"I never thought I'd walk again. After my amputation, the wound just wouldn't heal. But today, I'm being fitted for my prosthetic next month. This team gave me hope when I had none left."
— Carlos H.
The Beginning: A Difficult Diagnosis
Carlos had lived with diabetes for over 15 years. Despite managing his blood sugar relatively well, complications developed. A small foot ulcer that he initially dismissed as minor escalated rapidly. Within weeks, infection had spread deep into the bone.
"The doctor told me amputation was the only option to save my life," Carlos recalls. "I was devastated, but I knew I had to do it. I thought: okay, I'll lose my leg, but at least I'll heal and get a prosthetic. I had no idea what was coming next."
When Recovery Stalled
The below-knee amputation surgery went well, but the recovery did not. Week after week, the amputation site refused to heal properly. It kept breaking open and getting infected, requiring two more hospital stays for IV antibiotics.
"Every time I thought it was healing, it would open back up," Carlos explains. "The doctors would clean it, change the dressing, prescribe more antibiotics—but nothing worked. Meanwhile, I was stuck in a wheelchair, watching my life slip away."
The Emotional Toll
"I couldn't work. I couldn't play with my grandkids. I felt like a burden to my family. The worst part? They told me I couldn't be fitted for a prosthetic until the site completely healed and stayed stable. I started to lose hope that would ever happen."
A Turning Point
After four months of failed healing, Carlos's physical therapist mentioned Healix360. "She said they specialized in wounds that won't heal, especially for diabetics and amputees. At that point, I was willing to try anything."
Within 48 hours of submitting his information online, Carlos received a call from a Healix360 care coordinator. Two days later, a board-certified wound care specialist came to his home for an assessment.
The Treatment Plan
The specialist explained that Carlos's amputation site needed more than standard wound care. His treatment would include:
- Stem cell therapy to promote new blood vessel formation
- Advanced biologics to accelerate tissue regeneration
- Specialized dressings to create optimal healing conditions
- Twice-weekly visits at his home for monitoring and treatment
The Healing Journey
The first few weeks were challenging. Carlos had to be patient as the regenerative treatments went to work at the cellular level.
Weeks 1-2: Starting Treatment
"The specialist was so thorough. She explained everything she was doing and why. The treatment itself was painless—just applying these special products to the wound and changing the dressing."
Weeks 3-4: First Signs of Progress
"By week three, I could see a difference. The wound bed looked healthier—less red and angry. For the first time in months, I felt hope."
Weeks 5-8: Visible Healing
"The wound was definitely getting smaller. The edges were pulling together. My specialist was pleased with the progress. She said the stem cells were working exactly as they should."
Weeks 9-11: Complete Closure
"By week 11, it was fully closed! After six months of struggling, my amputation site finally healed. I actually cried when my specialist told me I was ready to be evaluated for a prosthetic."
Life After Healing
Today, Carlos is scheduled to be fitted for his prosthetic leg next month. He's already started physical therapy to build strength and prepare for walking again.
"I can't wait to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding in six months," Carlos says, his voice full of emotion. "Three months ago, I thought I'd be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Now I'm going to dance at her wedding."
Carlos's Advice to Others
"If your wound isn't healing, don't wait like I did. Months went by while I hoped it would get better on its own. The moment I got specialized help, everything changed."
"This team didn't just heal my wound—they gave me my life back. They gave me hope again."
The Numbers
Months struggling before treatment
Weeks to complete healing
Medicare coverage