting. I started with crutches, and I was scared that I would just fall if I tried to walk,” Petros reflects. His fears were met with affirmative support. As he diligently practised, his confidence surged, and he was soon able to walk unaided. Dr Bhoola recalls the pivotal moment when Petros walked unaided into the rehabilitation gym, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey. “By the time he left us, Mr Letsoalo was doing fantastically well and no longer needed crutches,” he stated.

Proudly, Petros notes, “I would not be the person I am today if not for the team at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital. My message to anyone faced with amputation is to make peace with the situation and accept that life has no guarantees. I’m 41, I am young, and I am still going to live my life to the fullest.”

His journey stands as a testament to the spirit of resilience and the critical importance of comprehensive rehabilitation.

"It took a lot of hard work and dedication to reach this point, but I would recommend this kind of intensive, multidisciplinary therapy for anyone faced with a similar situation," he adds. Now, as he cherishes his role as a father, he is ready to embrace a future filled with hope and possibility.

prosteticleg

Petros Letsoalo's journey: from amputation to resilience