[AMP-L] Looking for Answers

[Priscilla McKinley]

Hello all,

In May after struggling with a foot infection and several screw-ups at one hospital, I had about two-thirds of my right foot amputated by Dr. Christopher Attinger at Georgetown University Hospital.  While I am still non-weight baring and my foot is still very swollen, I am trying to get some information about the various prostheses available so I will be well informed when I am measured in about two weeks. 

Doctor Attinger calls my type of amputation a "show parts" amputation, which I think is his own term.  I still have my heal and about an inch beyond my heal, which is supposedly somewhere between a symes amputation and an amputation of just the front of the foot.  (Please forgive me as I am new to this and don't know all the terminology.)  I went to a prosthetics place last week and was told that the best option for me is an Arizona prosthesis, which is a hard leather lace-up brace that goes under the heal of the foot and keeps the ankle mobile, as my achilles tendon has been cut.  Supposedly I will wear this with a carbon something or other in the bottom of a shoe with some sort of filler to replace the front of my foot.  Does anyone have this type of prosthesis?  If so, how is it?  If not, what other types of prostheses do people have?  

I am fairly young and feel that this type of prosthesis that the prosthetics people are recommending will imit me more than I wish to be limited.  While I'm not an athlete, I was walking on my tredmmill regularly before and I have travel to many parts of the world.  I would like a prosthesis that will enable me to participate in the activities of before.  Also, I am very much a snadals person and would like something that looks a little bit real near the toes.  Any thoughts?

Priscilla

   


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