Andriy Konovalov is a Ukrainian soldier from Donetsk. He joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the beginning of the full-scale invasion and was wounded during last year's counter-offensive to liberate Lyman. Andriy hit an anti-personnel mine and lost his leg.
He was one of the first to undergo prosthetics at the SHCM clinic in Malta. We talked to Andriy and found out how his life has changed since he received the prosthesis. It's been more than six months since he underwent rehabilitation.
Could you remember the first steps on the prosthesis, how did you feel?
My first thoughts were: I'm finally walking! It's happiness and joy! Every day this feeling increases. I'm already starting to run, but only on a treadmill. I am glad that I am gradually returning to a full life. I have more mobility.
How actively do you use the prosthesis?
Now I can even walk with the prosthesis all day. But I am still undergoing rehabilitation. I work out with physiotherapists - in the pool, on treadmills, exercise bikes, and I get massages.
Do you have support from friends and acquaintances? How do they feel about your "new condition"?
Of course, there is support from family and friends! Recently, I was walking around Kyiv with my friends all day. From morning until ten in the evening — it was my personal record! When I come home to Vinnytsia on weekends, we also go out a lot with my family.
Do you think about the Invictus Games?
Well, I don't know (smiles)... By the way, I was thinking about this possibility. But I don't know how it will turn out yet. My friends protect me, they always try to help me, as they say, to put a pillow under my back (laughs). But I refuse, I need to learn and get used to it myself! You know, there are people with disabilities who believe that everyone owes them. I don't like this approach. Nobody owes me anything, I have to do everything myself and rely on myself.
You move around the city a lot — how do people react?
There are different people: both indifferent and not. When I get on the subway, some people give way, and others pretend not to see me... In general, I don't see any problems when I need to use a prosthesis. I've got used to riding the subway, the prosthesis is like a second leg. When I walk in my trousers, you can't see anything at all.
Do you get support from your comrades?
Yes, my comrades and I talk on the phone when they are in their positions and can talk. They support me and take an interest in my well-being. Fortunately, I am the only prosthetic in my group.
How did your daughters react?
They have already got used to it. At first, the younger one laughed, saying that I had a leg and then I didn't — I was taking off the prosthesis, and she had never seen it before. Now she's pasted bright stickers on it (smiles).
The process of prosthetics is a great challenge for every person, requiring strength and endurance. What advice would you give to the military who are about to receive prosthetics?
My outlook on life has changed! You need to appreciate every second, every moment with your family and friends. Because all this can disappear very quickly and you can lose everything in an instant. My advice is not to lose heart. Read books, watch films, go to church. But find your meaning in something. Yoga or a good psychologist can also help with this.
Do you have a dream?
I want to go to the mountains! And to buy my own home. But first, I need to get out of the army, and then I'll think about it. I'm currently undergoing a second military qualification examination. So if they decide that I'm partially fit, I'll serve. If not, I will move on to realizing my plans. I do not want to make plans for the distant future.
The team of the FFU, Andriy, and his family are grateful for the opportunity to return to active life on two legs, which appeared thanks to the help and support of our partners, the MCOP clinic and philanthropist Vadym Stolar!
