Amputee Needs Advise

Amputee Needs Advise

4/11/1998

Ms. Kliber is not a subscriber to OANDP-L but she is to AMP-L, an
amputee listserv at University of Pittsburgh. She asked me to post the
following questions to OANDP-L so responses should be directed to her
e-mail address below.

Wayne Renardson

< <Email Address Redacted> >
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I am looking for some input from the O&P list and would appreciate some
opinions.

I am a long L-AK, short R-BK. My entire BK stump is grafted. I have been
an amputee for 14 1/2 years and once wore prosthetics and walked OK.
Nine months ago I had a minor revision of my BK stump due to a very
ragged tibia, and an inability to obtain a decent fit in the last nine
years.

This turned out to be the surgery from hell---what was supposed to have
me down for two weeks turned into nine months due to infection and
medical mistreatment. Now, after a 2nd surgery to clean up the mess, I
am ready to begin the process of getting two new prosthesis. I realize
after nine months in a wheelchair chair I need to recondition both legs.
What I am looking for (seeing that i'm not new at this, and i have
shopped for prosthetist dozens of times) is some input about shopping
for a new CP.

In the past I have obviously not been a good judge since a decent fit
was a long time ago. I realize that I am a challenge, but perhaps there
is something I missed when looking for a new CP.

Components are really not the issue. I've tried plenty and never gotten
full potential out of any since socket fit has always stood in the way.
I have also received mixed answers about working on both limbs at the
same time---some CP's prefer to, others not.

I am presently in a total suction narrow M-L socket. For about 8 years,
have tried several NML's. I don't feel this is as stable for me as a
quad, but also don't know if I'd be able to go back to a quad after all
this time. Regardless, NO ONE wants to put me in a quad anyway.

As for the BK, I've tried several different options, including a 3-S,
with Lanier System, which I actually like, except that I needed a new
3-S every three months due to stretching. I have always worn a pelite
liner, but now I'm in a test socket with an Alpha liner, and no pelite.
To say I am not impressed with the Alpha is an understatement.

As for components, I like my black max knee unit. For feet, I started
with a SACH, then went to Greisinger, then to Carbon Copy III,
Springlite, VSP, and am now in a Seattle Lite w/ Endolite ankle, waiting
on a stratus pylon. Obviously, this all can change in the next week or
two. My main concern is not components, (I have eight pair of legs in
the attic---mix and match) <G>. It is socket fit. So, given this brief
and rambling history I would greatly appreciate any questions and
insight you might be able to supply.

I would also like to know what the norm is for adjustment periods, and
if I am expected to pay for adjustments after an allotted amount of
time. I never have before, but more often I am seeing this policy. I
understand that you need to get paid for your time and effort, but at
what point? And if I am not happy with fit, do you stand behind your
work?

I hate the thought that all some past CP's have gotten paid for their
work while I have been unhappy and have nothing to show for it. They
just throw up their arms and say oh well. Make no mistake...I do not
expect to run, but I do expect to be functional, fairly comfortable, w/o
skin breakdown and intense pain, which in the past I have been told to
suck up.

BTW, I am 38, and feel it is much too early for me to be resigned to the
wheelchair for life.

Thanks

Anita Kliber < <Email Address Redacted> >