Dwain F.
Dwain F.’s story is one of resilience, determination, and learning to move forward after life changed in an instant.
Born in Stanton, Nebraska, Dwain grew up on a farm before his family moved to Minnesota in 1992, where his father managed a resort. He moved to South Dakota in 2006 and lived there until returning to Stanton eight years ago.
After a fireworks accident in July 2023, Dwain required a right upper limb prosthesis, including a clamp device for his hand. Before his accident, he worked installing surveillance cameras. Today, while also managing Crohn’s Disease and long-term disability, Dwain is focused on adapting, building confidence, and learning how to make the most of his prosthesis.
Dwain received his new prosthesis in mid-April and says it has already made a big difference in his daily life.
“It’s amazing what I can do now, and I’m looking forward to getting it even more dialed in.”
Working with Certified Prosthetist Rakesh Srivastava and the team at Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics, Dwain has been fitted with a device that is helping him regain function and independence. His myoelectric terminal device is a Motion Control ETD2 with FLAG system, designed to provide a regulated pinch force for improved control and usability.
Dwain shared how much he appreciated the care and attention he received throughout the process:
“The team went above and beyond to make sure the hand fits correctly. They took the necessary time to work with me on how to use the hand. They regularly stay in contact with me to see how I’m doing. It’s been a very pleasant working relationship.”
One of the details that meant the most to Dwain was the team’s ability to recreate a tattoo of his son Dalton’s name on the sleeve attached to his prosthesis.
“They took photos of the tattoo for replication on the sleeve that attaches to the clamp device. Amazingly, they were able to do that.”
As he continues to adapt to using the prosthesis, Dwain is discovering what is possible with time, patience, and practice.
“It takes time to get used to controlling the hand, but by working at it, it’s amazing what I can do. I’ve learned the amount of grip pressure needed to hold onto different things.”
Looking ahead, Dwain is excited about getting back to activities he enjoys, including fishing and hunting with a crossbow.
At Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics, we are honored to be part of Dwain’s journey and proud to support patients as they work toward greater independence and renewed confidence.
If you are an upper limb amputee and have questions about how we may be able to help, please contact Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics.
