The journey to prosthetics is different for every upper limb amputee - always presenting unique challenges. For Marty Keegan, a congenital upper limb amputee, coming around to the idea of a prosthetic hand took time. But when it did it marked a turning point in rediscovering independence and balance.
Marty’s early experiences with prosthetics were discouraging. As a child, he was fitted with traditional devices like the “old hook with pinchers,” which he disliked. For decades, he managed without a prosthetic, adapting to life with one hand.
“Not ever having a hand, you don’t realize that you don’t have a hand, and people around you don’t realize it either,” Marty recalls. Then one day, while watching local programming, he saw a myoelectric hand on TV. This peaked his interest and prompted him to explore prosthetics again.
Encouraged by his prosthetist, Marty started using the Zeus bionic hand.
“At first, I didn’t want people to see it,” he says. “But as time went on, I introduced it to friends and family, and now I can’t leave the house without it.”
Marty quickly discovered how the prosthetic expanded his abilities. Everyday tasks, from cutting a steak to zipping a jacket, became possible again. Even something as simple as picking up his keys, an action requiring just the right grip and control, is now second nature.
Adjusting to a prosthetic came with hurdles. Marty initially found the hand’s weight challenging, especially because he had gotten used to imbalance. But, it didn't take long for him to adapt. “People say, ‘Wow, that’s heavy.’ I say, ‘No, not anymore,’”. He also values the repairability, which allows him to address minor issues with his prosthetist and then get back to life.
One unexpected benefit of the prosthetic has been improved physical balance. After years of relying on his only natural arm he developed overuse injuries, including arthritis and shoulder pain. The bionic hand has helped alleviate this strain.
“I don’t have as much back pain or hip pain now because I’m more balanced,” Marty notes. “My wife says, ‘You look like you’re walking straighter.’”
With his bionic hand, Marty has regained the ability to enjoy activities he once found difficult. Whether working part-time at a golf course or helping his wife around the house, he has embraced a new chapter of independence.
“There are so many little things you take for granted until you can’t do them. Once you can, it makes life that much more enjoyable,” he says.
For amputees having a hard time warming up to the idea of a prosthetic, Marty's story is a great reminder that it's never too late, and that you can make the decision on your own time. His willingness to adapt has significantly improved his quality of life, showing that small steps can lead to big changes.
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