OT--Artificial Limbs for my niece--need advice

getitdone1 · Post by **getitdone1** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:48 am

As I related to this group recently: My niece lost some limbs due to gangrene and subsequent amputation. Terrible thing but she, and family members, face reality and move on. She's taking it better than I thought she would--BUT, we have a long way to go.

I'm sure some of you in this group have had experience with artificial
limbs. Is there a "best brand?"

I read where the artificial leg--below the knee--will cost from $6-8,000 dollars. This is what my niece will need on her left side. She lost her left foot and half way up to her knee on this side.

On her right side she lost 3-4 inches off of the end of her foot. Due to the many bones involved there this side may be the most difficult to deal with. It is good that she has most of her right foot and ankle thus aiding much with mobility on that side--and overall.

I read where a big problem with artificial limbs (prosthesis) is the wear and tear and pain that occurs between the stump and the socket of the prosthesis. Has any manufacturer of artificial limbs overcome this problem to a significant degree?

Also I read that--due to wear and tear over time--the artificial limb will have to be replaced every 3-4 years. Really? With both sides in mind that's a lot of money and never ending.

Appreciate any advice about the above.

Don McCullough

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:02 am

Dang.......That's gonna be a tough row to hoe.......I have no advise, but you have my prayers.....

Hagler · Post by **Hagler** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:11 am

Don,

I have no experience with prostetics, but I can say a few words on what I have seen & heard.

A division of this company, J. E. Hanger:

http://www.hanger.com/sections/about/au_main.html

...made my wife's Ankle Foot Orthosis braces. That was M&E Orthotics and Prostetics, of Jefferson, Louisiana. The technician, a fella named Blake, took plenty of time to adjust her braces. Now, the AFO is much simpler than an artificial limb is, but the care in fitting & the knowledge to do it corrrectly, are very important. This page tells us that Mr. Hanger was the first amputee of the Civil War:

http://www.hanger.com/sections/about/au_history.html

As for artificial limbs, I would say that wear & tear are reason-enough to replace the limb, but so is growth. A person's changing needs and abillities are also reasons to get new limbs. Walking with artificial feet & legs is not the same as climbing, or running with them.

I wish your niece well.

Shawn

cnjarvis · Post by **cnjarvis** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:26 am

My dad -68- is a double amputee with prostheses on both legs.

His prostheses are from Hanger in OKC. Overall, he's had good luck with them and I've never heard him complain in 9 years about pain caused by them. The only complaint I would have is that he's had to make several trips for adjustments however once they get the prosthetics adjusted correctly they work fine.

Rod WMG · Post by **Rod WMG** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:31 pm

I have a below the knee prosthesis supplied by Scott Sabolich Prosthetics of OKC.

I won't tell you a price as they vary. Best to call and get an range.

My latest version is one with a gel insert which fits snugly on my stump and then slips into the carbon fiber socket. It's been, I believe, about 4 years since I got it. The feet probably wear out faster than anything. I need a new socket now because I've lost weight and it no longer fits. The expensive liners need to be replaced every six months. This system seems to protect my leg better than the others I've had.

Prosthetic socks are another expense which usually aren't thought of, but have to be considered. Nothing about this business is cheap.

I wish I could be more encouraging.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:47 pm

Prayers up again. Don't know anything about prostetics, but I wish her and you all good luck moving forward from this awful incident!

jbm1968 · Post by **jbm1968** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:14 am

As a thought try doing some research on the most current devices being used by the military. There have been cases of individuals losing limbs and being able to remain on active duty and fully serve which would not likely be possible without excellent prosthetics

Texican · Post by **Texican** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:12 am

http://www.oandp.com/

This seems to be a catch-all site for news, providers, etc. Maybe it will help.

Will keep her and your family in my prayers.

shdwlkr · Post by **shdwlkr** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:51 pm

My one son has prosthetic limbs here are some things I have dealt with.
first we had Hanger and they were stuff.
Shriners made several for him that took his abuse(lasted for a year)
We now have a hospital do it for us and have had good luck
Prices are very high all I am going to say
He goes back several times for adjustments and wear and tear
they usually last him one year
Yes his stumps bother him some days and it has a lot to do with the fit of the limb and what he has tried to do that day
He is all boy and pushes his limbs to the limit which his mom and I tell him to do, even knowing that this wears the limbs out sooner. He is not and old man and needs to do kid things and yes we have been called to get him from school because he has pushed his artificial limb to far and have to get it fixed, so what it is part of life with prosthetic limbs.
He hates his prosthetic arm and refuses to wear it now we have it and yes it cost around a few thousand to get it.
Don't limit your niece on what she can or can't do with the prosthetics she has to find that for herself.
Don't let any of the people making her prosthetics put in her head that now there are things she can't do as she is the only one who can find that out.
Don't settle for ok work on the prosthetics I am a pain in the butt when we are getting legs for the boy and now he does it himself and ask all the questions you can think of. If they can't answer them find someone else to make the legs!!!!!!!!!
Hope this helps if you want more info PM me

Rod WMG · Post by **Rod WMG** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:24 am

Don, I guess I misssed how old your niece is, but if she's fairly young she should adapt well. I was over fifty when I got my amputation, but people were amazed when they found out I had a prosthesis. I actually limp some worse now than then because of the suspension system I wear, as well as the fact that I'm 65 now.

My heart goes out to your niece because she has both a leg and a foot to deal with. I'm so blessed that I only lost the one leg below the knee. When I go to the prosthetic clinic I see so many people worse off than I, both young and old.

May God bless her and you and lead you to a good prosthetist.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:09 am

Don,
She might also be able to get some input from the folks at the Shriner's Hospital. while they USUALLY take care of kids they have been known to help young adults out as well from time to time. Besides, if all you're after is information that shouldn't cost anything.

If you know someone that is a Shriner they might also be able to get the ball rolling a little faster than you could by yourself.