Bob’s life changed forever one day in 2010. He headed to the mushroom farm in the early hours of the morning, just as he had many times before. But that day, as he worked a five-tier compost emptying winch, his right arm was caught and his life would never be the same.
‘I’ve never felt so much pain.’ Robert 'Bob' Konrad.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries to repair his right forearm (which also involved vessel grafting from his legs), Bob was faced with the grim news. There was no other option but to amputate his lower right arm. Bob then suffered complications with the amputation – developing cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his legs which then resulted in ongoing lymphoedema.
‘Not only was he trying to deal with psychologically the effect of losing his arm and his amputation, but due to the surgery associated in trying to save his arm, he then developed what we call lymphoedema of the legs. There’s no cure for it. It’s a chronic condition that he’s left to cope with for the rest of his life.’ Louise Koelmeyer PhD, BAppSc (OT) Occupational Therapist & Lymphoedema Therapist.
In this video series Bob shares his recovery journey and how with courage and support he worked through the many challenges he faced to regain his independence and get his life back.
‘Never give up. Anyone out there. Never give up. There is a life out there if you want it.’ Robert ‘Bob’ Konrad
Pictured: Louise Koelmeyer PhD, BAppSc (OT) Occupational Therapist & Lymphoedema Therapist and Robert ‘Bob’ Konrad.
Innovation and courage: the turning point in Bob’s recovery journey
Recovering from a workplace injury or illness takes a huge amount of personal courage and the care of a strong network of dedicated supporters.
‘Nobody goes to work wanting or expecting that they're going to have an injury, but if it does occur, workers compensation is there to ensure that they get the medical support they need when they need it.’ Laura Hennessy, Manager EML Group.
Pictured: EML NSW’s Workers with Highest Needs team members Emily Nankervis Team Leader, Laura Hennessy Manager Kelly and Gray Case Manager.
EML approved body powered prosthetics for Bob first in the first few years following his injury but these had their limitations. Bob, his exceptional treating team and his EML Case Manager Kelly Gray advocated for a a trial of a myoelectric prosthetic.
In August 2024, the trial was supported by the Medically Complex team at icare and EML approved componentry (electrodes, battery/charging system and wrist adaptor) to allow Bob to trial myoelectric hands at his home and practice utilising the prosthesis doing daily tasks.
Bob worked closely with his Case Manager Kelly throughout the testing phase – celebrating his victories like signing his name and walking his dog Masey – demonstrating how the myoelectric prosthetic was changing his life for the better.
In April 2025, icare approved the prosthesthsis.
‘I’m happy. I just can’t believe I’ve come this far.’ Robert 'Bob' Konrad.
We would like to thank Robert ‘Bob’ Konrad for sharing his story with us and acknowledge the support of Louise Koelmeyer PhD, BAppSc (OT) Occupational Therapist & Lymphoedema Therapist, the Australian Lymphoedema Education Research and Treatment Centre unit at Macquarie University, EML NSW’s Workers with Highest Needs team members Kelly Gray Case Manager, Emily Nankervis Team Leader, Laura Hennessy Manager and the Medically Complex team at icare NSW.
