AMPUTEE on HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR LEG
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- Here I talk about 4 ASPECTS to consider when building your PROSTHETIC LEG (with my OSSUR RHEO XC)
#AmpedPutee
My Leg:
Ossur Rheo Knee XC
My Foot:
Ossur Pro-Flex LP Torsion
My Liner:
Ossur Iceross Seal-In X
My Socket:
by Eugene Rossouw Prosthetist
www.prostheticrehabclinic.co.za
I have been going through your videos and this might just be my favorite. I am a left ak amputee and live in the US. My age, 69, led our health insurer to only give me the simple 'kick-lock' knee. My prosthesis had suggested the Ottobock 3R80. I began walking with a walker, but was frustrated with the knee nicking when I went a little faster. My husband, who has been amazing, wanted to help. He found an almost factory new Ottobock 3R80 for sale on Ebay. He actually found two, one, a little beat up, at a pawn shop in Las Vegas (?), and the second in Moscow. Showed pictures of the knee to my prosthesis and he said, 'go for it'. Asking price was $2,000.00. We sent the money, and waited......in less than two weeks my Ottobock arrived! Was installed and I feel much more confident. I am still struggling with balance, but no more knee problems. I love your leg. It looks so cool. Being the avid sportsman you are, you have the best set up. I was once in an elevator and a young mother with two children were in the carriage with me. Her son, about five years old, said, 'Look mom. it's superwoman'. I laughed out loud. Thank you for sharing.
Hi superwoman Marion lol, nice to hear from you again!
Finding a knee at a pawn shop!? I'd love to have seen the shop owner's reaction! I guess the seller lost big at the casino, and it was a desperate last move ... it's really quite sad to even imagine that this might have happened to an amputee.
I'm real happy that you're feeling more confident, if you can try some of the exercises I suggested for balance, I think it might help. I'm doing another video on gait this week, maybe there is something in there that really helps you too.
Yes, choosing the right prosthetic setup is sooooo crucial. I used the OB 3R60 as my 1st knee, which was fine but really held me back for the 1st 12 years. Nothing wrong with the knee, its really good, just not for my lifestyle. I tried e few others before I changed to my current knee, which was a game changer.
Since I started on the Ossur Rheo XC my quality life has improved exponentially. Ultimately it is the combination of socket, liner, knee, and foot that comes together as the "total solution" (as Ossur calls it) which got me to the place I am now.
1. No more infections
2. No more falling
3. I can look up when I walk, no more staring at the ground
4. No more dropping things to have to hold onto something
5. A much improved gait
etc ... etc...
The foot I use, the Ossur Proprio, is also phenomenal. As you can tell by now, I'm a big Ossur fanboy :-)
But a lot of credit has to go to my prosthetist Eugene who has done an incredible job in making the right socket for me. Without the right socket even the best gear loses its value.
A last word on footwear, it is soooo critical to get it right. I use only two pairs of shoes, the pair I use almost every day are the Salomon Speedcross 4. Please will you try these, they are light, very grippy, and sit very snugly on the foot - so that the foot movement in the shoe is close to nil when you walk. I wear these with anything I dress in, even a tux if I have too. I don't care what it looks like, I really appreciate what it feels like and that I am safe.
Let me know when you've tried it, I'd be very curious to hear what you think :-)
Take care, be safe, stay healthy!
While I don’t agree 100% with 100% of what you’ve said here, I really appreciate that you said it. I wish there were more such videos by amputees for amputees. Great advice! Thank you for posting this!
Hi, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I agree with you, there will be many more possibilities, for different amputees with their specific needs. We are all unique and should pursue a solution best suited to our situation.
Also, yes it would be great if there were more amputees sharing their experience, the more info we have the better we can prepare and decide on the best way forward. It's for this reason that I started a live streaming platform for many amputees to come together and ask questions and offer answers. Please join us for the next one coming soon, would be great to have you there.
Thanks of watching!
Your YT channel is a great resource, Chris. I've been an AKA in Canada since I was a pre-teen in 1974. I had quad sockets for 40 years. If the Internet had not happened, I would probably still be doing that. So, my advice to all amps is, do your research on-line and talk to several prosthetists. As Chris said, the order is: socket, knee, foot. Sadly, many people will never be able to get your Ossur Rheo XC knee, me included. Government insurance does not cover any MPK in most countries. Also, I plan to retire next year, so goodbye work insurance. Sadly, the prosth manufacturers pursue the money items over the practical.
Very useful video, Chris.
As a BK user of some experience, I would like to offer some additional points and perhaps, counterpoints.
In today’s world, we’re bombarded by the message that technology solves problems; the more, the better. I would offer that, for people with lower demands than your fantastic activity level, the most advanced technology component is not necessarily the best. You touched on this a bit, but I think it bears emphasizing.
There is a subtle related point related to your mention of choosing a prosthetist. Most of them have some amount of bias, or at least favorites that they are used to working with. In cases where funding is coming from a fixed source, there is even more pressure for them to stay with what they know so as not to run out of budget. This varies quite a bit, but is something to be aware of. It can mean that as one interviews various prosthetists, one should sound each one out on the components and fitting processes they favor. The degree of flexibility one hears in response is a good indicator.
You also mentioned budget, which was great. I’m from the U.S. and was never covered by insurance after my first (terrible) leg, so have had to self-finance for the most part. Often, simpler technology is more durable or requires less maintenance. I would also say that if one has a budget limitation, that the socket - the part where machine and human meet - deserves the first priority - or at least a healthy amount within the inevitable compromise.
Another area that you might want to include in the future is related to your remarks on the appearance of the prosthesis. It’s interesting to me that in the past, there was much emphasis put on making them look as similar to a real leg as possible. Nowadays, many people are like you, quite comfortable to give that no attention at all. I wonder if there aren’t still some people who might prefer the “cosmetic” approach. Perhaps that’s in the past.
Much to go on about. Sorry for the lengthy post.
Found your channel from Footless Jo. Thank you for all the effort and more importantly, putting yourself into these videos - obviously the way you live.
Hi, please do - I'd love to hear them. Sorry I only saw your message now ... not sure why I missed it.
I've been an AK amputee since 1991 and this is by far the best video and advice I've received in years.. Great job!
Hi Russell, thanks a ton for your comments and for the kind words. When I see this it really motivates and inspires to keep on posting video's. Please let me know if you have any topics you think would be helpful for our community / amputees. Best regards
Super setup and staging for this vid.
After my amputation the surgeon sent me to the rehab affiliate. Rehab sent me to their affiliated prosthetics guy, I was not even aware any real options where available. He made all recommendations on what leg I should get. I am sure insurance was a big part of his recommendation. At crunch time, I was not even aware that I had any options.
Nice leg set up and helpful video. Thank you.
Thank you! Yeah I love my prosthetic setup, it sure changed my life That is not an exaggeration! :-)
I am a KD currently trialling the Rheo XC after 3 yrs on the OB 3r60 (1st knee). Overall I prefer the Rheo (I can jog, and load bear with a great degree of flexion, things which weren't possible on the OB) but I am finding that I am working my hip flexors like a MF with the Rheo for fear of catching my toe (perhaps a setup issue) and that it is not suitable for club cycling (my main sporting hobby) would be great to a vc with you some time. atb Valente @@theampedlife
I really like the ORION 3 over the C Leg with a skin fit socket. I really have not found a great foot, just make sure is flexes well.The loner legs are a waist of time unless your prosthecist takes the time to set it up correctly.
Im not familiar to Orion, but I'm going to check it out. The foot I've used is the Pro Flex Torsion LP and Proprio, both the best I've used so far.
I agree, the loaner needs a complete setup to be able to judge for sure ... this is where its all about your prosthetist being the right person, so important.
Hi am on a limited budget and recent amputee , wound is healed with small scar very clueless and appreciate your posts so much . Hoping to get moulded and buy my leg will keep u posted have a nice day
I look forward to hearing more from you, thanks for joining the community! Also, Ill be doing live shows / streams soon, please join and ask questions real time - would love to have you there. All the best with your journey, you have a lot of support from all of us - just ask!
"Figure out what you can afford, and add 50% to that." Hahaha! Thanks for making a good point in a funny way. Great video, very helpful as I'm a possible near-future amputee.
Mike Hill Hi Mike, thanks for your message. I’m sorry to hear about what you’re possibly facing, all the best with what you’re dealing with at the moment. For what it’s worth I have an amazing, full life as an amputee. Please feel free to ask if you’re needing some information on how I dealt with aspects of the changes I needed to make. Hope all works out well for you, it sounds like you have a healthy sense of humour which always helps in difficult situations.!
Great information and thanks for saving the music until the end.
Thanks you!
Great video Chris! Your leg looks amazing. I've just received my new leg, it's the Ottoboc Kenevo. I'm loving it, perfect for my needs, I don't do lots of sports and not hugely active but it's enabled me to walk really well again. I've also just started driving again, (I'm right above knee amp) with the flip system, so I drive with my left leg...perfect! And, to top it off, I've bought a VW California Camper so I can start my travels again! It's been a tough year since my amputation but I'm seeing that light at the end of the tunnel....Thanks for your video's, take care. xx
Hey Wynn, thanks a ton for your comments and for sharing whats happening in your life with (dis)ability. Congrats on the OB Kenevo knee! Thats exciting stuff, I've heard from a mate in the business that it's super reliable, safe and gives great confidence in how effective the resistance is going up and down inclines. As I said in the video, walking well is the no1 priority, it's really cool to hear that this is going well for you.
I once owned the previous generation VW California Van - a green beast with a diesel engine and a stick shift, its an awesome lifestyle vehicle - I'm so stoked for what you're doing for yourself! I hope you're loving it considering how your year has been.
I really hope that things keep getting better for you ... be safe, have fun!
I am a below the knee left leg I still have my left kneecap and about a quarter of my leg down from my left kneecap I just don’t have the rest of my left leg and I don’t have a left foot. So would this Ottoboc Kenevo be good for me be the best for me.?????
@@patriciakirsten2011 Hi Patricia, my Kenevo leg is for above knee amputees as it has a micro processor knee. Hope you get something that suits your needs.
Hi chris iam a right AK can i ask what type of prosthetic that you have and what are the pros and cons of the prosthetic for that leg ....iam 26 been an amputee for 9 yrs and still am not sure what type i would want to get i have been an athlete almost my whole life and i want a prosthetic that not only makes me feel safe but able to move about both at home and when im jogging ive. Had afew issues previously where the knee has broken or the belt is wraped abit to tight and i can feel it in my bones
Hi! Thank you for the message, and for the question :-)
For the record, I am a left TK amp.
I use an Ossur Rheo Knee XC. This is a fantastic knee, it is super safe and gives me maximum mobility. I am active, just like you. I climb mountains, ride mountain bikes, do long hikes etc. About 8 weeks ago I cycled 120km with this knee, and was able to go of a nice hike afterwards.
I've decided not to jog, as I don't want to harm my remaining good knee with too much pressure. I think this was a good decision as my good leg is still strong after 20 years an amputee.
I wish you all the best, you sound very motivated! I hope you find the leg which will give you the freedom you want.
Take care, hope to hear more from you and see you in our live streaming podcasts.
PS, I wanted to mention in my reply that the leg I use has many pros, but really only one con, which is the price.
The pros - it's robust, durable, gives great safety, very easy to get used to, the battery lasts long, and also looks good aesthetically. A great combo of positives!
All the best with choosing the right knee for yourself Sunny (is this your name?) and let us know what you decided please, id love to share your question on a live stream if you don't mind.
I am from another country and I know different countries are not the same but for someone who is on a limited budget is there any programs out there that will help pay for prosthetic limbs?
Hi Annette, thanks for your comments. I think this depends on the private initiatives and social support system from the government ... where are you from?
@@theampedlife I am from Canada. I am asking I possibly have a bone infection in my right foot and if all both non invasive and invasive treatments my doctor and I try fail amputation is where my mind will be at and where I work doesn't have medical insurance. I do get money from government but it only covers basic medical. I already had an MRI done 3 weeks ago that showed an infection but my primary care physician is sending me for a bone scan which I am going in for this morning to possibly confirm it
@@annetteslife Take a look at
www.waramps.ca/ways-we-help/adult-amputees/
I think they help all kinds of amps, not just war vets. I hope this helps a little.
Sou amputado queria saber se a osseintegracao será uma boa alternativa pra gente
Olá, não sou um grande defensor da osseointegração, ela tem muitos problemas e possíveis problemas de longo prazo. Eu teria muito cuidado com essa opção, mas não para mim.
Hey man I have a rheo XC in my right leg and I struggle with down hill walking do you have any tips please subscribed
Josh Fire og hi Josh, yes I do have few. I’ll do a video on it soon 🦿 thanks for the sub mate, I appreciate your support!
Quick tip is to drop your center of gravity a little and go in with your good leg slightly bent. Ride the knee, it’s important that your resistance is perfectly set 👍
Eu uso o joelho heeo Mek 3
Espero que esteja funcionando bem para você. Não conheço o joelho, mas vou ver se encontro alguma informação sobre ele.
Sorry Bk amputee 54yrs lady in Botswana
Hi Winzana, thanks for the message and for watching the video's! I hope it has been helpful to you 🙂
Sorry mate just thought I'd let you know you keep saying PROTHETIST wrong you are pronouncing "PROTHETHERTIST" and it does sound quite silly.
All the best...