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Post by rickwise on Sept 15, 2014 16:32:16 GMT -7
An accident 6 years ago left me with a fused hip and a 12" metal rod from below the knee to halfway to the hip on the right side. There was nothing left in my knee to heal, and everything turned to bone, making the knee non-movable. A VRE infection set in 2 years ago in the knee area, getting in the bone and on the rod. It got to the point last month, my doctor told me we couldn't wait anymore, and I had an above the knee amputation. I now get around on crutches better than I have in the last 6 years, and I don't feel as crippled as I did. With the hip fused and angled forward, I was told I could only use a c-leg. But I don't know I really want a prosthesis. I have read about the problems with them, and having suffered for 6 years, I think getting a leg would be a step backwards from where I am now. Plus, I don't have insurance to use for a leg. I am 64 years old, and don't really want to spend time going through the process of getting a leg and learning to use it, and then not being able to use it much. Has any one made the decision not to get a prosthesis? Or have you gotten one, and ended up not wanting to use it?
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Post by cherylm on Sept 17, 2014 2:59:31 GMT -7
It sounds like you're really looking for "justification" to not use a prosthesis, rickwise...there is no "justification" needed. The choice is yours. You already know my personal opinion...a prosthesis generally makes mobility easier. But you are the person in charge of your body, and you do have every right to not use a prosthesis if you don't want to. Generally speaking, the majority of amputees who choose to go without a prosthesis are folks who have lost an arm (the prosthesis may just be too heavy for long-term wear) or those who have lost legs at the hip level (the prosthesis suspension system can be clumsy and difficult to maneuver). For both of those situations, though, there are constant advances being made and more and more folks are able to be fitted with a prosthesis that is truly helpful to them. It can be prohibitively expensive to purchase a prosthesis without the help of insurance. But how completely have you looked into your coverage? If there is a possibility of coverage, that gives you another option to think about...and a doctor and prosthetist making the case that a C-leg is "medically necessary" to preserve your health and mobility, can make a difference. If there truly is no coverage available, then your "decision" has effectively been made for you, but make sure you know all the facts before writing off the possibility. If you do end up going without a prosthesis, know that it will give you one less option in keeping an active and mobile life. That's OK...just know that there will be days when crutches won't be an option, due to illness or injury that temporarily "derails" you. Then you're looking at wheelchair time, or "hop with a walker" time...or something similar. It's just another thing to consider. I'm going to bow out now...I wish you all the best in making your decision and hope that you will have l long and happy life being as active as you please, whatever gear you choose to assist you with your mobility issues!  |
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Post by snowyh on Sept 22, 2014 9:45:47 GMT -7
Hey, Rick. I'm a high-level arm amp and I know the issues for leg amps are different, but I choose not to wear a prosthesis. I was never a candidate for a pros with any sort of function, so it would have been purely cosmetic for me anyway. I do have a shoulder prosthesis which I wear only for rare special occasions (like job interviews), because I can't wear a suit jacket without it as I have no shoulder. The way I see it, a prosthesis is to make YOU better able to function and/or more comfortable with your appearance. If it won't do that for you then pass!
I have a theory that society in general wants everyone to have two fully functioning arms and two fully-functioning legs, so that's why they push us in the direction of prosthetics as soon as we're out of the hospital. But my personal experience has been that I can do most stuff I need to with one arm--usually in a slightly different way that those with two arms would do them. If you think outside the 2-legged box I'm sure you'll get along fine one one leg & no prosthesis.
Helen
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Post by vader7 on Oct 24, 2014 7:21:22 GMT -7
Rick, sounds like you may want to heal up fully before you try any prosthetic. After you feel you have healed nearly 100%, go for it. Walking can give you so much back, even if it's just for an hour or so a day. Take it slowly.
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