My Profile

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    Donna
    Location: New York
    Your Disability BKA
    How long have you been an amputee? 20+ years
    How did you become disabled? Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia
    What type(s) of prosthesis do you use? Pin lock system and Elation Foot
    Here For Friendships, Networking
    Relationship Status Married
    Orientation Straight
    Children Not Specified
    Number of Children 2
    Body Type Not Specified
    Height 5'0"
    Religion Not Specified
    Ethnicity Not Specified
    Smoke Not Specified
    Drink Not Specified

My Blog

    TSA and Airports

    Thursday, July 15, 2010, 08:56 AM EST [General]

    I've been traveling lately and notice that procedures for scanning amputees differ from airport to airport. In most cases, I get wanded, patted down, and my palms and prosthesis are "swabbed" to test for explosives. However, in a Texas airport, I was subjected to a new machine similar to an x-ray that took 4 "pictures" of leg (front, back and sides). It was a very awkward process because I had to turn and move (the machine did not) while standing. In Hawaii, I only had the pat-down and no wanding or swabbing at all. 

    I'm curious what other people have experienced and why there isn't a consistent system nationwide.

    Also, if you're interested, feel free to visit my blog where I recently wrote about a recent TSA experience:  www.killough.us

     

     

     

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    Leg Make Funny Sounds?

    Friday, May 7, 2010, 11:02 AM EST [General]

    Hello all,

    Thought I'd offer a little levity to hopefully lift some spirits on this Friday. Yesterday, I put on a pair of sandals. Since they were open-toe sandals, I did not wear a knee-high or any kind of stocking. As I started walking, I heard a faint "fweep, fweep."  My cosmetic "skin" cover was rubbing against the inside of the sandal making a very silly sounding noise with each step I took.

    Then there's the flatulent noises my socket makes sometimes when air seeps out. I tell my husband, "It's my leg.  Really!"  He just smiles with a "yeah right" expression.  Feel free to share your funny leg noise stories, too.

    Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

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Latest Comments


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    Hey Donna, thanks for the nice welcome. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the other nurses yet but I'm looking forward to it! Thanks for the words of encouragement, seems I need them on a daily basis right now. Just learning to walk on my prosthetics and I can see where I'm gonna need heaps of patience with this but I will perservere! Thanks again and take care!

    Jean
    July 29, 2010
    09:45 AM EST

    Hi Donna,
    Just a note to tell you I got my prosthetic leg and I'm getting used to it! I know they will have to adjust it more because when I got home it seems tighter and hurts leg. But I have been wearing it twice a day for 30 minutes like they said! Every 3 days they said to increase 30 minutes each time!! It's a start and know it will feel better as stump shrinks! I only had surgery 10 weeks ago. Thanks for the nice comment!! Take Care, Brenda

    Brenda
    July 24, 2010
    05:38 PM EST

    Hi Donna,
    Yes ankle flexibility was a problem. We chose a College Park Tribute foot, which had a bit of ankle flexion but it is a trade off for better energy return, which i could do with because the silicone cosmesis is heavy.
    at the end of the day it is a miracle to be this far with it, so I guess the foot set up can only get better.
    My NHS prosthetist is trying to get an RSL Steeper Esprit - so when she can finally get the socket to fit, we'll give it a road test.
    You are very beautiful, you would make a super belly dancer!
    You should try.
    x

    Joyusdancer
    June 21, 2010
    05:36 PM EST

    thanks for the comments. My sockets are all made such that my knee is supported, too many old powerlifting injuries and just plain old age (:P) has worn my knees out some.

    James
    June 17, 2010
    08:56 PM EST