Anton defies the odds
After learning his leg would have to be amputated, Anton did not give up and now serves as an inspiration to others
POLOKWANE – Because he works out regularly and often experiences slight joint pain, Anton Kilian (36) thought little of the pain in his lower leg until he consulted a specialist who broke news that turned his world upside down.
Earlier this year, Anton started experiencing pain in his left leg, but thought it was due to a muscle he injured during training.
“I am quite an active person and trained every morning in the gym, so I thought nothing of the pain at first,” he said. After consulting a physiotherapist for treatment he continued experiencing pain.
“I then decided to consult a doctor, and I was shocked at the look on his face when he discovered that my one foot was warmer than the other,” he explained.
He was told he had a genetic problem with weaker blood vessels in his lower left leg and that his veins in the leg had collapsed.
“I underwent an operation where they took veins from my upper leg and inserted them in the lower leg, but the operation was unsuccessful.”
Anton’s leg had to be amputated as the muscles in his leg were too damaged and could no longer function.
“At first I was shocked, but then through the grace of the Lord, I realised that I have to go on with my life.”
Anton lost over 20kg during this period and this prompted him to get back into the gym and back into shape.
The gym has helped to keep his mind occupied and active. “It is like therapy for me, and I enjoy every moment of it, it is like my happy hour,” he explained.
Anton now visits local hospitals where he gives motivating speeches to encourage other who have had limbs amputated, not to give up on life.
“I would definitely say that I came out as a stronger person, you learn to have patience and to look at life in a new and positive way.”
He is the general manager of a fish and chip franchise and continues to work out every morning. “I would like to thank my wife Retha, my parents, the people I work with, my bosses, Wikus and Bernadette de Beer and the people I train with, for helping and supporting me through this time,” he said.
His check-up is on 17 November where he could possibly be measured for a prosthesis which he could receive as early as December.
“Remember the Lord never leaves your hand and He is with you every step of the way, no matter what your troubles are,” said Kilian.
