This is an open letter to please advocate on my behalf to Avant that Dr Munjed Al Muderis’ insurance be reinstated as soon as possible.

This is to show my support of Dr Munjed Al Muderis in the field of Osseointegration and for my story to be bought forward to the general community.

 

THIS IS MY STORY…

I’m Gavin Howie and I have NO legs.

Due to my remaining stumps being very short I am unable to wear “normal” prosthetic legs. I was lucky to come across information on Osseointegration and Dr Munjed Al Muderis the week after my accident.

Munjed was able to operate and insert titanium rods directly into my remaining femur bones. Even lengthening one femur bone by 8cm!

“Munjed has given me my life back.”

I cannot emphasize this enough, or even imagine how I would have coped living my life on the farm without my “new” legs.

Munjed is the PIONEER for Osseointegration. Since he began there were no existing guidelines, procedures, or directions from a mentor. He is revolutionising the way amputees can function in a semi-normal way again. He is giving people like me their lives back!

I was told from the very start:

- This may NOT work for you

- There WILL be many bad days

- There WILL be pain

- It is not a case of will there be an infection but WHEN will you get one... It is an OPEN wound FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

These are discussions I had BEFORE Osseointegration.

I understood that Osseointegration was still very new, and that each patient will have a completely different journey. It is common sense that there will be many learned trials and errors, and that each year it will improve.  I wanted to take this risk rather than be bound to a wheelchair for mobility for the rest of my life.

I knew the risks and wanted to take them. I am so lucky that each day I can wake up, put my legs on, walk ALL day on the farm, then take my legs off at night.

Myself and my wife have Munjed’s PERSONAL phone number (as do all Munjed’s patients) and have been told to contact him for any issues at all, day or night. I have never gotten that service or care from any other doctor I have EVER dealt with!

Normally you get surgery and that is the last you see of your surgeon unless you have complications. Osseointegration is unprecedented. With the care involved, driving, physio, the stoma for life, the GP’s and nurses who have no idea what Osseo is and SO MANY other areas we have to navigate. It is revolutionary!

To have our experienced Osseo surgeon taken away from us is terrifying. 

I am scared that if I get any complications now there is no experienced Osteointegration surgeons to help me and think outside the box. 

The reason I feel he has excelled is because he is constantly thinking outside the box.

I wanted to achieve the best outcome possible with Osseo so I gave it 110% and didn’t rely on others to put in the effort for me. I worked hard for what I wanted to achieve. Everyone’s journey is up themselves. It is not up to the surgeon to ensure you are doing the right thing. You are responsible for your own care. 

“Your success can really depend on you”

(photo with fellow bilateral above knee Osseointegration mate, Jason)

I NEED YOUR HELP… and I am not one to ask for help… ever.

I now need your help for our wonderful surgeon.

I need him in my life as a surgeon and adviser.

As a direct result of a recent 60 Minutes Story being aired; Munjed received notification from his medical insurer that he can no longer practice medicine in the field of osseointegration until such time as an investigation is conducted. This includes all consultations, telephone calls, and surgery in relation to osseointegration.

This is catastrophic for all his current Osseointegration patients and those waiting to be seen.

60 Minutes have gone from being an advocate for the man who gave me my life back, to condemning him! They have been led down the garden path by a group with vendettas and those vying for personal gain. This group is trying to stop Munjed from being able to help thousands of people.  And yes, I mean THOUSANDS!

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO…

Sign the Change.org petition… to request that “Avant reinstate insurance for Dr Munjed Al Muderis” so he can recommence practicing Osseointegration as soon as possible.

Write an “OPEN LETTER” to your local member… requesting they advocate on your behalf that “Avant reinstate insurance for Dr Munjed Al Muderis” so he can recommence practicing Osseointegration as soon as possible. Just as I have at the beginning.

I need Dr Munjed Al Muderis in my Osseointegration life 

#istandbehindmunjedalmuderis