Talking Prosthetic Costs, Bartending & Pilates with Nicola

14th October 2024

A few weeks ago Nicola was fitted with her Hero Arm at our NYC prosthetic clinic. During a check-in call she shared her journey of getting her Hero Arm, including overcoming multiple insurance denials to cover the prosthetic costs. Here’s what Nicola had to say.

Nicola, let’s jump straight into it, insurance covered the costs of getting your Hero Arm, but it wasn’t an easy process?

“There were quite a few times I thought this was never going to happen. I’ve been trying to get insurance to cover the cost of the Hero Arm since 2020. I had my initial assessment at Hanger Clinic in New York City, but after the first insurance denial, they simply said there was no through road and that was it. “

Did you use any other prosthesis?

“No, the last time I used a prosthetic was when I was 12-years-old. It opened and closed, and looked horrible.” 

Daniel is amazing ! I’ve tried for a few years to get a Hero Arm and Daniel never gave up on trying to make that happen for me . Daniel has made my daily activities so much easier and I’m loving my new way of learning life and that’s all a huge thank you to Daniel for making it happen !

Was there a particular reason why you wanted a Hero Arm after all this time without anything? 

“I work as a bartender in an Irish pub in New York City, and my sound arm is starting to really ache from the overuse. I have always been really independent, but I think overcompensating with my sound arm is causing me pain. I went to get it checked out, and the doctor even said it could be early signs of arthritis. I wanted the Hero Arm just to be able to take on some of the other activities so I wouldn’t have to overcompensate. “

How did you end up getting your Hero Arm?

“In 2023 Open Bionics opened a clinic in New York City, so I reached out again to see what the prosthetic costs looked like and if anything had changed regarding funding options. Daniel was really knowledgeable when it came to the insurance process, and even after two denials, remained positive and guided me in preparing a response. By the final denial, I was so frustrated with the system. Who are these people sitting behind a desk to tell me what I need and I don’t need? I thought – you don’t even know what my day-to-day looks like to even make that judgment!”

After three attempts, did you get approval? 

“Yes! I was going to a cast fitting appointment at the clinic and I couldn’t believe it was finally happening.”

After being fitted with your Hero Arm, what were your initial impressions?

“I love the geometric design; it keeps my arm cool. I’ve been enjoying practicing with it at the bar, pulling pints, and picking things up. A few nights ago, tourists came into the bar and then came back in the evening with their friends and said “Hey you’re the girl with the robot arm right?” even the regulars are all amazed by the technology.” 

“On the third day I was fitted, I was walking to work, and it felt heavy, my arm was still adapting to the new weight. Now it’s been nearly two weeks, I slip it on and don’t notice the weight at all. It’s amazing how quickly the body gets used to it.” 

Many people who are in the process of getting a new prosthesis ask about comfort. What’s it like wearing the Hero Arm? 

“Not only was I born with a limb difference, I broke my elbow joint when I was 16. When bending my elbow I’ve had to have adjustments made to my socket to ensure it doesn’t restrict natural movement. Daniel is always a phone call away if I have feedback or need adjustments. The first day I was fitted, I wore it for 3-4 hours. I think the recommended amount is one hour, so my arm was exhausted.” 

And what about the weight? 

“On the third day I was fitted, I was walking to work, and it felt heavy, my arm was still adapting to the new weight. Now it’s been nearly two weeks, I slip it on and don’t notice the weight at all. It’s amazing how quickly the body gets used to it.” 

Outside of work, what other activities have you been using the Hero Arm for? 

“I’m a big fan of Pilates, and recently I’ve been following a workout routine done by an online personal trainer. The only thing is, I haven’t told her I’m missing a forearm, so I’ve had to adapt some of the workouts. Now that I have the Hero Arm, I’ll be trying the full workout set.” 

“I also recently flew back home to Ireland and had an uncomfortable experience at the airport. While wearing my Hero Arm, I reached the security checkpoint, and a lady shouted “Disability!” across the whole lounge when she saw my Hero Arm. The staff didn’t know how to handle the prosthesis, they made such a big deal out of it. I was so angry; that was the last thing I wanted. This just shows how much more we need to do to make systemic change and to alter perceptions.” 

“I also didn’t want to pack my arm, because the whole point of it is to help me in a busy setting.”

Absolutely, it shouldn’t have been such a big issue. It’s an assistive device. I guess people are still learning about the existence of bionic tech, you’re an early adopter!

“To be honest, on the way back it was a lot easier so hopefully it was just a one-off confusion.” 

What’s next? What are you looking forward to trying with your Hero Arm?

Changing a keg at the bar –  I’ve been practicing but haven’t quite mastered it yet. I also want to get back to my regular workouts, and am really looking forward to wearing my Hero Arm in the winter because my limb difference gets so cold.

What’s a recent discovery you’d recommend someone?

My mum sent me some no-tie-shoe laces, and I can’t believe I have only discovered them now. They are super easy to use and takes all the faff out of doing laces. I’d recommend these to anyone.

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