JOE (Nova Scotia)  
I am 48 years old and lost the leg at age 12 to osteosarcoma in October of 1963 [left HP]. The previous 2 years was spent in and out of hospital about a half dozen times in an attempt to remove the cancer which kept coming back. The cancer was in the hip close to the joint. It eventually became malignant so there were no options except amputation. I live in Dartmouth Nova Scotia which is on the east coast of Canada. There is a population of close to 1 million people and my prosthetist tells me that I am the only HP that he has worked with and the only one he knows of in the province. So the expertise to provide HP's and HD's with quality prosthetics is limited. However, the prosthetists that have made my limbs over the years have done the best they can.

I can identify exactly with your descriptions of limbs made in the early years of HP prosthetic technology. The endo construction with basically a block of wood shaped like a chin and another block shaped to look something like a thigh with a leather cover was heavy and cumbersome. The newer technology and materials has made a tremendous difference in the cosmesis and function of the limb. The component construction and cosmetic cover produces a look that is more realistic. I never wore shorts in public until this type of construction was used for HP's.

It has been almost 36 years since the surgery but I have always worn a prosthesis. However time is beginning to take a bit of a toll. The remaining hip joint is deteriorating and is causing some discomfort. Scoliosis has been evident for years. The lower vertabrae are kind of twisted and cause some pain. The endurance is becoming shorter so I'm finding that I wear the limb less than in the early years simply because it is more comfortable, particularly in warmer weather. It is difficult to know if this is par for the course because there are no other HP's to talk to for comparison. I am a self employed professional photographer.
E-mail: joe.robichaud@ns.sympatico.ca
Personal web site: 
www.ability.ns.ca/entrepreneur/profiles/jrobichaud.html

I use both a prosthesis and crutches to get around, but I had a fall on crutches last October and dislocated my right shoulder, I'm still wary of using the sticks when I'm on any sort of smooth tile or ceramic surface.  So mostly it's the prosthesis when I go out, sticks at home.  I still golf occasionally, but took up lawn bowls three years ago and tend to do that quite a bit in the summer.  Since 1991 I've been involved with amputee sports, am secretary of Ontario Amputee and Les Autres Sports Association and Treasurer of Canadian Amputee Sports Association. I will be pleased to talk to anyone else in a similar situation.
E-mail: ampsport@interlog.com

I wear my prosthesis 15-16 hours per day. I am an active amputee-I hike, ski, kayak, golf, swim, play floor hockey (the goalie) and wheelchair basketball (truly a violent game). I’ve played hard over the years, always do my stretches and flexibility is my key to avoid injury. I’m not afraid to fall, I take risks and will try out new prosthetic devices if I think they are going to benefit me.

I use a UC Davis split socket design (two pieces, joined by adjustable cross straps in back, and belt in front). This is cooler and than the sockets that wrap around the body, but still uncomfortable above 78F (25C). DAW graphite hip joint (locked in the open state), Total Knee, a rotator and Quantum foot. I’ve tried and rejected many other components in the past. My prosthetist is John Girling.

I do not say I can’t do something, unless it is physically impossible. I don’t blame the leg. The beauty of this is that it gives me the freedom to choose whether I want to do stuff. I ask people not to help me unless I ask for help, and am not afraid to ask for help when I need it. I have a pretty stubborn and independent streak, but it works for me.
E-mail: Robert.Katzer@gov.bc.ca