Alicia Ortstad, 19, from Uppsala got her leg amputated after the doctors discovered osteosarcoma, an unusual form of skeletal cancer, in her knee. For several months she sought care for her knee pain, but when X -ray was made it was too late.
– You break, for real, on the inside. Just when you have been calling for help, it was like I’m screaming for help, but no one hears one, says Alicia Ortstad to TV4 News.
Support from the boyfriend
In addition to the family, boyfriend Simon has been a great support. As a child, he suffered from the same cancer form and lost a leg. His experiences gave Alicia hope.
– He shows that everything is possible and that nothing limits him, she says.
Both have received dentures via Region Uppsala. Simon has a microprocessor -controlled knee joint prosthesis, whose sensors adapt to the user and facilitate physical activity. Alicia applied for a similar one, but was rejected when it was considered too expensive. Instead, she got a cheaper, mechanical prosthesis.
– The leg I have today allows me to go and move forward. I am very grateful for that. But that’s no more than that, says Alicia Ortstad.
Hard to walk up stairs
The prosthesis causes back and hip pain, and she has difficulty walking stairs. She can’t be as active as Simon, who skiing.
– Unfairly, I don’t really understand why she deserves this. Because she doesn’t, Simon Pettersson tells TV4 News.
The region’s decision
In January, the Academic Hospital decided to stop prescribing microprocessor -controlled dentures to new patients. Only via TV4 News does Alicia get knowledge of the decision.
The region refers to high costs and lack of evidence for the benefits of the prosthesis, based on a report from Örebro University.
Caroline Sköld, head of operations for orthopedics at the Academic Hospital, says that large savings requirements forces priorities.
– The budget has been overstated and we have gone back. Now we go back so much in the region that the region cannot tolerate this anymore, says Sköld to TV4 News.
Only applies to new patients
The decision applies only to new patients. Those who already have such a prosthesis can never be downgraded to a mechanical one.
– I think it is very difficult to get used to an aid at a higher level and then back down. I don’t think so is ethically justifiable, says Sköld.
What do you mean by “higher level”?
– It is probably a question for interpretation then, I thought. But it is clear that it has areas that it is better at, says Caroline Sköld.
– I asked them for help in so good time that they could have saved my leg, then they can’t give me the conditions to live my life normally again, says Alicia Ortstad.