another amputation level

[Mike Lynn]

Hi Belinda,

This past June I had a Symes amputation on the left side.  The procedure and
operation went very well and the prosthesis that I am wearing is beginning
to feel better every day.

Marcus has a very valid point about choosing a BK over the Symes because of
the choice of feet is much more broad.  I have a BK on the other side and am
fitted with a very good flex foot and it sometimes overpowers the foot on
the Symes.  My doctors, prosthethsis, and I pondered the decision for a long
time.  I decided for three reasons to go with the Symes. 1. It kept me at
almost full leg length on one side which for short trips to bath, etc I
could hobble on the Symes end.  2.  the nearly full length of the Symes side
had the advantage of leverage over the BK which might help me return to
skiing and hiking with more strength. and #3. if the Symes didn't work well
I could always revise to a BK.

I'm sorry your going through what you are, but I think you will find the
Symes a good alternative unless you are a highly active runner.  The foot
that can be put on a Symes is still very good and will be much more active
than what you have been dealing with up to this point I would expect.  Best
of luck.

Mike from New Hampshire





  -----Original Message-----
  From: AMP-L-owner at u.washington.edu [mailto:AMP-L-owner at u.washington.edu]On
Behalf Of Belinda Martinez
  Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2003 9:33 PM
  To: Amputee Information Network
  Subject: another amputation level


  Hi everyone.  I'm new to the group and I have a question.  I have a
chopart amputation (barely have my heel left) and I am having a lot of
problems with this level since I was first amputated.  I have a constant
sprain and the bones in my foot that were cut always rub against my
prosthesis and cause extreme pain.  My prosthetist suggested that a
Siams/Siems (sp?) amputation would possibly get rid of this problem.  They
would remove about 2 inches off the bottom of my heel just under my ankle.
Is anyone else out there experiencing lots of difficulties with their
chopart amputation?  Everyone tells me that it's a difficult level.  Does
anyone have a Siams/Siems amputation and is doing well with it or having
problems?  My prosthetist said that people with a Siems amputation seem to
do a lot better than the level I have.  Any input?  Belinda
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