A Life Reclaimed: How Amputation Helped Todd Move Forward 

After years of battling diabetes-related complications, recurring infections, and chronic pain, Todd reached a turning point when amputation became the best path forward. Today, with the help of his prosthesis and support from his care team, Todd is traveling, attending his grandsons’ soccer games, and enjoying days on the water, proving that life after limb loss can be full of possibility. 

A Turning Point Years in the Making 

For nearly seven years, Todd was fighting a battle with diabetes he wasn’t sure he could win. 

The Minnesota resident was living with diabetes and Charcot foot, a debilitating condition that weakens the bones of the foot and can lead to severe deformities.  

Looking back, he traces the beginning of his decline to a construction accident years earlier. 

“I don’t feel like I ever really recovered from that. It felt like the beginning of the end,” Todd shared. 

Over time, his health challenges began to compound. Frequent hospital stays became the norm as recurring foot infections spread to the bone. His physicians performed multiple procedures to remove bone and relieve pressure points, all in an effort to save his foot. But the damage kept mounting. 

Eventually, Todd’s physician, Dr. Zelent, at North Memorial Health began preparing Todd for a difficult decision. 

The Day Everything Changed 

Todd had been relying on a large stabilization boot to get around when one December night he noticed something wasn’t right. He rushed to the hospital, knowing the situation was serious. Doctors initially attempted a limb salvage procedure, but the damage was too extensive. Ultimately, the recommendation was to amputate the entire foot. 

Todd surprised himself with how quickly he accepted the decision. But after years of infections, hospital visits, and uncertainty, it was about the opportunity to move forward. 

“A lot of people think I had such a positive attitude about it, but I wasn’t scared,” he said. “I’d been fighting this for so long. Even though I was losing part of my leg, I was also losing a lot of the hassle.” 

A Team Built for Success 

While in the hospital following surgery, Todd met with Hanger Clinic prosthetist Colton Graham, CPO. Colton explained what recovery would look like, guided him through what life could be like with a prosthesis, and helped ease the anxiety around the unknown.  

In those early weeks, Todd wore an Ampushield® to protect his residual limb while he healed, along with shrinkers to help shape his limb for future prosthetic fitting. The transition post amputation could have been overwhelming, but he never felt like he was navigating it alone. 

From his surgeon and nursing staff at North Memorial Health to his Hanger Clinic team in Minneapolis, MN, Todd found himself surrounded by people who prepared him for every step ahead. His daughter also attended appointments, supporting her dad, learning alongside him, and helping the family understand what to expect.  

“There were moments when this could have felt scary and uncertain, but I always felt supported. The people caring for me weren’t just doing their jobs; they genuinely wanted me to do well. That gave me a lot of comfort and hope for the future.” Todd said.  

Feeling Better Than He Had in Years 

Just two weeks after surgery, something shifted. Todd began to experience relief, something he hadn’t felt in years. The infections, pain, and constant stress that had once dominated his daily life were finally behind him. 

“It was like a weight had finally been lifted,” Todd shared. “For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t constantly worrying about what would happen next.” 

As his recovery progressed, Todd realized how much his chronic foot issues had been affecting both his physical and emotional well-being. 

“I spent years trying to save my foot, but I didn’t realize how much it was taking from me,” he said. “Once the pain and infections were gone, I felt healthier, happier, and more like myself than I had in a long time. That’s when I knew it was the right decision. I now feel like a brand-new man.” 

Getting His Leg and Life Back 

When it came time to receive his first prosthesis, Todd was eager to take the next step. Colton worked closely with Todd to understand his goals and customize a prosthetic solution that supported his active lifestyle. 

Todd now wears a prosthesis featuring a Fillauer XTS foot with integrated shock absorption. The adjustment process proved easier than he expected, with minimal discomfort and a seamless return to daily activities. Todd wears his prosthesis throughout most of the day and moves confidently and comfortably without pain. 

“I knew I would have decent mobility; I just didn’t expect it to go this well,” said Todd. “If I wear long pants, most people never even notice I’m wearing a prosthesis.”

Back on the Water 

One of the most exciting milestones in Todd’s recovery was returning to the water. An avid boater, he had spent years unable to fully enjoy the activities he loved because of ongoing foot problems. When he learned a waterproof prosthesis was an option, he was amazed. 

“I thought, ‘There’s no way this is happening,'” he says. 

Today, Todd is back in the pool, spending time at the lake, and enjoying a level of freedom he hadn’t experienced in years. He’s also driving independently, traveling, and staying active with friends and family, including his four grandchildren, with a fifth on the way. 

From successful trips to Chicago and St. Louis to plans for a future visit to San Diego, Todd isn’t letting limb loss hold him back. 

“It takes a little extra planning, but it’s absolutely worth it,” Todd says. “I’m back to doing the things I love, and traveling doesn’t intimidate me anymore.”

The Power of Community 

For Todd, recovery wasn’t just about physical rehabilitation, it was also about community. 

He joined a virtual amputee support group, where he connected with others who had walked the same path.  

“The first meeting was huge,” he said. “Everyone was willing to share their experiences and talk about what to expect.” 

In addition to the support from his medical care teams, Hanger Clinic team, and daughter, his grandchildren helped rearrange his home to make it accessible and watched him return to the active grandfather they’d always known. 

“The support I received from everyone made a positive difference in my recovery,” said Todd.  

Today, Todd is eager to pay that support forward.

Grandpa the Superhero 

Before surgery, Todd worried about how his grandchildren would react to his amputation. Instead, they embraced it. 

His youngest grandson, who was four at the time, had lots of questions, so Todd gave himself a new nickname: “Iron Man.” And the name stuck! 

Throughout his recovery, his grandchildren cheered him on, helped around the house, including rearranging heavy furniture to make his space more accommodating, and watched him return to the active grandfather they know and love. 

“Seeing my grandchildren support me through this meant more than they probably realize. They’ve always been a big part of my life, and I wanted to keep making memories with them. Giving up was never an option.” 

Todd believes his confidence helped put his family at ease. Today, after years of pain, infections, and uncertainty, he’s back to living life on his terms, focused not on what he lost, but on everything he regained.