FW: Neuromas

FW: Neuromas

8/19/2003

Carolyn,

Mr... Feldman offers good advice.
See a competent surgeon whom has hands on experience in performing
reconstructive surgery.

I hear from amputees every day whom believe their problems stem from a
incorrect fitting prosthesis.
Unfortunately, you have less than a dozen in this country to select
from.More often than not, amputation surgery is performed by those that
don't want to take the time nor have the interest during the initial
amputation surgery to avoid such problems as you are having now.

Many surgeons view amputation as personal failure. failure for them to have
the knowledge that could prevent the disease and need to remove the leg.or
failure of medical technology to have the knowledge to reattach the limb in
the event the cause was the result of trauma.

These nueromas and other problems associated to amputation surgery you have
described, i.e muscle instability and improperly cauterized nerve endings
and other aspects can be properly addressed at the initial
amputation,however they cant be addressed when the surgeon or often time
intern takes 20 -40 minutes minutes to guillotine the limb.

Medication and the invention of the silicon and gel liners, you have only
bought some time before the problems occur.
These problems with pain and instability generally occur 3-5 years post -op.
Pretty sad when over 3,000 amputations are being performed every week in
this country alone
The Ertl Reconstructive procedure offers alternatives that are long lasting
and are worth consideration.
See attachment and or our web site at www.oandp.com/barr

Tony Barr
Barr Foundation
www.oandp.com/barr


I had a patient with similar problems. A surgery did finally help him. I
was there when the surgeon took out a 1 inch piece of scar tissue that
looked like plastic it was so inflexible. See a surgeon who knows amputees
and has experience.
Good luck, Richard L. Feldman, CPO
  -----Original Message-----
  Subject: Neuroma


  I am a left bka and have had a lot of pain near the head of the fibula for
many years now, but recently it's become intolerable. My new CP thinks I
have some type of neuroma, nerve pain, or scar tissue that is causing the
excruciating pain I feel every time I walk. I am relieved that we have
finally narrowed the problem down, instead of focusing only on the socket
fit. My first question is what type of test can be done, if any, to find
out exactly what the problem is? Would an MRI show anything? My CP
suggested Ibuprofen, and if that doesn't work, he suggested Neurotin. Has
anyone tried Neurotin? Are there any side effects? Are you suppose to
take Neurotin long term or short term? Another option he suggested is a
nerve block...where they stick a needle in your stump and shoot something in
there to numb the nerve and&nb! sp;the pain is not suppose to
return....ever. Has anyone tried that? Does anyone have any other
suggestions? I know the last option is surgery, but I would rather try
everything else first, plus I haven't heard any good things about the
results following surgery. Thank you for any feedback...All of you are a
great help.
  Carolyn


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