Paul Pisko is a double amputee. He has been in and out of rehabilitation programs for years after he said he was hit by a drunk driver several years ago. The pain was too much to tolerate and in 2012 he chose to have his right leg removed. This past June his other leg was also amputated.
READ MORE: Paul Pisko – Amputee Athlete
“I didn’t realize how bad I was compensating on the left side. I started developing real bad arthritis in my ankle and the bones were breaking apart,” Pisko explained. “I had to get it fused – it failed. I finally tired of the pain so I decided to get the below knee amputation past June.”
Since then, Pisko has been staying at the St. Michaels Hospital in Lethbridge and taking part in an intense inpatient rehab program.
“Like I have always said to people from day one. It’s the people that are the program. Without those people the program is like any other,” Pisko said.
The Post Acute Rehabilitation Program (PARP) is marking ten years of being housed at the St. Michael’s Health Centre.
“He is a wonderful example of determination and hard work. He continues to push hard and he has become part of the family here with us,” James Ostoya, the manager of PARP said.
Staff said they have seen miracle after miracle.
“I’m so honored as the patients come through the program that we are allowed to help them in their journey because we have seen so many miracles happen,” Sharon MacDonald, a registered nurse said.
Pisko said he remains in a lot of pain, but each day he is making small strides.
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