Introducing: soon-to-be amputee Dianne

In 2011, Dianne (47) was getting out of the bath when she slipped, changing her whole life. It was the dawn of a dark period: “I’ve become everything I never wanted to be.” Today, she’s making a change and saying farewell to her left lower leg. This born fighter has already picked out her rehab song. Her ultimate goal: to ride a road bike again. 

I’m married to Jan and I’m the mother of a nineteen-year-old son. We have a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Flemish Giant. I enthusiastically enjoy running an advertising company together with Jan and seven colleagues.
 

My life before

Until the accident 9 years ago, I lived an active, energetic life, in addition to running a company and taking care of my family. On some mornings, you’d have found me walking the dog in the Drunense Duinen, a nearby national park, as early as 5.30 in the morning, and I’d go back in the evenings. I also loved riding my road bike on holidays and in my spare time.

A slip and a fall

In 2011, having just come back from a tough riding session, I took a bath to warm my bones. When I got out of bath, though, it all went wrong. I fell and sustained cartilage damage in my right leg. It seemed harmless at first, but it ended up being an utter catastrophe. Due to a careless medical error, I had to go into surgery three times. To relieve my right leg, I overburdened my left leg, so I ended up needing several surgeries on my left ankle, which caused dystrophy, nerve damage and arthrosis. All in all, my left leg is very painful and I only have very limited mobility.

Dark times

I’ve become everything I never wanted to be. As it is right now, I cannot accept my quality of life. We discussed whether amputation might be an option with the rehabilitation doctor and decided to give the process the go ahead. I’d love nothing more than to leave these dark times behind once and for all. I want a super artificial limb that will let me walk the dog like I always used to. My dream is to get back on my road bike. Two years ago, I took part in the HandbikeBattle, a race for people with a disability. My goal is to climb that summit on my bike by next year.

Beat me

Just a few days to go until my amputation. I’m nervous and excited at the same time. What’s in store for me? One thing is certain: I’m a born fighter. Giving up is not an option. And with Davina Michelle’s Beat Me pumping into me ears, I suddenly come to the realisation that this will be my rehabilitation song. My fighting spirit is growing and I am more certain than ever that despite everything, this amputation will be the start of something beautiful.