MISCELLANEOUS
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WEIGHT
The weight of the prosthesis will vary depending on your size. For the average adult they usually range from 8-20 pounds (4-9 kg). The heavier the leg, the more energy it takes to walk. Discuss your options in components if weight is an issue. See the section on components.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
The average leg may last approximately 2-5 years, depending on usage. The author has worn one leg for 12 years, but this was pushing it. We usually require a new socket due to changes in body shape, weight gain or loss, as you age, and more frequently in children due to normal growth. If your socket wears out in less than 2 years or so, consider a different, more durable socket material. If the socket fits, you can change parts as they wear out, and most prosthetic parts are pretty durable. Many of us choose to get a new leg to try the new advancements on socket design or the desire to try new components.
Usually the first leg is the worse since you have nothing to compare it to and have no idea how it's supposed to work or feel. Frequently the first leg is worn for a year or so, then ends up in the closet or replaced. Discuss the option of re-using some of the same components to cut costs. Some components come with a free 30 day trial. Try before you buy.
New sockets can be "cloned" from an old cast. Once you have a good socket fit, take your cast home and keep it in a safe place.
It is highly recommended to have your leg checked out at least once a year, to check for correct fit or to replace parts that are wearing out. In the interim many of us have learned to do minor repairs ourselves. Have your CP show you how. Your kit should contain a supply of loctite, extra screws, straps, screw drivers and allen wrenches.
Author's Note: I did not see a CP
for five years, although I developed a chronic sore which wouldn't heal and eventually
ended up with broken ribs. This was stupid; learn from my mistakes!
I was completly unaware of the advances that had been made in socket fit and
materials.
Foam cosmetic covers cost about $2000-$3000 to shape and replace. Most commonly, they are torn when we fall, and that we all do, some more frequently than others. Small holes or tears can be fixed with glue or paper tape. Synthetic skin is more expensive, but can be more durable. However, some feel it's too restrictive to movement and looks "too artificial".
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Our prosthetics are expensive, in the range of $20,000-$30,000+. Be sure that you know in advance what the costs will be and how much will be covered by insurance. Insist on a field test and that the work is done to YOUR satisfaction before making final payment. Most of us will advise NOT to sign over your insurance completely, or to make full payment in advance. A field test means taking it home and using it in your environment and activities of daily living. Always try getting in and out of your car before leaving the facility.
Getting your insurance company to pay for a hip or hemi prosthetic may be a challenge. You might be approved or denied outright simply since we are so rare and they have few or no statistics to go by. Don't give up without a fight. We can and do walk, and it should be your decision, NOT the insurance company's, to have a leg made.
If you need financial aid consider these options:
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All children are eligible to
have prosthetics made under a program sponsored by the Shriners. The child must start
before age 18 and is kept until age 21. If the child has any health insurance that is
billed first and then Shriners pays the rest. If there is no insurance, Shriners foots the
whole bill. They pay for all travel expenses also. If they are within driving distance,
the Shriners will come and pick up the child and parent and transport them by van,
otherwise they fly them to the nearest facility. To start the process you need to get in
touch with a Shriner and they handle all the paperwork as to getting the child into one of
the hospitals for an evaluation. To find a Shriner to help you, look in your phone
book or call: USA - (800) 237-5055 Canada - (800) 361-7256 Elsewhere - Call collect at (813) 281-0300 Or you may connect into their web site at www.shrinershq.org/hospit.html If you would like more information about the Shriners program, a member of the Support Network will be happy to help. Contact Pat at HEMISTEVE@aol.com |
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The Barr Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the amputee. Over 60 prosthetists located internationally have participated in sponsoring and assisting deserving individuals. The "Fund" was established in 1996 in order to fill the need of purchasing prosthetic limbs for amputees that otherwise could not afford them. For more information contact: |
Anthony T. Barr, Director
136 Northeast Olive Way
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Anthony T. Barr, Director at (561) 394-6514 or Susana Oates at (407) 678-2920
Fax (561) 391-7601
foundation@t-barr.com
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Limbs for Life is a Foundation created by Craig Gavras, an AK amputee. It's purpose is to provide limbs for those who cannot afford them. For more information contact: |
Limbs For Life
120 N. Robertson, Suite 1913
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(888) 235-5462
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Both the Medicare and Medicaid
programs may be of some assistance. Also check with your state's Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation. They may re-train you for another vocation, assist in financing a leg, and
pay for educational expenses, if your qualify for financial aid. Author's
Note: Most of my college and medical school tuition was paid for by New York State Dept.
of Vocational Rehabilitation. This is your tax dollars at work. Both N.Y. State and the
Federal Government have been paid back many times over for their initial investment in me
by the taxes I've paid. |
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If your prosthetist
is at a distance, and you can't afford the travel expenses, there are some
options. Most major airlines have programs where frequent flier miles are
donated for charitable or medical use. Check with individual airlines
privately about this program. Angel Flights is a group which may provide
transportation for medically related situations. There is also an
organization called "Pilots for Christ" which you may try by calling (540)
439-0940 or e-mail at
skipper10@peoplepc.com
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Volunteer to be a test subject
or model at your local Prosthetics training facility. Not only will you be helping to
teach the new Prosthetic students, you'll have the opportunity to try some different
components. "Something I do which I really enjoy is to act as a model for the students in the Prosthetics class at a local college. They have to make a prosthesis for a live amputee as part of their final class and I've been going ever since I lost my leg, I expect to hear soon from the college as they usually do it in Feb and March. It's a lot of fun working with the students and I have had two of them make real legs for me after they graduated and were employed with my prosthetist." Archie, HD |
ANY and ALL other suggestions you might be able to provide are appreciated. Please contact the web author.
