I am in the process of getting the c-leg.  One feature I was thinking about adding is the tortion.  Just wondering if any of you have it and what your thoughts and recommendations would be around that.  My understanding is that it is a piece added in the ankle area that allows you to rotate some with your foot planted on the ground.  Seems like it would be great for golf, hiking, and many activities.  But like everything I know there must be both pros and cons.  My prosthetist said one negative would be the extra weight as I am a pretty small person.  So I'd love to hear from anyone who is using or has used this option.  Thanks, Tammy

I will be eligible for medicare in January and it is my understanding that they will pay for 80% of the cost of the c-leg.  My question is:  Does anyone know if they will pay for/allow both a c-leg and an electric scooter?  As we all know it takes a long time to get up the endurance and ability on a prostheisis, and of course there will always be times, for one reason or another, when we are unable to wear the prosthesis.  Thanks for any input.

Up until now I have been using a liner with a velcro strap that holds it on.  Monday I will be having a new socket built and the plan is to go to a seal in liner.  I was wondering if any of you could tell me how the seal in comparws with using the velcro strap, if you like the seal in, and what if any problems you have with it.  Also I was wondering if it holds up good to the daily fluctations.  I know that at this point I may start the day without a sock but by the end of the day may be wearing a 2 or 4 ply sock.  I know that with the seal in you don't wear a sock, so I was wondering what you do about daily volume changes.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

After my last surgery I changed prosthesists because my last one really seemed inept. I have just started with Hanger's and got my leg only five days ago. In two days I will be going for my first check up. I have a couple of areas that are really bothering me and I wanted to know if this is normal for the break in period, or if they are things I should really make sure get addressed. One thing is it is riding really high in the pelvic area and it hurts all the time and makes me not want to use it. I think that it is so far up against by pelvic bone that it does not allow the residual limb to get all the way down in the socket, and this seems to cause some turning in my foot when I walk. I get it on straight and next thing I know my toe is turned way out to the right. Also it feels very high up in the butt bone, and that is painful as well, and others say it makes me look like I throw my leg up when I walk. I am using a cane all the time, and even though, I have fallen once and it hurt a lot because of how far it is already crammed into the groin. Took me awhile to get back up after that one. And I do not feel that I can bear weight evenly because of the groin and butt pressure. So, am I doing something wrong, do adjustments need to be made, or is this all part of the break in period? Thanks for any input on the delicate subject.

lessthanfour.org/harleywrecked

I just had my 14th surgery two weeks ago.  They did a revision at the time removing three more inches from my leg.  Unfortuately at the time they found yet another bone infection.  This is my fourth one and the fourth time for me to be on antibiotic picc-line meds for 8 weeks.  So, what is my question?  I have an above knee amputation and my prosthesis has strongly suggested that I not shave my residual limb to prevent ingrown hairs and sores.  Maybe I am a little vain, who knows, but the hair on my residual limb seems to make it appear gross to me.  Also bandages and tape at this point can really hurt coming off.  I do think I would feel better, more attractive, and ladylike if I could at least shave what now looks like a man's leg.  But on the other hand I do not want to suffer the consequences of complications just to have a clean shaven leg.  So what's the deal?  Do you other women shave your residual limb and wear a prosthetic?  If so, has that presented any problems?  Feedback appreciated.

First of all I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who took the time to respond to me about airports from my last blog.  I have always been afraid of flying and was especially afraid of doing the security thing as an amputee.  I hate being embarrassed (who doesn't?), or in the spotlight.  The purpose of flying was for medical reasons surrounding my amputation.  You members who wrote gave me the courage to go.  The flying was less stressful than any off my past experiences, and the medical evaluation was very informative of what I need to do next.  So, I am up for another surgery.  This will be number 14 for me.  Part of what I have going on is a bone spur.  The doctor did mention the possibility of using radiation to make sure I don't get more bone spurs and ultimately need more surgeries.  Has anyone used radiation for bone spurs?  If so was it successful, how is it done, what are the side effects, are there any long term effects?  Any info is greatly appreciated.  This surgery will include a bone culture to make sure I have no bone infection as I have had three major infections including MRSA and clostridium hastiforme.  They will also look for a neuroma as I have unbearable phantom pain, and they will shorten the screws in the rod as the screws are digging me.  At this time they will alos shorten my residual limb as my limb is too long for a proper prosthetic fit.  Currently my prosthetic knee is about 3 or 4 inches from being in line with my real knee.  This results in my foot hanging inches from the foor when I sit down, and it makes gait training difficult.  So, any word on the radiation/bone spuur thing would be very helpful, and thanks again for all the support around my fears of flying/airports.

So, from what little I've read, airports sound like they can be very intimidating for an amputee.  I have never been overly confident in new social settings, and I've always had a fear of flying.  But now I guess there is something else to contend with - security issues for the amputee.  I've read that if you wear your prosthetic you have to go through the humiliation of taking it off, and that because of this people go through airports in wheelchairs.  So what do you do with your prosthetic if you go through in a wheelchair?  Do you check it with luggage?  Do you pack it in luggage?  So then if you have to use crutches to get to your seat where do you put the crutches?  I have a rod in my leg and was told I would need a note from my doctor, but when I called the office to ask for one, I was told they don't do that anymore.  I can use all the airport tips I can get as my anxiety is pretty high about this.  Thanks for any help.

In a matter of just over a month I have managed to go from only being able to do 5 minutes on the treadmill to doing 45 minutes.  It's awesome even though I can only cover a mile and a quarter in that length of time.  I am also now using a cane almost as often as crutches.  Given Maine winters and the incredible 40+ inches of snow we've had so far this year, I still need to use crutches every time I go out.  I am still curious if anyone has any info on Amputee Services of America in Denver, Colorado.  Hope all is well with you all.  Have a great New Year's Eve!

Is anyone familiar with Amputee Services of America in Denver, Colorado.  It has been recommended that I go out there for a three and a half day evaluation by an interdisciplinary team.  I was just trying to figure out if it would be worth my time and money to do this.  Thanks for any input.