Life turned upside down for Libor before Christmas 2020. “He and a colleague were connecting the tow truck to the loader. The driver was backing up and allegedly his foot slipped, he drove at full throttle and pushed him with half of his body against the wall,” described Libor’s daughter Lucie Dobrovolná. “There were several injuries. But the worst part was the left hand. Doctors tried to save her for two days before finally having to amputate her between the arm and the elbow.” she described his woes.
Since then, her father has been struggling with so-called phantom pains, i.e. pains of a part of the body that no longer exists, and psychological trauma. Before the accident, he was active in sports, took care of pets and the house where he lives with his wife. The man solved the problems due to the amputation with various drugs and methods, but they did not work. According to doctors, his only remaining hope is a myoelectric prosthesis.
It should reduce or completely eliminate pain and improve quality of life. For Libor, the aid would balance the weight due to the missing hand and prevent irreversible degenerative changes in the spine and other complications. Thanks to electrodes connected to the still functional muscles in the stump, he could also grasp things.
But his muscles will gradually weaken, so Libor cannot wait long and the insurance company refused to pay for his prosthesis. There is a risk that the aid would no longer even be possible to use, as the electrodes would have nothing to stimulate. “However, we believe that will not happen,” Libor’s daughter concluded optimistically.
Isn’t it expedient?
The special prosthesis costs over three quarters of a million crowns, it is custom-made only after payment of the amount. Despite the recommendations of doctors and the use of legal measures, the insurance company refused to pay her. “They say they don’t see it as money well spent,” Libor’s daughter said. In addition, the labor office concluded that the man is not entitled to a ZTP card. Libor’s employer also took a lax approach to payment.
Insurance company: It’s above standard
Both Libor’s health insurance company and his employer’s insurance company refused to pay for the prosthesis. She stated: “We believe that the purchase of a myoelectric prosthesis is a kind of over-the-top standard that, although it may be recommended by a doctor, cannot be covered by statutory insurance due to the employer’s liability for an employee’s work injury.”
They started a collection
Despite the adversity of fate and officials, Libor’s relatives are determined to help him. They are trying to raise money through a public fundraiser and are also asking readers for help. “The money collected would be used to pay for the myoelectric prosthesis of the left hand, its service and other fees associated with the purchase of this device,” said Lucie Dobrovolná. The collection runs on the Donio platform.
Doctors at Ostrava General Hospital stitched up the amputated finger of a little boy (6) during an eight-hour operation. FN Ostrava
Libor would benefit from a myoelectric prosthesis.
Author: Archive of Mr. Libor
