Amputee Prosthetist

The Captain Speaks

Ken Captain-71 year old below knee amputee

If you are unhappy with your prosthetic leg, foot, arm or whatever and you are fed up with your 

> present situation or you are in a situation where you are in need of a prosthesis and don't
>
> know where to turn I have your answer. His name is Rick Riley
>
> and he is located in Washoe Valley, Nevada (very near Carson City and Reno). I became
>
> acquainted with Rick last year in June of 2007. I had just lost my rightt foot due to to blood clot
>
> and was not in the best space to say the least. The whole trauma of loosing my right foot
>
> happened within a two week period. I began to sense my right foot becoming numb, then
>
> swelling and redness and what appeared to be infection. The first diagnosis was gout. After
>
> several days of medications which did nothing I ended up in emergency with the prognosis
>
> of a blood clot above my right heel. After two attempts by the vascular surgeon to dissolve the blood
>
> clot with no success the only thing left was to remove the foot. When the doctor said the only
>
> procedure left was amputation before the clot went to my heart my world fell apart. The thought of
>
> losing my foot was devastating. However, the pain had become so severe I remember saying
>
> take the thing off. As you can imagine recovery for the fist three weeks in the hospital was
>
> anything but pleasant. Things began to look up when my rehab therapist suggested that I read a
>
> book by Rick Riley that he had written which she loaned me but had to have back in a day or two,
>
> needless to say I was not able to read the book in that short time so I asked my friend Terry to try
>
> to locate the where a bouts of Rick Riley. She first checked the phone book and lo and behold
>
> Rick was located about a 20 minute drive from Carson Tahoe Hospital where I was undergoing
>
> rehab therapy. Terry phoned Rick and told him about my situation. Rick told Terry that I should
>
> give him a call which I did. Rick came to see me the next day in the hospital and after our first
>
> meeting I knew in my heart that Rick was going to be the Prosthetic Specialist I would choose to
>
> give me a new lower leg and foot. The rest is history. I am now walking with my second
>
> prosthesis and doing great. I am ready to go back to work. Rick had me walking within six to
>
> seven weeks after my amputation. Any time I had a question or a problem with my prosthesis I
>
> gave Rick a call and he would tell me to come right in. Rick has be a God send in my life,
>
> besides being a caring and understanding human being he is always ready to listen to your
>
> complaint and offer healing and uplifting advice, always ready to adjust or redo your prostheses,
>
> always willing to take the time to make your life more comfortable. On a scale of one to ten he is
>
> definitely a ten. I could not recommend him more highly. He is a great friend and one of the greatest assets in my life.
>
> Ken Captain
> Carson City, NV
> 

Lynn Bayona's Blog

Lynn Bayona, 68 years old

Below knee amputee for 5 years, lives in

Klamath Falls

,

Oregon

.

 

April, 2009

 

……there I was, cursing my prosthetic leg once again. Sores, skin rubs and areas of soreness on the remaining portion of my left leg.  Bad fits, the inability to walk, and a score of other problems seemed to be my fate.

 

I have been a below the knee amputee for almost five years. Five years of full time misery. I lost my left lower leg as a result of an ankle operation gone bad.  I have spent those years working with a large nation wide prosthetic company, and they never seemed to be able to conquer my problems. They produced several prosthetic legs for me in that period of time and none worked for any length of time.

 

I began a search for a prosthetist with the skills needed to solve these problems…then I found a website for Rick Riley, of Prosthetic Consulting Technologies amputeeprosthetist.com in

Washoe Valley

,

Nevada

, and he seemed to be the man, and he was.  After working with Rick at his very comfortable facility, within a short period of time, he had a handle on my problems. You see, Rick, his competent technician, Chris as well as his very able and courteous office manager, Jelena, are all amputees and each of them has experienced the sometimes very difficult life of an amputee.

 

Rick did a wonderful job producing and fitting a prosthetic leg for me. His compassion and down to earth philosophies were great experiences and now I have a leg that fits and works. I live a long ways from Rick, we live in

Klamath Falls

,

Oregon

. A long drive to Carson City and to Prosthetic Consulting Technologies, in Washoe Valley, Nevada, but I would and will make the drive again if there was another need for any kind of help.

 

Lynn Bayona

Peggy's Experience

Peggy Schimmer, 49 years old

Left below the knee amputee since she was 15.

Spencer

,

Iowa

 

 

            My name is Peggy Schimmer. I am a kindergarten teacher from

Iowa

. This coming August will mark my 34^th year of being an below the knee amputee.

            My journey to Rick Riley started in May of 2008. I was very frustrated dealing with poor fit, faulty products, and prosthetist’s lack of knowledge. I turned to the internet and in my surfing I came across a blog page. Here, I found people from all over the country sharing their stories that read like my life.

            Poor fit, poor products, no one hearing the frustration of one living with an inadequate prosthesis.

            My motto: Crappy limb. Crappy life!

As I read I discovered we all had two things in common. We all wanted and desired to live a fulfilling life regardless of what we had lost, and we were traveling from all over the country in search of a better product.

I now have a leg that fits, is comfortable, accommodates my needs, and looks great! In fact as I write this blog, I’m at Ricks so he can put the final touches on my leg.

A journey and a risk worth traveling and taking.

 

Peggy Schimmer

June 4, 2009

 

Prosthetic Liner Care for Amputees and Rick's Update

Hey, long time no blog! I don't have an excuse, just busy working and raising my family. I have posted a video on my websites; amputeeprosthetist.com and prostheticconsulting.com entitled "Liner Care" which shows techniques on how to wash and restore gel liners. I plan on producing several videos over the next year that instruct amputees on how to care for their residual limb and how to use available tools to increase activities.

Ihave moved the facility down the street, less than a mile from the old facility. The access is much better and no one needs to take their life in their hands to enter the driveway like the old facility. This is also the first time that I was able to design my facility from the ground up, in the past I bought or rented existing buildings and tried to adapt the building to my needs. This time it was all designed for efficiency and comfort. Although the new building is made of metal, the inside is warm and homey. There is room to grow and windows for clients to watch their limbs be made.

I have two people working with me now. Chris Bartie who worked with me for many years at Specialty Prosthetics is back providing the best in fabrication and technical knowledge. Chris has been building prostheses for over 15 years and has been a below knee amputee for 32 years. He has worked in the machining industry as well as being a volunteer firefighter for many years. When Chris builds something it doesn't break. We also have a part time secretary named Jelena. She works one day a week keeping my records straight and the mail going out the door. Jelena lost both of her legs ten years ago due to an infection that her body couldn't fight. She has an above knee prosthesis on one side and a below knee on the other. Between the three of us we have over eighty years of experience living with prostheses. If that is important to you as an amputee, call us at 775-830-1783 for a chat.

Jelena has started an Amputee Support Group in Reno. There was a very active group here for the bulk of the nineties but the untimely death of the executive director, Georgie Maxfield caused the group to fall apart. Jelena and another gentleman who is a client of mine, Don Burke organized the first meeting of the group last month. Don "Boom Boom" Burke is a former pro football player who played with the Forty-Niners back in the 1950's. There were 23 people in attendance and the next meeting will be held on August 12, at 6:00pm at the Silver Legacy Casino. Meetings last about one hour with a "happy hour" gathering after the meeting.

We are scheduling appointments for the fall and winter now. We only see one client at a time. No waiting and it usually takes 4 to 5 days to produce a prosthesis. Then we insist that the client wear the prosthesis for a minimum of two weeks prior to finishing to make sure that everything is as it should be. We absolutely guarantee our work and will refund labor expenses if the client is not satisfied with the work. Every prosthetist has their propaganda. I am no different, you won't hear me blogging about the amputees I couldn't work with. However, the following blog entries were unsolicited letters from my clients. If one of them sounds like what you have been going through, call me at 775-830-1783 and I'll put you in touch with any of the clients on the blog and you can ask them yourselves.  

Amputee News- Ricks Babblings

The last couple of entries have been segments written by my patients without any editing on my part. This was what they wrote about getting a new leg made. It is one thing for me to go on about how good I am at making prostheses but I believe it is more powerful when it comes from the end user.
I have been trying out new nylon sheaths to try and find one that would last longer than my standard Knit Rite sheaths. I use them on the outside of my insert and inside of my socket. I have a no ply fit but sometimes without some type of sock there will be an air noise from my socket. When I add the nylon sheath the noise stops. Typically I would only get a couple of weeks out of a sheath before the runs would destroy it. I would have holes all around the back of the sheath where it articulated against my back wall. I also use a sheath to fold over the edge of my socket so that my suspension sleeve doesn't get cut by the graphite edge. At the Academy meeting last Spring, I obtained sheaths from several manufacturers and started my own highly subjective test.
Here's what I found. Knit Rite does make a more durable sheath that has silver threads in it to aid in fighting infection. That sheath seemed to last about three times longer than the regular Knit Rite sheath. There is another sock manufacturer that makes the most durable sheaths. Comfort sheaths lasted over three times longer than the Knit Rite ones but did cost a bit more. The most durable sheaths were the DAW sheaths but they are so expensive that they are best used next to the skin rather that as a spacer.
Comfort Sheaths were the clear winner as the best prosthetic sheath.

Amputee Experience- Ray Gumm's new leg

Ray Gumm’s Blog-
It is time for a new leg! Now that is a statement not everyone can make. At least I know where to get a very good one. Rick does a bang up job in every instance, and that's a fact.
It does take some time and a few visits to get a perfect fit. This procedure cannot be performed with a cookie cutter approach. Each new limb is extremely individual in its fabrication. On day one I came in for an evaluation of the changes that had taken place since the last leg was fashioned for me several years ago. I don’t look the same as I did several years past and neither does my leg stump which must be in perfect harmony with the prosthetic’s socket.
Rick made sure the skin tissue was healthy and ready to receive his attention. We discussed what could be done and the new advancements in technology that had taken place in prosthetic feet and ankles. It is amazing how flexible and life like the designs are.
On the second visit he made a perfect impression cast of the distal end of my leg that would fit into the socket made of a durable material. This is one of the most important steps in the whole procedure. I could feel the calm pressure and assessment going on as he wrapped and formed the cast, rubbing and pressing delicately on the exact confirmation of my stump. This is not something that can be acquired from a book it has to be learned from years of practice doing it. Making a prosthetic is not just a technical/scientific job, it is also an art. Through all of this I had a feeling of confidence generated by Rick's basic professional demeanor that is just under the surface of a jovial, friendly and caring attitude.
On the third visit the trial socket made of a clear material was placed on the stump and evaluated for exact fit and any pressure points were noted and marked and adjustments made.
On the fourth visit the permanent socket mounted on the adjustable support and foot was dispensed for my wearing for couple of weeks. A shake down cruise so to speak. If I had any problems during that time I was to report them for solutions. The next visit was to have the new leg put in top finished condition.
Eureka! I have a new appendage that works. I feel like dancing! ~Ray Gumm
Ray is an 84 year old below knee amputee who lost his leg in an automobile accident ten years ago.

Amputee Experience- Dan's new leg Day 6

Day-6 (Thursday)

Woke up & yet another beautiful morning. Go through the typical AM schedule...wife calls at approx. 5:15AM...get a status on the household and what is scheduled for the day back at home. This will be my last full-day here in Washoe Valley, NV...yes, I miss being home but let me tell you, it is hard leaving such a place like this to go back to the congested east.

After all of the activities yesterday (1/2 mile hike, Virginia City, etc) my limb is expected to be a little sore but it is not painful, just a little sore. You have to understand, with my previous prosthesis that I have been using for 3-4 years, if I did not put the prosthesis on immediately after the shower, and waited a couple of hours, it would begin to swell tremendously. To the point where it would take me 45 minutes to an hour to get the swelling down...I believe this is all due to the skin affliction that I developed by wearing the prosthesis.

So, I am in this habit of waking up really early (which is my nature anyways), taking a shower and putting my prosthesis on immediately. With the prosthesis that Rick has created/designed, I can walk immediately after putting it on...I mean inserting my limb into the prosthesis and walking IMMEDIATELY. No 'limping' around for 10-15 minutes (or longer)...I go right downstairs at the motel room and out to the rental car.

Even though the prosthesis has enabled me to go and 'do my thing' immediately, I noticed today (Thursday) that the prosthetic socket is not getting to the point where I am 'really' comfortable...the fit is remaining fairly tight.

I head to a store down the street (US395) and then proceed to Mt. Rose ...the highest mountain in the local area. This tightness is beginning to irritate me to the point that I have to pull over and stand/walk a little bit. Yes, it is distracting me to the point that I am beginning to analyze the fit itself...where is the pressure on the residual limb, where is/are the area(s) within the socket that may be causing this discomfort.

After completing the trip which took approximately 1 and 1/2 hours, I head to Rick's shop. The discomfort is still there BUT is diminishing...now I do not know whether an adjustment should be made or not. I know as the day moves forward, I have been placing a 1-ply sheath to avoid the slight 'pistoning' that occurs. This is a 'norm' routine for myself and other amputees.

I arrive at Rick's shop/office and explain the sensation that I have been experiencing and wonder whether a socket adjustment should be made in a couple of areas. Rick proceeds to explain why the socket areas that I pointed are there (in detail). Rick asks me to take the prosthesis and gel liner off of the residual limb and we both notice that there are no scrapes, cuts, or discoloration. We both notice that there is more moisture on the liner than usual. Especially where I really have not walked a great distance or have done any extranuous work this morning...I'm somewhat on vacation.

Rick then adds a term I have never heard of...Adema (a-dee-ma). I'm not sure if the spelling is correct (cannot google right now the hotel's router is down and I'm now) but Adema is this... When the body is trying to disperse fluids that it cannot temporarily figure out.

The new prosthesis is placing pressure on the skin condition that was created from the other 2 prosthetic sockets that I have been wearing over the last 5-6 years. Rick's socket is making total contact with these areas, this is needed to rid this very irritable skin condition. I have been told this not only by Rick BUT also by a dermatologist; of which, the prosthetist(s) in my area have been trying to do over the last year.

The discomfort that I have been experiencing this morning disappeared after a few hours. I could walk normally during this period, it is just the sensation/discomfort that is bothersome.

EDUCATION..it is so important..Rick has all of this...he is an amputee...we are 'generally' all of the same mold...we are humans...yeah, some are taller, some are smaller, some may sweat more than others, and yes some of us, may be a little more sensitive to certain conditions than others. BUT without knowing what an amputee is experiencing, how can a correct prognosis be given.

You see, Rick is on both sides of the fence...he has years, oops...I can now say decades (boy are we getting old in prosthetic years) of experience as a prosthetist & an amputee. And talk about pushing the limits, he has all kinds of medals (Gold, silver, bronze) from snow skiing tournaments. He is a very successful individual...
as a human being, husband, father, very very active within the community that he lives in.

DO NOT interpret this man as one who has a personal goal of raking the system through the coals using his business. He is sincere in getting YOU up and going. Can you figure out why this is? Because, he at one point in his life, was like you and I, at the mercy of a prosthetist...hoping that they could ENABLE yourself to go about your 'day-to-day' routine as effortless as one could imagine. This is WHY he got into the business...to ENABLE himself to carry on with his life in this manner. Once he mastered this using his greatest pupil (himself), he transcended the concept onto those who see him.

Can you figure out why I am doing this? He is the only individual that has enabled me to do the things that I want to accomplish in my prosthetic life of 31 years...twice. I better not lose contact with this guy again. I got to stop here with this ...

After we review the topic of Adema, Rick then begins to finish the plastic support that is used for my good foot. Remember the previous day, when we talked about how amputees generally have an arch because of the way we walk? When the support mechanism is completed and I start walking I can notice how my heel on the good foot (non-amputated) is more level with my arch...I never had an issue with the good foot as far as walking BUT this does seem more natural.

We then head to Reno to stop at some other 'authentic' Mexican restaurant...this place was fabulous. The food, atmosphere, and location was great. As usual, the company I was with surpasses all of this. Not once have I went to a casino, I'm not a gambler, nor do I wish to even see such places. Don't get me wrong, I'm not strongly tied to some religion, I'm not to the far-left (or right) in politics. I just rather spend time and surround myself with amazing/unique people...Rick, Bill, Chris, Heinze...yes, they are all amputees...yes, we do have something in common, NO, each one of us have a story to tell, a service to provide, an experience to explore.

After lunch, Rick had a few errands to do, so I went and explored a few areas again. This never ceases, eventually, you start going into the woods and looking at the different wildlife within the locale. It is amazing how nature changes throughout the USA...I have no need to ever leave this continent...this place that has made me who I am today, and will be tomorrow.

Well, again, there is so much to add here but I must keep it shot. Yes, as the day wore on, the residual limb got comfortable. I had to eventually add a 1-ply, this is the norm because my residual limb is bony. I wore the leg approximately 14-15 hours today...this is the 3rd day in a row. I realize that there is going to be some pain in the very near future as I get back to a 'normal' state with both the residual limb and my hip...remember the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' did affect my hip...this has not started yet...but I believe this will come within the next couple of weeks.

I will not add the final blog until I get back home...I really hope anyone who reads this will contact me; daniel.nault@gmail.com ...it has been a pleasure/experience once again and I will be back within the following year.

Amputee Experience- Dan's new leg Day 5

Day-5 (Wednesday)

It is another beautiful morning and the schedule today at the office seems to be not as intensive with the socket. I get up to the usual; wife calls, gives me the update for the day..after all, I still have 3 of 5 kids living at home (18, 16, and 3). Jump in the shower, and then place the prosthetic limb on.

By the way, Rick does make a shower leg. I have not requested to have one made, yet. It seems like a good idea now because of the new mannerisms with the care/cleaning of the residual limb. Meaning, I use to apply a white cream on my residual limb before placing it into a gel liner, then into the socket. So wearing a shower leg puzzled me in the fact that the shower is where I clean my residual limb. How can this be done when I am wearing a limb.

I now, per Rick's recommendation, just place the residual limb into the gel liner, then into a pelite liner, lastly into the socket. If I start sweating, I just take all of this off and use the "hand-sanitizer"; of which, requires no water. I also use this process when I take the prosthesis off for the night before bed. NOW getting a shower leg seems more appropriate.

This socket is so much more attached to my residual limb. I can tell by looking, feeling, and more importantly, wearing the prosthesis. There is still some soreness, but look at my situation; verrucous hyperplasia, grafted skin, and a socket that was designed to not rip the gel liners that I was using.

As the day goes on I feel pretty comfortable. I get over to Rick's shop and was greeted by a gentlemen named Heinze (I do not know if you spell his name in that manner). Heinze also has a prosthesis, he is 70 years old and gets around as a typical 70 year old man...not one with a prosthesis as you would think...pretty good at that. He drove over to see Rick for an adjustment. He also brought over some german onion pie...I believe he came from Germany when he was younger. His company was appreciated and the pie was awesome...I know I will never have a pie like that again. Yeah, Rick took the other 3 of 4 pies and stashed them away... oh well, I'm still here for 2 more days. Realize I'm playing around here, Rick will always share what is available for food rations within the Sierras.

So, Rick and a previous coworker (Chris); of which, is a pretty big guy... I do not mean as in over weight, but as in BIG... someone I would not ever think of messing with (it is not my nature to begin with) present me a proposition...

How about if we make a support mechanism for my good foot. You see, most amputees develop a really high arch. The arch is moreso on the 'good' foot because of how amputees walk. You know, strike on the heel, and push off from the toes of the good foot...it is just something we tend to do more than the average bilateral homosapien.

I'll give anything a try at this point...if it hurts or causes problems, then I just don't have to wear it. So we proceed to place my good foot (no shoe) with my typical footsock into this rectangular box that has this blueish foam in it. Obviously, they (Rick & Chris) took a capture of the foot and made a plastic insert out of this that goes into my shoe.

They have me walk around a bit, I describe some sensations that I would like to see corrected. They fully understand transposing this into medical descriptions of the situation amongst themselves and go make the adjustments. Place the plastic molding back into the shoe and voila, I'm off and walking with no problems found.

Now Rick wants to really test the prosthesis and plastic foot support...lets go for a hike up on the hillside. I have only done this a couple of times back east at the 3 sister mountains in New Hampshire. I have no problem with this because I am curious. So we go out, Rick had a couple of errands to do, then headed for the hillside.

Rick got a couple of ski poles to use for balance...this makes it easier when hiking. We do not have to concentrate on what is on the ground as much when walking (pine cones, sticks, etc) when using these poles.

We headed up the side of a mountain...this was NOT some cliff...it was a nice walk... the slope./grade was not sharp...I don't know. maybe a half mile all together maximum (Back and forth). I had some pressure but no pain, if need be, I will look at this the next morning and address it with Rick if need be. The beauty of the Sierra is really something you have to see. Rick is also a great tour guide...he will inform you of your surroundings in great detail...certain trees, plants, the history of why certain landscapes look as they are (fires, forestry control mechanisms, etc).

I would not have done this with any of my previous prosthesis(s) without knowing that when night falls, I will be dealing with some definite pain at the end of the day. Something I have been accustomed to because I have to do what I have to do...that is how we amputees think when there are responsibilities (family, work, chores, projects, and this list goes on).

So we get back from the little hike that we took and then proceed to go out for dinner with Rick's kids. We headed into Virginia City and stopped at an authentic Mexican restaurant...not a 'tex-mex/taco-bell' type of restaurant. The company and food was great. We then took a walk around the town..very western-like back in the late 1800s...wooden planked side-walks, small 2-way street with saloons, fudge-shop, jewelry & stone shops...too much to list. Virginia City is a remarkable place to experience...the city takes you back in time...it was an old Silver mining city. Too much history to relay in this blog BUT a place that must be seen. Just the right to & from this city via a 'Pass' is amazing and is worth seeing.

Well, the day was challenging in the fact of the hike, then going to Virginia City and walking around. I must admit I am a little sore BUT after taking my prosthesis off, washing the residual limb and gel liner w/ the non-water hand-sanitizer, a physical inspection of the limb shows no redness, or breakdowns on the skin. I believe it is just a matter of time before my limb truly heals and days like this will be a breeze.

There is so much more I could add to this blog...if more details are needed, please email me at daniel.nault@gmail.com

Well, lets see what tomorrow brings us in Day-6 (Thursday)

Amputee Experience- Dan's new leg Day 4

Day-4 (Tuesday)

I awoke to the phone ringing...ah, my wife back home (8:00AM EST) calling about inground pool vacuuming issues. Talked her through this, and got off of the phone. Jumped into the shower & noticed that my limb was a 'little' sore but nothing major. Got dressed and headed out to the store.

The initial walk and feel was alot better...tremendously different and inspiring. I felt good, the socket at this time was not too tight and was not pistoning. Got into the car and made my way to the store that was approximately 1 mile away down US395 South. I got to remember that RIck stated he does NOT want me to go any place far..sight-seeing ride and walk off into the woods. If something pops-up and I get into trouble with the limb, this could be a difficult situation...I'll just go back to the motel room and hangout...see if something arises.

Leaving the store I got back in the car, and upon starting it, noticed the 'check engine' light was on. The rent-a-car had the manual in the glove compartment and sure enough stated that emissions may be having an issue. Well, I got to wait until they open; it is only 5:35AM PST.

As I am riding back, my limb begins to hurt, you know when you have that PAIN that just starts pinging...kinda makes you want to crawl out of the hole that you are currently in...trust me, right now I'm in a hole...wife calls all upset w/ the pool, mind you, I'm an early-bird and no one gets up as early as I do...I got the phone call on the 3rd ring in my sleep. Then this damn rent-a-car 'check engine light'...yeah, yeah, I know, its an 'idiot light' BUT not now!!!

Lastly, the new test socket prosthesis is driving me nuts, I have to go back to the hotel room to take it off...its too early to call Rick ...yes, I have respect for the man. So, I gotta not let the day crumble so quick, what is causing this within the socket? Concentrate Dan, what area seems to be giving this painful sensation?

This is hard, most of my limb is bony, I have probably 4-5 inches of limb from the knee down. There are some sensitive nerve areas also...the pain is different and does not seem to becoming from any of these areas. AHA!!! the back of my residual limb (the calf) as small as it is...it is used as an area to apply pressure...why not, the skin is not grafted (natural skin)and defintely can take alot of pressure. Obviously not as much as being applied by the modified 2nd test socket. I get back to the motel room, take off the prosthesis and comfort slowly comes back into my life...WHEW.

I then continue to feel around the socket where it contacts my limb...I believe this is the area located in the back of the socket. Apply pressure to my calf to validate this is what I am feeling; of which, aligns where the socket slightly protrudes to apply pressure. So I wait an hour (it is early), put on the prosthesis again, go for a short walk outside, wait for that pain to come back (approx. 10-15 minutes). I go through the process again of pressing on the back of my residual limb (on the calf) and have located the 'exact' location of where the pain/pressure is coming from and review the socket protrusion for pressure...God I wish I had some sandpaper!!! I feel confident though because I have clearly identified what is causing this issue. Well, I guess I'll have to wait for the scheduled time to arrive at RIck's for the adjustment. He did say to call if any problems occur...but it really is too early...I have a lot of catching up to do with work via my laptop using a VPN connection...this will occupy a couple of hours.

I shoulda' brought the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' prosthesis as a backup...what a horrendous thought. As bad as this may seem...the fix is very obvious...you get to this point in the fitting process and I can already see the 'light at the end of the tunnel'. What goes through my mind for 'red flags' (warnings) at this point? Duration...endurance of the fit is already where I want to be with this test socket.

I have to be careful as an amputee not to jump to cause. We 1st need to address this latest issue and see if this causes another area to be affected. Rick will know what/where this may shift to IF the pressure is to shift at all to some other location.

POSITIVE NOTES:
1) I stopped using the cream I use to apply on the end of my limb...this is so much better. I use the Hand-Sanitizer to clean the limb and keep it dry. Someday I will be able to afford a shower leg... one of Rick's recommendations.
2) The socket really does feel better...not too tight, not too loose, I really need this area corrected.
3)My gait/walking ability is sooo much better...it is smooth, my strides are effortless. There is no 'swinging' around the prosthesis effect. The overall walk seems very natural. Even though it is for a shorter timeframe than I would like at this point.

I gotta remind myself that I have been working with a couple of prosthetist for a year now on another leg. We are on test socket number 4 or 5 (with modifications on some of the sockets). Here I am on Day-4 and I know where this problem is as an enduser, let alone having a prosthetist like Rick to resolve the issue. I really need to get to the 'endurance over time' part of this fitting process...PATIENCE!!!

Arriving at Rick's place I explained all of the above to Rick. Within 15 minutes this issue was resolved. He suggested that I go out for approximately 45 minutes and to test this alteration on the modified 2nd test socket. Well, I took a drive to pickup some hamburger & buns, walked around the store for a bit during this process. Came back to the shop/office and the problem was resolved. No other issues seem to have arisen during this time frame.

I explained to RIck that I am anxiously awaiting to get to some type of endurance test of the leg. You know when a prosthesis is used for fairly short periods of time and no problems are found. Then when you leave and wear the newly designed prosthesis for some longer period of time (hours, days, etc) and then an issue arises. That wouldn't be good.

I had to give the #2 test socket/prosthesis back so that Rick could go onto the next phase; of which, was to add a soft material to the inside of test socket #3. This process will take somewhere between 3 or 4 hours. IF there were any discomforts, this last step would eliminate any slight discomforts by as much as 10-15%.

I have to clarify the term 'discomforts'...this is not pain that is being experienced when using the test socket. The term 'discomfort' here is those 'slight' areas within the non-bony & non-nerve areas of the residual limb where 'good' contact pressure is being made. The 'healthy' pressure areas used to keep the prosthesis on the limb. In other words, discomfort is not referring to those extremely sensitive areas (bony or nerve).

As we get closer & closer to the final product, I have now become so comfortable. Again my walking stride is back to being normal...this may lead to some muscle or even hip discomfort...but the avenue that this will lead me down is for the better. I have already noticed better movement of my hips when walking...I am no longer 'swinging' my leg out to step like I have been doing with the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa'...if my hip begins to hurt when using the newer, wait a minute, "MUCH IMPROVED" newer socket, I will know why. This can be addressed by using some 'Ben-Gay' type of product like Mineral Ice, Icy Hot, etc for a period of time until I get my body back to a normal stature.

I must add, watching Rick go through the process of making a socket is truly inspiring. When we hear custom design...I always thought that he made a socket that would fit the residual limp comfortably...meaning, the socket has every dimple, nook, and cranny that the stump had...a mirror image. Not only can Rick do this BUT I NEVER IMAGINED all of the layers that are put into place on top of the socket design.

I mean, every amputee's limb is different, DUH, we know this. BUT Rick adds pieces of felt, and other materials in specific areas of the socket according to that individual's needs. It is remarkable how many variables can come into play just between 2 amputee's physical makeup. Let alone market your business on this pretense...and more importantly DELIVER that product to EVERY customer...this is what Rick Riley does...a remarkable talent that he has developed over the years. There is a whole separate landscape that is implemented by this prosthetist in his service. YOU WOULD BE AMAZED!!!

Well, a few hours have passed and I am wearing test socket #3. Rick made 2 adjustments to the component between the socket and the foot (pylon made of aluminum that DOES NOT act as a shock absorber...it is really basic ) and I am walking more comfortably now. My old prosthesis hurts all of the time when I wear it. I have only realized this after having/wearing/using the socket made by Rick. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! My limb is sore though from my other prosthesis.

I walked around for 10-15 minutes and we decided to call it a day. I told Rick that I will probably have to take the prosthesis off for the night when I get back to the motel and see how it truely feels in the morning. Giving the night off of my amputated limb because is hurts from wearing the old prosthesis. I want to get a fresh start...the old prosthesis really changes the physical makeup of my limb. We said our goodbyes and selected a time to meet on Day-5 (Wednesday).

By the time I got home my leg was starting to feel better. So I decided to leave Rick's socket on. The wife called, we spoke for a bit & I decided to go back out for a while. This is the 1st time I go out at the end of the day since being here...my amputated limb does feel better.

I got back in around 9:30PM PST and NPF (no problems found)...I left it on until I went to bed (10:45PM PST)...this is a 1st. I just started wearing this limb and I am feeling so much better. When I took off test socket #3 prosthesis my limb was a little sore BUT that was because I had to wear the old prosthesis for 3-4 hours earlier that day...I know this.

Got cleaned up using the Hand-Sanitizer cleanser and well see how I feel on Day-5 (Wednesday).

So, the wife's issue with the inground pool issue is resolved w/ some guidance, Rick, as usual has done a tremendous job in JUST 4 DAYS!!! And you know what, that damn 'idiot' light in the car went off...no, I'm not going to gamble, I'm staying in the 'Winner's Circle' for as long as I can.

Lets sign off and see how Day-5 goes!!!

Amputee Experience- Dan's new leg Day 3

Day-3 (Monday, Memorial Day)

A beautiful morning once again...before heading to Rick's place I took a ride over to lake Tahoe (South) via US395S to 50-West...
unbelievably inspiring. I will direct you to photos of this and other places later on. This was approximately 25 miles west of the office...not a bad ride for all that is to see.

We placed vasoline over the end of my stump and slipped it into the 2nd test socket. All 3 areas of pain/pressure were addressed...no discomfort whatsoever...and this is just my 'bare' residual limb in a test socket...no gel liner(s), etc. Stood there for about 10 minutes and these areas were no longer of concern.

There was 1 other/different area that placed some discomfort but nothing compared to the other 3 areas. Rick had highlighted this area and we took off the socket so that he could modify without creating a 3rd test socket. It was a very small alteration to be made; hence, no reason for a 3rd test socket. Rick also instructed me to 'press around' this new area of slight concern on my residual limb to see whether I could locate the exact area that was causing this slight discomfort. I/We found this area; of which, Rick had already 'marked'. This action was just to validate that the 2nd test socket was marked/highlighted correctly.

Burger time...today we had lamb burgers...something different and it was great!!! The chef was a guy named Bill Griffith...great guy...truely unique...he also is an amputee who lives near by. Bill does everything; sailing, kayaking, etc. He is a story within himself and you really need to speak with him...he has experienced more physical trama than anyone I have ever met in my life...I have been in every state except for Alaska and Hawaii, from lower-to-middle-to upper class societies in our caste system. Bill has a great deal of energy; of which, you can identify within the first 10-20 minutes of meeting him. I truely need another blog to just speak of his experience(s) in just the first couple of days of being around Bill. He does know how to operate the grill and definitely is great company.

Rick has now made the modifications and this time around I will attempt to wear the 2nd test socket with the liner. This process can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. Once completed, we went back into the GAIT room placed my limb (w/ liner) into the socket and started adjusting the foot, pylon, etc. No socket changes, just the mechanical components.

Because I was already wearing a prosthesis that was poorly fitted, it was extremely hard for me to truely identify whether the modified 2nd test socket was actually operable. You have to understand that the prosthesis that I had been wearing did not sit underneath me...the artificial leg stuck out...resembling that of the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa'...honestly!!! But this is just another example of what we (amputees) CHOOSE to conform to with our current prosthetist(s).

So, we (Rick & I) went out into the driveway and I walked around a bit with the new socket/prosthesis. There was something different, the leg was correctly adjusted underneath me, the walk was obviously different (better). Because of my previous prosthesis and its fit & design I was feeling some pain.

By now it is 7:30PM and I (we) decided to call it a day. Furthermore, I could not add any detail because my limb needed to get back to its original shape by going to the motel room taking off the new prosthesis and start 'fresh' on Day-4 (Tuesday). It has always been difficult for me to go from a prosthesis (that truely does not fit correctly) to someother prosthesis. More importantly, even though I have so much 'faith' in Rick's talent, we still need to stay 'focused' on the current fitting process. So I got to the motel room and took off the new prosthesis, it was bothering me to where I had to immediately take it off.

To myself, I was saying, "We'll have to wait until tomorrow (Tuesday, Day-4) to see/identify whether it was the changing of prosthesis, the new prosthesis, or both. Regardless, I know we can resolve whatever issue the situation presents itself as on Day-4.