another amputation level

[Lindsay Nielsen]

PS I have no problem sprinting and running distance with a Syme level amputation. The Flex foot just connects differently than for higher BK's.

Lindsay
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mike Lynn 
  To: Amputee Information Network 
  Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2003 6:35 AM
  Subject: RE: another amputation level


  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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