MICHAEL (HD; Germany)

It took me six months to accept my prosthesis as part of myself and to get the hang of walking with it. It was only in the last week at  rehab after discarding the second crutch that I mastered the hip movement, required to work the mechanism of the prosthesis. This first Otto-Bock prosthesis was pretty reliable. I managed with one crutch alright,  even negotiating the banks of the river Nile.  Did have some falls though. Whenever the heel of the prosthesis slid on something, I would end up doing the splits. Then I was fitted with a new (second) prosthesis at the Otto Bock workshops in Duderstadt.  Immediately I tried it on for the first time, I noticed the new knee was not as reliable as the old one. Actually I had so many falls that I had to revert to walking with two crutches. However, I discovered a couple of advantages, using two crutches instead of one:

1. This 'Nordic Walking' with two crutches exercises both arms and shoulders equally.
thus developing upper body and arm strength.
2. I do not get sore anymore, as the arms bear most of the weight, and pressure
on the prosthesis is relieved, thus reducing friction.
3. The left (sound) leg and hip have to bear less pressure, thus greatly reducing wear and
tear.

I have had a couple of spectacular falls, but not at Iguacu in Brasil or on holiday in Chile or Argentina, but walking on some corridor floor with wet crutches. Also my leg has buckled when I shifted my weight onto the prosthesis (just standing without crutches), and I found myself lying on my back after doing a 180º roll. The prosthesis ended up twisted, of course. Out of doors I always use my prosthesis [+ 2 crutches] with foam covering and long trousers. At home (or in hospital) I use a wheel-chair. I am much more agile without my prosthesis. In the library I like to use my office-chair like a wheel-chair, propelling me backwards with my sound left leg. I do hop short distances kangaroo-style. On the whole I can manage pretty well. However,  I can only marvel at those colleagues of ours who manage without crutches.

E-Mail: elnoviodelamuerte@web.de
You can read my story in the 'Personal Stories' section of the Sarcoma Alliance website: Michael Wackers; http://sarcomaalliance.com
 

JOHN (GLASCOW, SCOTLAND)
(HD) I am 40 years old and have Neurofibromatosis. When I was 2 a tumour was found on my right ankle. After several years of treatment I had the tumour removed when I as 7. These operations left my ankle very badly disfigured and discoloured. Even the slightest of bumps would be very painful. I was always conscious of people bumping into it. Then when I was 18, another tumour appeared behind my right knee. After 2 biopsies they decided to amputate from the hip. I knew it was for the best and it was my preferred option because I just couldn't go on the way I was. That was in 1978 and  have been wearing artificial legs since then although I don't find them particularly comfortable.  It is much easier and more comfortable for me to use my crutches. I find wearing it all day causes sores and I sweat very easily. I have recently gotten a new leg with a new soft more flexible socket, which I hope will be more comfortable. More information about my new prosthesis, and how I've coped with my amputation can be found on my web site.  Once a year I participate as a model for teaching students at  Strathclyde University, which is the teaching centre for prosthetics.  It's really interesting because as well as helping the students I am also helping myself as one day they could be making mine.
E-mail: hopalong_nf1@hotmail.com
Personal Web Site: freespace.virgin.net/john.cassidy/prosthesis.htm

ARNO (Netherlands)
Age 52,   My cancer (fibrosarcoma) was diagnosed in 1961.  I first had a BK and then an AK amputation,   Hemipelvectomy since 1965.  I live in the northeastern part of the Netherlands (province of Groningen), married since 1977.  I received my education as an electronics engineer and a long history of studying physics; among special interests are elementary biophysics/thermodynamics of non-equilibrium systems, and the consequences thereof.  My hobbies include sailing, classical music, actual (local and world) politics. HAM-operator (not often, call-sign PA0AHX).  Exercise routine: none, life itself is exercising enough! Primary method of mobility: crutches.
E-mail: arnoh@csi.com