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Choosing a Prosthetist
It is quite common that a physician or physical therapist may suggest or direct
you to a prosthetic facility. You should inquire as to why they recommend a certain facility as opposed to another.
Keep in mind that ultimately the choice of the prosthetic facility is up to you. In my twenty-four years of experience
in prosthetics, I feel that many hospitals and physicians, in general, are ill-informed and ill-equipped to give
the amputee initial information and guidance regarding the field of prosthetic rehabilitation.
Being fit with a prosthesis is a complicated, time-consuming and expensive undertaking.
Being an informed consumer is your best bet for a successful outcome. A good place to start is to ask your doctor
or physical therapist to refer you to other amputees they may know of in your area. I have found that most individuals
with an amputation are eager to share their experiences with others and can be a wealth of information that must
not be overlooked. You may wish to check and see if there is an amputee support group in your area.
Prosthetics like all other occupations vary widely depending on the skills and
talents of the individuals involved. A prosthesis is a custom-fabricated device fabricated directly from a plaster
cast, molds and measurements taken by the prosthetist. The fit of the prosthetic socket, (what your residual
limb fits into), may be the most crucial component of your prosthesis. Other
components such as knees, shins and feet are also important for function and may directly or indirectly aid in
the fit and function of the prosthesis. Fortunately, most prosthetists are caring individuals and skilled at their
craft.
How well you will do depends on the skills of the prosthetist as well as your
general physical condition. Your age, level of amputation and overall health are key factors in the final outcome.
Be careful not to expect more from the prosthetic rehabilitation process than can be realistically accomplished.
A plaque on our office wall by an unknown author sums it up this way. "When
you undergo amputation, you are profoundly challenged on every plane of your being: physical, emotional, mental
and spiritual. The indisputable fact is that your limb is permanently gone. How you respond to that reality will
determine whether or not you give in to despair, or use your experience as a springboard to deepen your experience
of the richness of being human. Undergoing amputation can prompt you to reorder your priorities, open your heart
to greater depths on compassion and love, and inspire greater awareness in your life."
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