For thirty years I wore a quad socket with an Ottobock
hydraulic knee. Tony convinced me to try the Ischial Containment System.
In the picture on the right, you can see the red skin from my old
socket.
Within a few weeks, this painful red skin condition was gone. After gaining control of the new system, I am now walking much better and having far fewer stump problems. The flexible socket is much more comfortable, and I have more stability, stanima and confidence with the leg.
Tony and his staff provided a level of care and excellence combined with innovative techniques that was far above and beyond the call of duty. Their support and guidance while adapting to this new technology is most appreciated!
Thank you Tony, Tracy and Larry for the great new prosthesis and all your kind assistance and consideration!
Larry Gardner- Delta, BC
Amputee Since 1974
I have a long history of unsuccessful attempts at comfortably-fitting sockets by prosthetists who were both unqualified and unwilling to do the extra work and care required for a hip disarticulation amputee. The name "Tony van der Waarde" is the one that kept surfacing within amputee networks and at national conferences. "If you want a good leg, get yourself to Tony." I did and I'm forever grateful!
Carla Shuford - Chapel Hill, Carolina
Amputee since 1958
Tony has a very personal and caring side, which is critical in his profession. His accumulated knowledge and
technical expertise is considerable. He is not afraid to experiment (naturally with consent) or to spend the extra time and do what is needed, caring both for the client and the limb. Let's face it, any Certified Prosthetist can manufacture a leg or an arm. What Tony can accomplish is to create a new extremity that really feels like, functions like, and looks like it is supposed to - a uniquely tailored prosthesis that one is proud to wear. Form, function and comfort with soul.
Madeleine Anderson - Pt. Roberts, WA
Above Knee Amputee since 1967
As a quadrimembral amputee living on my own, it is really important to be completely independent. Although I had worn two below-knee prostheses for 13 years successfully, I wasn't able to do as much as I had hoped to. When Tony fitted me with new arms and legs with Flex-feet I was able to run, dance and go for long walks without pain. Am I looking forward to the next prosthetic innovation? You bet!
George Uzymirski - Surrey BC
Bilateral b/e, bilateral b/k amputee since 1985
"After losing my leg due to cancer, I had a prosthesis made in Hong Kong this was very uncomfortable. I was refitted by Tony with a leg that I can wear all day and prevents me from falling. I also love their colorful crutches!"
Winnie Wong -Hong Kong, Asia - Hip DIsarticulation amputee since 2001
have been told that I am a difficult amputee patient (hip disarticulation) who has worked with eight prosthetists over the last 16 years and Tony rates far above the other prosthetists. I had almost no phantom pain while on the initial leg constructed by Tony Van Der Waarde.
When he left to work overseas and new prostheses were constructed by a variety of other prosthetists, phantom pain grew to the point of maximum drugs (including narcotics) being required. Ten years later when Tony constructed a new leg, which incorporated Farabloc, the phantom pain began to decrease.
The prosthesis made by Tony is easier on the skin causing little or no chaffing or welting. Tony is the only prosthetist I know who goes beyond the norm to focus on the patient's needs. His brilliant work on the hip disarticulation flexible socket has eased the discomfort for myself and many other amputees. Tony keeps abreast of all new developments in prosthetics and together with the patient, will continuously initiate new developments."
David Zalinger - Vancouver, BC - Amputee since 1981