Rediscovering Mobility – Allyson (Ally) Ogston’s Journey as an Amputee
For Ally Ogston, life changed drastically 30 years ago when a car accident left her a right above-knee amputee. Her recovery began with months in the hospital, but the path to finding a comfortable prosthetic solution would be much longer. After struggling for seven years with an uncomfortable, outdated leg provided by the state, she had nearly resigned herself to a life of limited mobility and pain. Then, she came across the work of prosthetist Marco Du Plooy, a man whose dedication to individualised care would give Ally a chance to walk comfortably again.
Finding Marco Du Plooy
Ally’s search for a better prosthetic solution led her to an online story about Marco. She recalls finding a news article about him helping a young girl in a rural area by providing a prosthetic leg so she could walk to school. With limited options, Ally decided to give him a call. She was ready to settle for just a new knee, but Marco had a different vision. “Come in and see me,” he encouraged her, suggesting they assess her overall needs rather than simply replacing a part. Marco’s dedication to understanding Ally’s unique needs was evident right from that first call, and it changed everything.
The First Real Socket
When Ally met Marco, he explained the importance of a proper socket – the component connecting the prosthetic to the body. Her previous socket caused constant pain and limited her mobility, but no one had taken the time to address this. Marco custom-built a socket for her, one that fit comfortably and didn’t hurt. The experience was transformative: Ally finally had a prosthetic leg that enabled her to walk with ease. With her newfound comfort and mobility, Ally even learned how to walk confidently in a parking lot under Marco’s guidance.
The Art of Prosthetics
Ally describes Marco as an artist in prosthetics. While many in the field produce standard designs, Marco tailors each prosthetic to fit his client’s unique body. This process involves understanding the fine details of a person’s shape and needs, which is why a close relationship with one’s prosthetist is essential for those with complex requirements. Over the years, Ally has worked with Marco on multiple innovative socket designs, including the challenging Mexican “MAS” socket. Despite the painstaking process, Marco’s commitment to improving her mobility kept them both focused and determined.
Beyond Technology: Why Fit Matters Most
Ally’s journey has highlighted an essential truth: a well-fitting socket matters more than any high-tech knee or foot. She recalls attending an amputee conference where attendees with expensive prosthetic legs and microprocessor knees struggled to walk due to poor socket fits. “Socket fit is everything,” Ally emphasises. With a proper socket, she says, even basic prosthetic components will support mobility better than the latest technology in a poorly fitting one.
The Need for Passionate Prosthetists
Reflecting on her journey, Ally sees a growing gap in the prosthetics industry. While technology advances rapidly, fewer prosthetists are mentored in the art of creating custom sockets. For people like her, this is essential. Ally’s advice to new amputees is clear: find a prosthetist who cares deeply, who will take the time to customise your fit. Without that foundation, high-tech prosthetic components may fail to offer any real improvement in quality of life.
A Grateful Heart
Today, Ally lives an active life, constantly testing new socket designs with Marco, and she credits her mobility to his dedication. Marco’s passion for helping amputees regain their independence goes beyond just building prosthetics; it’s about creating mobility solutions that fit each individual perfectly. Ally’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that compassion and skill are the true foundations of mobility, and her gratitude for Marco’s work speaks volumes. To watch her inspiring story click here.