Arnold Balais: Powerlifting on a limb

Most of us have become too lazy. Although walking is a better alternative for both body and billfold in these times of soaring gasoline prices, we still take our vehicles to travel the shortest distances.  We know that exercise is important for health, but we malinger and think up of numerous excuses to stay sedentary.

Not so for 34-year-old Arnold Balais. Despite losing his right leg in 1990, he makes exercise and sports part of his daily routine. “I started getting into serious sports in 1994,” he relates. “I enrolled in a gym to get in shape because I became too skinny after my amputation. My brother who is a gym instructor working abroad was my inspiration. From the photos he sent, I saw how fit he was so I also lifted weights to build and strengthen my body to surprise him.” 

The commitment paid off. Aside from winning gold medals for bench press powerlifting in the 10th Malaysian Paralympics in 2002 and holding the record in the 60-kg weight category, Arnold won silver and bronze medals for 100-meter butterfly and freestyle relay swimming events at the 4th ASEAN Paralympic Games held in Thailand in January this year. Training is ongoing and he has become a source of inspiration not just for the differently-abled, but also those who have full use of their natural limbs.

Arnold was a 15-year-old high school student from Dinalupihan, Bataan when he injured his leg while playing summer league basketball. Thinking that the injury was not serious, and not having the financial capacity to pay a health professional, he sought the ministrations of a local healer or manghihilot. However, the damage to the leg proved grim. Infection gradually set in, and all efforts to save the leg proved futile. It had to be amputated above the knee.

“I thought that I was ready to accept the loss after undergoing counseling. But it was difficult when the leg was gone. I experienced self-pity, low self-confidence and insecurity. I became painfully shy. I didn’t like talking to anyone and tried to blame everyone for my misfortune,” Arnold recalls. He stresses the importance of  work therapy as an integral part of psychological recovery.

 He relates, “I was hired as a vocational coordinator after the amputation of my limb in the rehabilitation department, under doctors Ofelia and Tyrone Reyes.”

Although vocational training of the differently-abled included hair cutting, basic computer lessons and brace-making, it was an exposure to orthotics that interested him most.

Orthotics refers to the field where devices are fashioned to correct musculoskeletal deformities in the human body. Manufacture of artificial extremities and limbs falls under this specialization.

Currently an orthotic and prosthetic technician in the Cebu branch of Orthopaedie Frey Far East, Inc., Arnold is also a patient advocate who visits and counsels patients who are candidates for amputation. “Using a prosthesis is not easy. You have to be very patient and eager to learn how to walk again,” he says. 

The best time to be fitted with a prosthetic limb is from four to six months after amputation, after the wound has healed properly.  The prosthesis takes between two and eight weeks to manufacture, with three or more visits required to make certain that it fits properly. The limbs locally manufactured by Orthopaedie Frey Far East significantly cuts down the cost and the necessity of travelling abroad for artificial limbs.

“In my experience, I find it easy to talk to and convince patients to get an artificial limb,” says Arnold. “It helps that they see me wearing a prosthesis and working normally.”

Although an amputation can drastically change a person’s lifestyle, Arnold appreciates the valuable lessons learned from the experience. “The accident made me a strong and positive person. I’ve learned valuable lessons in winning and losing; in dealing with serious problems, and trusting God even more. I couldn’t have imagined that I would compete abroad and become a national athlete,” he says. “Winning a gold medal is just as difficult as earning the respect of others. It takes a lot of hard work, training, dedication, passion, and a sense of humor. For the differently- abled, you need sacrifice and discipline to excel in whatever field you choose.”

Not all of us can win gold medals. However, those of us whose only handicap are sloth and procrastination should take heed and commit ourselves to leading healthier lives.

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Orthopaedie Frey Far East, incorporated in 1997, provides amputees with the latest technology. They can be reached at 87 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City with telephone number 634-2705 and Suite 118, Centro Maximo Building, Jakosalem Street, Cebu City, with telephone numbers 253-8242 and 2530699. Or log on ortho-frey@tripod.com.