FEEDBACK
8/25/2004
The ACA 2004 Educational Conference & Exposition was held in Nashville, TN August 4-8. As expected all previous attendance records were exceeded. Those of us who attended had a great time seeing all the new technology, visiting with old friends and more importantly, spending time with the new amputees. In my opinion, more support and counseling was done on an informal basis in the lounges in the hotel and bar, not to mention on the dance floor at the Wildhorse Saloon. You simply cannot appreciate or comprehend the liberating experience and impact of seeing so many people missing “parts”, like myself, line dancing, or just getting out on the dance floor, many for the first time. I LOVE it. Yet another good reason for leaving my husband at home…..I get to ask all the young guys to dance with me! Too much fun!
The Hip-disarticulation and Hemipelvectomy support circle was sparsely but enthusiastically attended, another reminder of just how rare we are. Jointly moderated by myself and Rich Friend, it was a time to share, and discuss those issues of importance to the attendees. Since most of us are veteran amps and know each other, the discussion focused on the issues of importance to the long term, mature amputee.
Some of the issues discussed were:
Back problems in us high level
amputees. As Arlene Kensinger put it,
"your back becomes your missing hip joint."
Whether one uses a leg or crutches we all agreed that it’s extremely important
to keep the back strong. Most of us exercise on a regular basis, including the
back abdomen, upper body and remaining leg strengthening. As a group, we highly
recommend this to the new amputees. Besides the usual floor leg lifts and
pelvic tilts, swimming and workouts at the national chain “Curves” was sited.
Scoliosis. Many have developed
some degree of scoliosis from sitting unevenly. Most of the gals reported
sitting on their purses just to stay level! Even the hip disartics who have a
“sitting bone” have developed some atrophy of musculature underneath. Only one
person, (myself), had used a pelvic leveler. Information about this simple
device was shared with the group, and will shortly be added to this site.
The new C leg continues to be
debated as we get more input from users. In general, most felt that it’s
difficult to re-learn how to walk with this knee, and it works best for a new
amputee. However, if one can adapt to shifting their weight differently, the
security of a supportive knee is an advantage. We also discussed the new
adjustable heel height feet.
There was input from the group
about alternative methods of mobility, particularly the electric scooters. They
are becoming smaller, easier to navigate it tight places and easy to use. In
general the group preferred the Jazzy Pride.
We barely touched on insurance and reimbursement issues.
This was a lot to cover in one hour, and when a surprise new amputee came into the room late, basically the meeting was over. We then ran over another hour getting to know Bill, to offer support and welcome him to our little group. This was the best part, to help the new guy.
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Bill, Christina, Linda, Toni, Rich & Arlene |
The Exhibit Hall was full as usual with many interesting new innovations, most of which were not applicable to our level, except for one. The Scott Sabolich Prosthetics & Research center has a new socket design specifically developed for the hip-disarticulation or hemipelvectomy amputee. Developed at the Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research center by Jay Martin, CP, it’s called the S.M.A.R.T (Sabolich Martin Abilities Restoring Technology) Hip Socket. As you can see from the pictures, it pares the socket down to a bare, comfortable minimum, yet allows for a great deal of intimate contouring around the pelvis. The easy adjustability of the suspension straps is a boon for those who gain or loose a few pounds. Any standard components, such as hips, knees, or feet, can be utilized with this socket. Jay Martin states “It additionally provides a much more secure fit, with less heat build-up, much less weight, increased comfort, and more cosmetic appearance under clothes.” This new design is patent pending and is only available at the Scott Sabolich Prosthetics & Research center in Oklahoma City, 1-877-226-5424.
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| **Please note, this design is patent pending and only available at Scott Sabolich Prosthetics & Research in Oklahoma City, 1-877-226-5424. |
Next year the convention will be held in Dallas. TX., also in early August. The ACA is expecting another record breaking crowd. This is a great location, the center of the country, easy to get to from almost anywhere. I sincerely hope to see a bunch more of you hip-disartics and hemi’s in person next year. If you or a loved one is an amputee, this will be an unforgettable, informative experience….not to mention that it’s just plain fun. For more information contact the ACA:
1-888-AMP-KNOW
www.amputee-coalition.org
MORE SOCKET TECHNOLOGY
Since our level of amputation is still very rare, few Prosthetists have taken an active interest in improving the available technology. Fortunately, Steve Taylor, a Prosthetist from the United Kingdom, has an interest in developing and offering the newest advances in socket design to amputees. Last summer he spent several weeks traveling throughout the USA with John Michael CP, visiting several facilities with a special interest in the high level amputee. The report of their tour has been serialized and is available directly on line from John Micheals Corner on the OandP Web Site (www.oandp.com). Thank you, John.
Trans-USA Hip Disarticulation/Transpelvic Prostheses Tour: Part One = Steve
Taylor's Investigations
Trans-USA Hip Disarticulation/Transpelvic Prostheses Tour: Part Two = Rochester,
MN
Trans-USA Hip Disarticulation/Transpelvic Prostheses Tour:Part Three
A = Suwanee,
Georgia
Trans-USA Hip
Disarticulation/Transpelvic Prostheses Tour: Part Three B
= Durham, NC
Trans-USA Hip
Disarticulation/Transpelvic Prostheses Tour: Part Four
= Ventura, CA
Trans-USA Hip
Disarticulation/Transpelvic Prostheses Tour: Part Five
= Torrance, CA
Trans-USA Hip
Disarticulation/Transpelvic Prostheses Tour: Part Six = Texas Scottish Rite
Hospital for Children
Improved Suspension Method forTranspelvic Sitting Prosthesis
IN THE NEWS:
The July 1, 2003 cover article for the O&P Business News was entitled: “The Special Challenges of Hemipelvectomy and Hip Disarticulation Patients” by Rachel Kelly.
What makes this article even more special and relevant to both the amputee and the professional, is that each professional interviewed is a high level amputee as well. This takes the concept of personal insight to an extraordinary level. To read a copy of this article click here. (Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required)
