responses to: bilateral A/E amputee thoughts?

responses to: bilateral A/E amputee thoughts?

6/12/2001

I would like to thank all of you who responded to my original post
(see end of this post). I really appreciate the thoughts. Some will
be put to use. I think we are on the right track and things are going
quite well. thanks again.
Andy d'Entremont C.P.(c)


Andy,
  Try contacting Mr. Waldo Esparza in the Tampa, Florida area.
He is one
of
the upper extremity experts who has the knowledge and
experience to help
you
with some ideas.
Steve Fries, CPO, (L)
Fort Myers, FL


Andy:
Just a few thoughts regarding your bilateral A/E male. I primarily
work
with
children and have seen a few adults. I think that the bilateral
functions
the best with lightest and simplest type of prosthesis/prostheses.
The
one
electric component that I would recommend would be a wrist
rotator. It is
very difficult for a person to learn how to pre-position the terminal
device
and the rotator makes it easier. I would also recommend that the
person
have
some type of wrist flexion - this is necessary for cleansing after
toileting.
 Electric elbows do not seem to provide a great deal of benefit for
the
amount of weight added.
As you know, it takes a great deal of practice, patience, and
determination
to become proficient with prostheses.
Joanne Shida, OTR
Shriners Hospital - Los Angeles


Andy, I have one similar with an AE a BE here. This guy is totally
indeopendent now but it did take many months. My suggestion is
to persever
with the tried and true. Don't rush to find a solution when you
probably
have one already..this man will not rehabilitate if you keep
changing your
approach.
Even if you did get myoelectric I bet that he is gonna thankyou for
being
able to use purely body powered when his myos go wrong.
My guy is able to lift a cigarette ash (not that he should be
smoking at
all mind) with either TD without crushing it. He can thread a needle.
This
all took patience and practice...this is a whole new life for your
man.
Cold comfort I know butwith the right attitude he CAN do it. Richard
Ziegeler P&O O.T.

h sorry, forgot the ass end... your Ot should be able to find a toilet
aid which clips to the side of the bowl. I believe Rolyan stock them
(Smith and Nephew). One wraps the paper around them and
wriggles one's
butt over it. It does work well.
Regards, Richard