Amp U T chat is for amputees.

AMPUTEE CHAT NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE

1. NOTES FROM John & Joyce Meyer
2. "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"
3. GENERAL INFORMATION
4. HINTS and TIPS
5. QUOTE/THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1.) NOTES FROM John & Joyce

Wow! I know I'm getting this out late, but so much has been happening! We are overwhelmed with all your mail and support, thank you all so very much. There are so many things I'd like to cover in this week's newsletter, lets see how many I can get to. [grin]

First, we'd like to welcome the new members. It seems that you've been telling your friends about our group a we have had mail, email, and phones calls. Thank you everyone!

Attn: Lower Extremity Amputees...U.K. (i.e. University of Kentucky, not United Kingdom) is conducting mobility tests on amputees. If you are a farmer (even part-time or hobby) and reside within one days drive of Lexington, Kentucky, or you know someone that does qualify, you may be interested in this. They have openings for 5 research test subjects. There is a mileage allowance and a small remuneration for your participation.

To find out more about this research project call: Rebecca Stine, Laboratory Manager 606 257-4664.

Do you recall in the last issue that we stated: There IS a "book" in everybody.

Well, INDEED, we do have a member that is a writer. And we will be telling you about his book (for amputees) shortly. In fact, we would like to have him to a live chat some week as our guest. But alas, he is a little shy...he needs a little encouragement! ;-) [[Hint: send me email and we will coax him with it. [grin]. ]

You may have heard it said, "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing." Believe it. There is truth in it...such that, you cannot be your own doctor. But seeking knowledge is a healthy and helpful thing. It is with knowledge that we can make informed decisions. Knowledge is power, and with knowledge you can be empowered. Learn as much as you can and empower yourself, but do not neglect the advice of trained professionals...learn how to "access" the knowledge and apply it.

2.) "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"

Dear John and Joyce, (10/02/95)

Here are some thoughts generated by Newsletter #7.

• Knee-walking is not uncommon among bilateral B/K's who are physically capable of doing it. Some clinics routinely order brick-layer's knee pads for active bilaterals. Of course, anyone can purchase his own at hardware stores. Some pads are better and are easier to don than others. On occasion we have replaced buckle straps with Velcro straps for patients.
• In front of my secretary's desk is a sign in large type: "Remind patients to wear their shrinker and bring a PAIR of shoes."
• "Stump sores" should not be considered a normal consequence of using a prosthesis. They are an indication that something needs to be fixed.
• In our work we prosthetists see the full range of attitudes and reactions to amputation, and the range is quite wide. Attitude has a tremendous effect on prosthetic results, and we must be sensitive to the patient's psychological status, even though our relationships with patients may be "clinical." Because the range of attitudes is so wide, however, I don't feel an obligation to treat an amputee in a specific way unless I am given a clue as to how he/she wants to be treated. This idea can probably be generalized to most casual relationships: If an amputee expects to be treated in a certain way, he/she has an obligation to alert others to his/her expectations.
• I have one AE patient who insists that I use fishing line for his control cable. He brings the spool, and I install it for him. It seems quite effective. Incidentally, cables last longer and operate more smoothly when Teflon liner is installed in the housing.

Keep up the good work.
Chas.

[[Thanks for your letter and information, Chas. We LOVE to hear from mailing list members, amputees, and professionals. Involvement is what makes this all work. :D ]]

3.) GENERAL INFORMATION

THE ADVICE (DISCLAIMER)

Please be sure to read the information at this link at least once.

4.) HINTS AND TIPS

TIPS

Lower Extremity:

With winter approaching it is important to remember to dress warmly, as all amputees have some diminished circulation, many have pronounce circulation problems.

An "ice-grip" type attachment is available for crutches and canes to aid when walking in snow and ice. These are available at most drug stores.

Upper Extremity

To make it easier to operate household lamps, unscrew the bulb and replace it with a pull chain type socket, then re-install the bulb. (When purchasing a new lamp, try to get one with the shade that clips on the bulb, the other type of lampshades do not have enough room to accept the adapter and the bulb. Always unplug the lamp before working on it.)

Have a hint, tip, or suggestion? Please email us and we will consider it for use in the newsletter.

5.) QUOTE/THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"If life hands you lemons, make lemonade."
--Unknown

© Copyright October 9, 1995 J. Meyer. All rights reserved.