Bionic leg a step up to a better life
I've been given a new lease on life, so I'm trying to forget the past and be a better person now.
Mike Wheeler
After undergoing groundbreaking surgery Mike Wheeler says he no longer feels he’s living like an amputee.
The New Plymouth man is one of seven people in New Zealand to have received a bionic limb, which has significantly increased his mobility.
The osseointegration surgery was part of an ACC trial, which Wheeler spent three years letter writing and pushing to be a part of, and involved implanting a titanium rod into the bottom of his thigh bone and attaching a bionic leg to it.
‘‘It’s computerised and it’s all blue-toothed up with my phone and has all different modes which are constantly adjusting to my movements,’’ Wheeler said.
The new limb has given Wheeler a whole new positive spin on life.
‘‘I’ve been given a new lease on life, so I’m trying to forget the past and be a better person now.
‘‘It’s increased my self esteem and I feel like I’ve got a real leg again. Every day’s a good day, I don’t feel so much like an amputee anymore.’’
Wheeler lost his leg after fracturing his knee in a motorbike accident when leaving work in 1991. ‘‘I couldn’t even bend my knee for the first two days, it just locked up and it was wobbly and I just couldn’t stand on it.’’
He ended up on ACC and was reluctant to seek treatment and as a result the injury was never treated properly.
As the days, months and years went by the whole experience got too much for Wheeler and one day he ‘snapped’ - ending up in the psych ward diagnosed with schizophrenia.
‘‘After being diagnosed with schizophrenia the leg never really got looked at,’’ he said.
Surgeons eventually had to amputate the leg and for 25 years he used a cup-type prosthetic leg attachment, which made walking and maneuvering around difficult.
‘‘It’s old school and a really disempowering way to get around,’’ he said.
But thanks to the surgery in July last year and his wife Elizabeth’s support Wheeler is back on track.
‘‘Lizzie has been a huge part of this process and all credit should go to her really.’’
Since recovering from the surgery Wheeler has been focusing on his music and band Schizo Phrenia, of which Lizzie is the lead singer.
The band is playing a show featuring songs from its latest album Tear it apart at Mountain Sound Studios on Saturday. Schizo Phrenia will play alongside Radio
Therapy, Hateseeker and The Leavings. Wheeler said Tear it apart was written between 2004-2007, during which time Wheeler - who goes by the stage name Jack B Nimble suffered a major hypomaniac episode.
During this time he was admitted to a secure psychiatric unit, where some of the songs were penned.
‘‘I’m amped and really looking forward to the gig,’’ Wheeler said. ‘‘It will be fast paced and will get your feet tapping.’’