Marga Arkell

In 2006, Marga Arkell developed blood clots in her veins and was diagnosed as a diabetic.  After six surgeries to clean out the veins, the doctors told her they’d eventually have to cut off her toes. That same year they amputated the toes on her left foot. For an entire year Arkell walked around during 12-hour workdays with no toes.

Finally in 2008, after two more surgeries, the doctors decided to amputate her left leg below the knee. “For years, I was in and out of the hospital so many times the entire staff knew me by my first name,” explained Arkell.

When Arkell’s left toes were amputated, her prosthetist at the time fit her with prosthetic toes.  “I was very unhappy with the prosthesis I was given. It looked like something from the 1800s,” she said. “I couldn’t wear regular shoes. I would have to buy shoes for diabetics and they made me feel like I was a running back for the Detroit Lions. They were so bulky I could walk better without them.”

After Arkell had her left leg amputated below the knee in 2008, she began seeing Scott Moore and Matt Bulow at Bulow BioTech. She was fitted with a suction-socket Freedom Innovations Renegade® MX foot.

“I was so amazed when I first met Matt Bulow,” said Arkell. “He was walking around so efficient and with such energy. I honestly could not tell he had an artificial leg. That inspired me.”

Arkell felt very comfortable with Moore and Bulow right from the beginning. “Scott explained everything to me when I was being fit with my prosthesis. He would call and check on me frequently,” explained Arkell.

When Arkell could not make it to the Bulow BioTech offices, Moore would visit her at her home to make sure she was doing ok, and check on her prosthesis.

“They really go above and beyond what they should do,” said Arkell. “They’re so friendly. Whenever I have questions or if something doesn’t feel right, they fix it right away.”

Arkell has two children, six grandkids and travels frequently keeping her very active.  She has no problems cutting her own grass and managing her own household.

“When my leg was amputated, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do certain activities. I was surprised I could be so active,” said Arkell. “As long as I can wake up in the morning, put my prosthesis on and play with my grandbabies, I’m the happiest kid on the block!”