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Post by vader7 on Oct 23, 2014 18:23:36 GMT -7
I am a bka. I have an old socket that fits me nice and comfy with many socks on. Problem is my old alpha liner was so ripped and shredded that it landed me in the ER for 10 days because bacteria caused an infection. It got in through my left dog ear and quickly spiraled out of control and tried to kill me. I am home now and have been in bed for another week so far, still healing. First time in 19 years that I cannot walk. Anyway, I bought a new 6mm thick gel Alps Extreme Comfort Cushion liner, even though I never knew they had them in 6mm thickness as I was always given a 3mm liner and never told about other options with liners. 19 years later, I find gels liners twice as thick as mine, clearly this thicker liner will last me longer, just based on principle. It should also marry to my older socket that required 5-8 socks with a 3mm liner, my socket is 10+ years old and I am hoping this will be good having a thicker gel liner to make up some lost room, so to speak. This socket has always been so comfortable, and tough compared to the toy sockets prosthetists have made for me since it's creation. What do you think about liner thickness? Am I on the right track, or is upgrading my liner thickness crazy?  |
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Post by snarfler on Oct 25, 2014 14:47:35 GMT -7
The distal is a different shape. Probably won't fit. You need a new liner and socket
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Post by vader7 on Oct 26, 2014 8:12:27 GMT -7
Obamacare is too expensive, $300 a month w/ a $5000 deductible is the best plan they offer me, and only 1 company is willing to insure me! Can't get medicaid because I have no kids, so I have to figure out something on my own. Can you clarify how the distal is shaped differently? Here is a chart for sizing, it looks like the distal ends are the same for 3mm and 6mm. I measured my stump appropriately.  |
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Post by Ann on Oct 26, 2014 9:18:31 GMT -7
Hi, I have used the Alpha 6mm liner for years, because of skin grafting and it has worked well for me. On average the liners last me around six to nine months, depending on the fit of the socket. Over here we are told to have two of these on the go at once to wear alternate days.
I have tried an Alps liner and although it was same thickness found it much stretchier so it seemed thinner than my usual liner.
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Post by snarfler on Oct 26, 2014 14:25:23 GMT -7
Sure. Refer to your chart and you will see the accumulation of gel surrounding the first few inches of the distal area. This should/could result in excessive pressure which may result in what is best described as bolts of lightening pain. It sounds good in theory but your shrinkage doesn't occur in perfect symmetry. By adding the thicker liner, you are adding thickness everywhere when you may only need shimming in selected areas. This will cause you to overload those areas and result in premature liner failure, pain and possibly voting Democrat. All of which are a disaster. While you did say you can tolerate 5 to 8 ply, I think it would be best to order a new socket and liner. It shouldn't run more than 15 to 1900. Orrrrr.... Try to identify the offending areas and attempt to apply shimming materials like felt or moleskin. To do this, look directly into the socket and apply the felt to the area directly across from the sore spot. You will need far less shimming material then you think. One layer at a time until it feels right. Oh and the liner change will effect your alignment while shimming should preserve it. I've done this effectively many times and will walk you through the whole experience.
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Post by stonecutter on Oct 28, 2014 6:46:58 GMT -7
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Post by snarfler on Oct 29, 2014 7:40:14 GMT -7
There are many custom liner combinations that can solve a lot of problems. One of my favorites was a 9mm distal that tapered to a 3mm top. One of the easiest ways to add 3mm overall is with a distal cup. Again the drawback is that you're adding 3mm uniformly. You don the cup, then don the liner and they adhere to one another. If adding 3mm uniformly will solve the problem then this is a fairly inexpensive fix. www.amputeesupplies.com/products/prosthetic-gel-cups.html |
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ann58
Female Member 
Posts: 278
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Post by ann58 on Dec 6, 2014 12:14:57 GMT -7
Sure. Refer to your chart and you will see the accumulation of gel surrounding the first few inches of the distal area. This should/could result in excessive pressure which may result in what is best described as bolts of lightening pain. It sounds good in theory but your shrinkage doesn't occur in perfect symmetry. By adding the thicker liner, you are adding thickness everywhere when you may only need shimming in selected are ![This will cause you to overload those areas and result in premature liner failure, pain and possibly voting Democrat. All of which are a disaster.]() er. While you did say you can tolerate 5 to 8 ply, I think it would be best to order a new socket and liner. It shouldn't run more than 15 to 1900. Orrrrr.... Try to identify the offending areas and attempt to apply shimming materials like felt or moleskin. To do this, look directly into the socket and apply the felt to the area directly across from the sore spot. You will need far less shimming material then you think. One layer at a time until it feels right. Oh and the liner change will effect your alignment while shimming should preserve it. I've done this effectively many times and will walk you through the whole experience. Snarfer: I haven't been on here for sooo long..... You are a funny man.  |
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