Advice

[John Justice]

Hi Dave

I think Susan was right when she said the type of components you are using
can make a difference. If you do not know what components your using then
ask you prosthetist. I found it very helpful in the beginning to get a
notebook and write down any questions that I might have when I was thinking
about them. Then when you get to your prosthetist you can refer to the
notebook and you do not have to remember everything on your own. So much has
changed in such a short time, you cannot be expected to remember everything
you wanted to ask, so write them down then take it with you then you can
write the answers down also.

I do not know your financial situation, but I personally feel every above
knee amputee would benefit by starting out on a pneumatic knee of some type,
like the endolite, the Geo Flex from Ohio Willow Wood, or even a safety
knee.

My first prosthetist started me out on a Catech hydraulic unit. I am a short
above knee amputee. I could not do anything with the knee. I just did not
have the strength required to work the knee properly at that time. I
struggled for 3 months. I had almost given up on walking when I changed
cp's. The first thing my new cp did was put me on the geo flex. It made a
major difference. I was taking continuous step down the parallel bars for
the first time by the end of that day. In a single day I had made more
progress than in the three months before. More importantly though was the
lift to my spirit. Eventually I built up enough strength and was actually
out walking the Geo flex, my cp put me back on the catech and know I walk on
it every day. I have rambled on, the main point is to become involved in
your care. It is after all your life. Talk to your cp, tell him your
problems, develop a relationship with him/her. If the do not seem interested
in what you have to say or in how you are doing, then find another CP.
I do not want to mislead you into believing the components will fix
everything, they will not, but they do play a major role. It will take lots
of hard work and practice to become good and efficient at walking with a
prosthesis, but you can do it. Hang in there and become informed.

John Justice
Pike county
Toler, KY
LAK April 4,1998