.jpg)
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.
|
Sounds to me like the brim is to high. There really isn't a break in time other than tightness because of reduced volume. If it feels to high now, whats it going to feel like when you really settle in, ouch. I just checked mine and I have about 4 inches from the inside edge of my socket to my groin. The back of the socket isn't cupping your hip bone either. It shouldn't just sit on it, the socket should cup a little at your hip bone this helps lock the socket into place and provide a comfortable link between you and your socket. We pay to much for this stuff and it really aggravates me to hear when prosthesists don't get it right. Its hard enough without the added pain from a poor fitting socket. Good luck, and do not settle for close enough, demand perfection. At the end of the day you are the one who will suffer the pain, not the prosthesist. John |
|
Sounds like you need to have some adjustments made to the fit of the socket. I believe it is Hanger that makes the Comfort Flex Socket. Once you are fitting comfortably in the socket you should see about some physical therapy to maximize your use of the prosthesis and wean you off the cane. Al |
|
Well Hi Sean here. my.02 is not as specific as the others with the same equipment but in general nothing helps more than solid communication with your Dr. Take the time to describe the discomfort as best you can. Sean |
That's all supposed to provide more support, but it's entirely possibly that your socket is too high in your groin/butt area. I had a leg I grew out of and my new fat in my inner thigh was hanging over the socket and rubbing which hurt. You should bring these issues up with your prosthetist and see if they can make some adjustments to make you more comfortable. A prosthesis that hurts isn't going to do you much good.
carolanne09:02 AM EST