Lyle Earl is a 42-year-old Computer Network Specialist working for a major corporation in Salt Lake City. At the age of 16 years old, in November of 1978 while working on the family farm, Lyle lost his left leg above the knee in the power take off (PTO) of a tractor. “The past 26 years have been a real ride with one emotional roller coaster after another,” Lyle said, “ I have nine great siblings topped off with the best parents anyone could ask for. I also have a wonderful wife. We have four children who are the light of our lives. All of these people are my support group and most of all the cheering section.”
Through the years, Lyle has undergone more than a dozen surgeries on his residual limb, most of which were revisions to help improve the fit and comfort of his prosthesis when he walks. “All of the issues at hand were done [under] the direction of one individual who has helped to improve my life physically one step at a time - - Tom Andrew of Ability Prosthetics,” Lyle continued. “ I was 17 years old when I first met Tom and have been a patient of his ever since. I have nothing but respect for him, not only as a prosthetist, but also as an innovator of technology, and as a friend. He’s not afraid to try anything new or different, his only concern is to help improve the lives of his patients. Over the years I have followed him from one company to another until he finally created his own, a very wise move. He constantly strives to utilize the latest technology and techniques, not to mention a few inventions of his own, in order to provide a more tolerable life for his patients. Considering the fact that Tom is an amputee himself, he is more understanding of my needs as an individual.”
Lyle explained, “In the 25 years my leg has been gone I have had several artificial limbs, all of them hydraulic. Those limbs were great for me at the time, but would always limit me as to what I could accomplish in my private and professional life.” Lyle is fortunate to own enough property to raise his own beef cows. He is very active and refuses to get the farmer bug out of his system. Lyle lives a very active lifestyle. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and working at home. He has been known to damage his limbs because of over-use while engaging in these activities. “Ability Prosthetics has been very patient with me and over the years has had to reinforce my limbs to prevent extensive damage,” Lyle said.
One of the best experiences Lyle has had at Ability Prosthetics was the fitting of his C-Leg and the events that transpired as a result. He has a fractured vertebrae in his lower back and arthritis in his right knee, which has been getting progressively worse. “The C-Leg has enabled me to accomplish tasks that in the past had been much more difficult,” Lyle explained. “It has given me my life back, not only in mobility but self-confidence, increased energy, and the ability to walk better than I ever have. I have had the opportunity to meet other patients who visit Tom and discuss with them the advantages of being able to use such a great piece of technology.”
“ The caring and support of the staff at Ability Prosthetics is second to none. I feel very fortunate to live in an area where such great people exist. They are like a second family to me and really do care; they don’t just say it, they show it and they mean it,” Lyle added.
Lyle works near Ability’s offices and has been kind enough to occasionally meet with other patients to answer questions they may have regarding the C-Leg or anything else of concern. “Twenty-five years ago I was a confused, mixed up teenager with a lot of unanswered questions, not knowing what was in store for me,” Lyle reminisced. “The future seemed like an eternity, would I ever marry or have children? What would my occupation be? How would I support a family in my condition? Eternity is now behind me and as I look back, the time has flown by. I am now married to a beautiful woman with four very compassionate teenagers. Our lives have certainly not been without bumps and bruises but every step has been well worth the effort.”
“ There is a poem that was sent to me years ago that reads: Yes my friend it hurt a bit but only for a while. It mainly hurt my feelings but never touched my smile. I may have lost a part of me, but God, my friend, he knows. That when I count my blessings, I never use my toes.”
Lyle’s advice to other amputees follows, “Never give up because there is always hope. There is more to life than just a missing limb, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Your limitations are as great as you allow them to be. You will learn more about yourself now than you ever have in the past. You will also discover within yourself strengths and talents that you never knew existed. You must believe in yourself and know in your heart that this is not the end, but the beginning of a new and exciting journey.”