MISCELLANEOUS
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ONE SHOE SOURCES
There are several sources available if you require just one shoe:
One-Shoe Crew
86 Clavela Ave
Sacramento, CA 95828-4647
(916) 364-7333
www.unitedwayatl.org/211_Database/helpbook/N4543000.html
National Odd Shoe Exchange (N.O.S.E.)
3200 North Delaware St
Chandler, AZ 85225-2508
(602) 892-3484
"I left our name and number on their machine; they sent an application in quick-quick time; and, not long after, we received five shoes in the first batch. Now if I could just get Rich to wear something other than sneakers, we could put those other shoes they sent to good use. They will take donations of shoes also." Sandy, wife of Rich, HP
Another option is to check with Nordstroms department store; they are now online! They are not cheap, but very accommodating for special needs. Check out: www.nordstromshoes.com
Hemipelvectomies have no pelvic bones on our amputated side to
support us while sitting. Constantly listing to one side may be very uncomfortable, and
puts a strain on the lower back. One way to deal with problem is by the use of special
orthopedic pillows and supports to fill in the gap and allow us to sit level.
Another option is a sitting socket which provides a solid base and keeps you level. This is just a socket without a leg attached. It can be made out of a variety of fabrics and soft, non-restrictive materials while still providing a solid sitting surface. If scoliosis is a problem for you, it is possible to incorporate some type of bracing into the socket for back support. Discuss this with your CP.
Prosthetists do not all agree about the advantages of using a sitting socket. Some feel that atrophy of the remaining muscles around the pelvis and back may occur with long term use. They recommend the use of pillows and back-strengthening exercises instead. Others feel that it is a useful device, especially for the less active or elderly amputee who spends a lot of time sitting. There is no right or wrong answer. Evaluate your personal situation and make your decision according to your needs.
Another use for a sitting socket is for protection in various sporting activities such as skiing or aggressive contact sports where a prosthesis is not worn. In these situations a small rigid protective shell acts like a helmet and can protect your "stump" from injury . You can save one of your "test sockets" and use this as a helmet.
"After I fell and injured my remaining pelvis skiing, I now save my old test sockets and use these for protection while skiing" Mary N., HD
PEG LEGS
Personally, I do not care for this term, but that’s what
they’re called in the business. This is simply a pylon with a crutch type tip or a
simple foot attached to a socket. There are no joints, so one cannot sit in them. They are
very light and very stable. This device is meant to be worn mostly around the house for
standing. It gets you off your crutches, giving your arms a break and leaves your hands
free. It can be used or a variety of tasks such as standing at a sink or counter to
prepare a meal, wash up, shave, etc. They provide stability and may enable you to stand
and balance securely. You may also be able to walk short distances.
Swelling post surgery and fluid shifts may occur as a result of chemo and/or radiation therapy. Many prosthetists prefer to wait until full healing has occurred and edema has subsided before fitting a definitive prosthesis. A peg leg may serve as an inexpensive, temporary device for early mobility after surgery. It can get you up, standing and learning how to balance quicker, with a minimum of time or expense. An adjustable lightweight socket is made and materials such lightweight PVC pipe (the stuff used for plumbing and sprinklers) are used for the pylons. A simple foot, and a hip joint may be added. These are very basic and cosmetically undesirable, but functional.
COSMETIC LEGS
Many have chosen to use their prostheses for cosmetic reasons only to fill your clothes, present a normal appearance and to avoid stupid, personal and embarrassing questions by strangers while out in public. This is a perfectly valid approach. This is also a rational decision for those who are very infirm and just do not have the stamina needed to walk, and those who feel that it’s just not worth the time, effort or expense to invest in a high tech prosthesis. If this is your choice, don’t get suckered into spending a fortune needlessly on heavy, expensive high tech components. Instead, discuss your options openly and honestly with your CP. In this situation keep it simple, comfortable, inexpensive and as light weight as possible.
