Splint Hero Bregje: “Maintaining your independence is worth its weight in gold – or perhaps silver in this case”

Splint Hero Bregje: “Maintaining your independence is worth its weight in gold – or perhaps silver in this case”

Thanks to her Silversplints, Bregje can once again enjoy drawing, colouring and journaling. What started with painful fingers that regularly subluxated turned into a search for support that would help her continue doing the things she loves. Meet Bregje van de Louw, 47, creative, caring and proud owner of Snoef, her Cocker Spaniel.

Living with chronic pain

Bregje worked as a medical assistant in a hospital for ten years. Helping people is something she has always enjoyed doing. Unfortunately, chronic pain gradually made working increasingly difficult.

In 2003, Bregje underwent surgery for an inguinal hernia, during which a surgical mesh was implanted. The day after the operation, she developed severe nerve pain, which she continues to experience constantly to this day. She also lives with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, ACNES and FNS.

That is a lot to deal with, but despite everything, Bregje tries to enjoy life to the fullest. Of course, she has difficult periods too, but she consciously looks for the things that give her energy and bring her joy.

For example, she loves going to the forest in her wheelchair with her dog Snoef. She also creates vlogs about her life and shares informative videos to help others feel understood and find useful information. In addition, she regularly helps people with their phones or computers. Because although she can no longer work as a medical assistant in the same way she used to, her passion for helping others has never disappeared.

And then there is her creative side. Drawing, colouring and journaling allow Bregje to completely immerse herself in her own creative world.

From painful fingers to finding a solution

Her hand problems started with the little finger on her left hand. The top joint was particularly painful and regularly slipped out of place, for example when opening a jar or walking Snoef while holding the lead.

Later, her left ring finger and thumb started causing problems too. Eventually, she developed the same issues in her right hand. Activities she had always enjoyed, such as drawing, became increasingly difficult and painful.

In early 2026, Bregje was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hands, particularly in her fingers, by her rheumatologist. She also explained that her finger joints regularly subluxated. Her rheumatologist suggested trying finger splints and referred her to an occupational therapist specialising in hands.

Through her occupational therapist, Bregje was introduced to an orthotics specialist. She initially received trial splints to try out.

“I noticed straight away, on the very first day, how much the splints helped me!”

After wearing the trial splints for several months, her fingers were carefully measured. The measurements were then sent off so that her silver finger splints could be custom-made. Bregje has been wearing her Silversplints since the summer.

More freedom in everyday life

The main reasons Bregje wanted to try finger splints were the pain and the increasingly frequent subluxations. She also noticed that everyday tasks and her hobbies were becoming more difficult.

Since wearing her Silversplints, she has noticed a huge difference.

“The splints are absolutely wonderful. It is such a relief that my joints no longer dislocate as often and that I can do so many things independently again. Because maintaining your independence for as long as possible is worth its weight in gold. Or perhaps silver in this case, hahaha!”

She benefits greatly from wearing her splints during the day and takes them off at night. Because her fingers no longer slip out of place as easily when wearing the splints, everyday activities have become much easier. She can also enjoy her hobbies again with more pleasure and less pain.

For Bregje, this means more than just physical support. It also means greater freedom. Things that had become increasingly difficult are now accessible to her again.

Small splints, great happiness

One of Bregje's favourite activities is colouring. Although cosy colouring has become very popular these days, she has been doing it for years. She loves being creative and getting completely lost in her own little world.

One of the colouring pages she completed features the words: “Happiness is found in the little things.” For Bregje, this saying perfectly reflects her experience with Silversplints.

“The splints may look small, but they bring me so much happiness. For example, I can enjoy colouring again!”

She also loves the appearance of her splints. They are comfortable to wear and have a design she genuinely enjoys. To her, they almost feel like pieces of jewellery, with the added benefit of providing support for her hands.

Bregje also realises that making finger splints requires real craftsmanship. Behind these small, delicate aids is a careful process of measuring and custom-making, tailored to the individual wearer's fingers.

“People are welcome to ask questions”

Wearing an aid that is visible to others can take some getting used to. Bregje understands that some people feel hesitant about wearing Silversplints because they worry about others looking at them.

“Of course, I cannot take that feeling away from someone, but I always say: I know that accepting aids isn't always easy. But if they really help, reduce your pain and allow you to do things you currently struggle with, why not consider giving them a try?”

She has found that getting used to the splints becomes easier over time, especially when you experience just how much of a difference they make. And yes, people sometimes look at her fingers or ask what she is wearing. Bregje simply answers their questions. In her experience, people generally respond positively and are genuinely interested.

After all, many people don't even know that Silversplints exist.

By openly sharing her experiences, Bregje hopes to show others what possibilities are out there. An aid doesn't have to hold you back. In fact, it can help you continue doing more of the things you love.

Her message to others

If Bregje could give one piece of advice to anyone considering finger splints, her answer is clear:

“Absolutely give them a try! If they help, they can only enrich your life by allowing you to do things again that you may no longer have been able to do.”

For Bregje, the benefits lie in the small but meaningful moments. Enjoying colouring again. Being able to carry out everyday tasks independently. Getting creative without constantly being restricted by painful subluxations.

Her story shows how a small aid can make a big difference in everyday life. Not because all symptoms disappear, but because it creates more room for independence, creativity and enjoyment.

And that is exactly what makes her story so special: despite all the challenges, Bregje continues to focus on what is possible.

Want to discover more about Bregje? On her YouTube channel, she shares vlogs about her life and informative videos.

Visit her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bregjevandelouw6626

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/de_zenuwleidster/

Thank you, Bregje, for sharing your story with us and inspiring others to keep discovering what can help them! 💚