Amp U T chat is for amputees.

AMPUTEE CHAT NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 1 # 9

OCTOBER 16, 1995

IN THIS ISSUE

NOTES FROM John & Joyce Meyer
"LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"
GENERAL INFORMATION
HINTS and TIPS
QUOTE/THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1.) NOTES FROM John & Joyce

We have been checking into availability of various products and publications of interest to amputees. I thought I would mention some items and events of interest. I feel precariously close to being guilty of "spamming," however, we want to be a source of information, and exchange of information, but not an advocate of any singular company, manufacturer, or organization.

The Northern Nevada Amputee Support Group has raffles going on that some of you may be interested in (perhaps even as a fund raising idea for your own group, if not directly interested.) First, you can win a $168,000 home, the chance ticket is $100. Everyone who purchases a ticket gets a vacation package. Second: A hand made quilt is also being raffled. For information contact Georgie Maxfield, 710 Marion Way, Sparks, Nevada 89431.

ALSO of interest: Georgie's group is involved with LIMB BANKS. (A LIMB BANK is an alternative way to obtain prosthetics. While many States [and Federal] /health departments prohibit the "recycling" of good usable components, there are areas where these can be used. Please contact Georgie for more information.)

(( REGARDING LIMB BANKS: Please don't "cry poor" if in fact you have other means to obtain a limb. LIMB BANKS should be reserved for those truly in need. E.G. I was talking to a retired amputee who was discussing his new leg and said that without Medicare he would be unable to afford it. Later in the conversation he mentioned that he and his wife were going on vacation in their new $37,000 RV.))

I have recently received my copy of THE HANDBOOK, an excellent guide for amputees. While the book is geared to upper extremity amputees I found that any amputee could benefit from reading it. It was written by one of our very own newsletter members, REHABRITER. It has been published by the Mutual Amputee Aid Foundation (MAAF), the non-profit amputee support group in Los Angeles. I think that it is very reasonably priced, for a 192 page book with so much helpful information. For more details, or to order, please send email to REHABRITER@aol.com.

((Listen ya'll...I don't want to "cross any lines" here, BUT I have to tell you that this is the best single publication I have read so far.))

GROUPS ETC.

I have been in contact with several groups lately and thought I would mention some of them here. If you have groups you would like to be acknowledged, please email me.

Pam Lewis, the Managing Director of the NAF (National Amputee Fund) is raising money to provide prosthetics for people in need. They have a toll free number if you want more information: 1-800-770-5090.

R. David Smith's group, StuntsAbility, is non-profit headquarters for providing disabled stunt people in the entertainment industry. (David can be seen in PREDATOR 2, FLETCH LIVES, METALSTORM and most recently T-FORCE. He has also worked on numerous other productions.) As you may know, the entertainment industry can provide great exposure and awareness of the abilities of amputees and other disabled people.

Both of the above organizations, along with others are in desperate need of computers. If you work for a large company that is updating their computer systems, these groups would be thankful for a tax deductible donation of the so called "out dated" equipment. ((NOTE: If you are donating equipment, please confirm who it's actually going to. We have heard some upsetting stories about donations going to for profit business etc. Email us for other info.))

Don't forget one of the biggest allies for amputees is the ACA (AMPUTEE COALITION of AMERICA.) The ACA, publishes IN MOTION, a quarterly magazine. They work hard to further the rights of Amputees, hold conferences, lobby congress and help set up new support groups. ((Those of you who have written to us about information on how to start a support group can contact the ACA for a guide and help in organizing your group.))

2.) "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"

Dear C., (10/06/95)

((Note: This letter was sent in response to a previous Letter To the Editor, in Vol. 1 #7))

Have lots of thoughts in regards to "caretakers," in my case not the spouse but the daughter:

Sixteen years ago my Dad (now 93) broke his hip, had a replacement, and never took to the therapy, choosing to just sit and be waited on. Since I was widowed I took care of him all the time, cooking, etc.

When I had a bilateral leg amputation he had to go to a nursing home. I do love my dad, and didn't mind taking care of him. The only thing that brought a bit of resentment was that he made no effort to help himself with therapy, trying to walk, or serve himself now and then. If this were the case I think it might have some bearing on the anger or despair of the caretaker.

When I became wheel chair bound I made every effort to do everything I could to help myself. My son recently told me that a doctor told him, I would never live alone. Well, the Rehab people never told me that. :) and I have been able to live independently with a little help from my children. I respect that they have their own families and appreciate all the wonderful things they do for me.

Thanks, C.

--M.L.

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:

Save your temporary prosthesis, if you can, as it makes a good shower/water leg. (It can also be a back-up in an emergency.

Upper Extremity

I saw in the previous notice for help on table lamps. Home Depot (a mega-hardware store chain) carries an attachment you plug the lamp into. Then, the device itself is plugged into the wall. After that set up, all you need to turn on the light is to touch some metallic part of the lamp. A slight touch will turn it on and another slight touch will turn it off. I have done it with my elbow while carrying food to the TV.:-}

"Touch & Glow"
Bright Image Corp.
4900 Harrison St.
Hillside, IL 60162
(708)449-5656

--R.

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

"He was a friend to man, and lived in a house by the side of the road."
--Homer

It is you responsibility to read the DISCLAIMER.

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