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.

Comments

[Kimberley]

Wow I had no idea what was involved in getting a new leg! I've had AFO's made and when I was in rehab there were a lot of amputees, but I never really thought about the whole process before. This entry explained things very well and was well written.