Amp U T chat is for amputees.
[amputee/_private/headerb.htm]| VOLUME 2 # 17 | JUNE 24, 1996 |
IN THIS ISSUE
1.) NOTES FROM John & Joyce
Well, we tried to hold a chat two weeks ago and AOL chat rooms were dysfunctional. The following week we tried to send the newsletter and announce the chat and AOL mail was "hosed." We just keep tryin'...
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
by John Meyer
Several years ago, when Letterman was just a grinning late late show host, Jeno Leno was a Las Vegas act, Johnny Carson ruled the night. I remember one particular monologue when he discussed buying a home. He was looking in the price range of $1-2 million (when that was exceptional, even in California.) "Just once," he said, "I would like to NOT hear an agent say: Gee, if you were able to go *just a little* higher I could show you something, but I don't think I have anything in your price range." (The audience roared, laughed and gave him a standing ovation.)
I have heard this "just a little" line, too many times in the prosthetists offices that I have visited. And I've heard it from other patients.
Of course the patient had very little to do with determining any of these factors; they were dictated by circumstance, surgeon, disease and/or genetics.
While I realize that in many cases these statements are true, it sounds like the prosthetist is preparing you for problems. Are they preparing you for their problems, your problems, or both?
These comments can come from different prosthetists referring to the same patient. Another prosthetists may declare the residual limb "just right." One prosthetist's perspective on what is "too" something, is different from another's. This may reflect the skill or experience level. Depending on what they have already encountered they may have a "comfort zone" and have reservations about "challenging" situations and venturing into "undiscovered territories."
Surely we would all like to work and live under the ideal circumstances and conditions. Certainly most of use would have rather not have had the amputation experience to begin with. But, we are what we are; we have what we have. This is what there IS.
Everyone is different. Few of us would find "Baby Bear's" porridge, seat, or bed, "just right." If we weren't all different, prostheses would come in "one-size-fits-all."
Maybe the surgeons and the prosthetists should be communicating more to relieve the "Goldilocks" syndrome...and then, of course, pass it on to the new students, the next generation of prosthetists.
(I just spent the morning with Scott Kerr, Mike Curtis, and John Reynolds. <smile> I was informed that my limb was not "just a little too" anything. Let you know about my new leg as soon as I get delivery.~~John)
PET PEEVES
We are putting together an article for a future newsletter about "pet peeves" from all sides, i.e. patient, prosthetists and surgeons. All respondents will be anonymous. So...if you ever wanted to sound-off about what bugs you, here's an opportunity to vent. Maybe we can all learn from each other.
PEOPLE MAGAZINE
If you can flip through the June 24th, 1996 issue of PEOPLE magazine there is a short article about an amputee novelist. Sorry, I didn't write down the page number when I was in the waiting room of the dentist--had other things on my mind [grin.]
ABOUT WEB BROWSING
It is recommended that, on a regular basis you "purge" your cache--especially if you web surf with frequency. The cache is like a memory...and it takes up space on your hard drive and uses system resources. Not purging your cache will slow down you machine eventually. Also, when a page has been updated the cache will "remember" the "old" page, failing to show you new text or graphics. Sometimes this is cured by using the RELOAD button at the top of the Browser screen (and on most browsers.) Sometimes, it still won't clear until you purge the cache.
On AOL, to purge the cache there are 2 techniques.
1) In AOL 2.5 and 3.0 go to MEMBERS menu and SET PREFERENCES, next go to WWW icon. Use the ADVANCED button at the bottom and first increase your cache size to at least 5. Then use the purge button, when it hourglass returns to a pointer click OK, and then OK again. This purges your cache and creates a larger cache (than the default of 1) area on your hard drive. On AOL 3.0 (which just came out and is really worth downloading and installing) the SET PREFERENCE is under the FILE menu.
FOR AOL 3.0 for Windows 95
This browser is a version of Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0. The cache for this will be in your WINDOWS dicrectory under the subdirectory TEMP INTERNET. Delete these files and you will effectively purge your cache. Pages will download slowly as they are for all purposes downloading for the first time.
IMPORTANT!!!! Don't mistake the TEMP directory in DOS or WINDOWS for the TEMP INTERNET directory!!! They ARE NOT the same!
2) An alternate method of purging the cache (and sometimes preferable) is to use the Windows file manager (or in WIN 95, EXPLORE) and locate the AOL directory. Then locate the CACHE subdirectory and delete ALL of the files there, including wwwcache.bin. These files are the information contained in the web pages you have visited and have weird # and Alpha names. (NOTE: to purge the cache using this method you need to be offline AND have the AOL program closed.)
AOL for MAC users:
To purge the Mac Browser Cache of the temp files accumulated from visiting different web sites, open the America Online folder, Online Browser folder, Cache folder. Drag the Cache folder to the trash and empty the trash. Then please restart your Mac before trying to enter the Web or doing anything else. Now you should be able to again browse the Web without difficulties.
2.) "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"
Regarding information about skin care in the last newsletter, we received this:
In a message dated 96-06-04 02:16:49 EDT, you write:
Hi there !
Two things to add to your valiant effort.
I have been using A+D Medicated diaper rash cream EVERY night on my BK stump for almost a year and, although the progression through two "definitive " prostheses has caused some breakdown, the A+D cream has inhibited any rashes or infections and has kept the residual limb intact, and now, almost perfect and pain free.
I have also been counseling both prospective (pre-op) and post-op amputees >with a great deal of success. I not only am feeling very productive in helping to reduce "hopelessness" but feel strongly about the benefits of "passing along" the good that I have received. There is "life after amputation" and I am living proof !
All for now- keep on keepin' on !
Regards,
B.
(Editors Note: Thanks B.! As a parent I can still remembers the days that I used A&D to soothe and comfort our son's redness and irritation. I had always wondered and thought about this as applicable for other treatments as well. I would still check with my prosthetist or physician about trying this but it seems a logical idea, you could even try it on just a small area, like a "test-patch" before using it on all of the surface, in case there is any sort of negative reaction.
I am so happy to hear about your reaching out the help others. Congratulations and good luck to you. If anyone would like contact "B." please email us and we will forward your mail.)
THE ADVICE (DISCLAIMER)
Please be sure to read the information at this link at least once.
4.) HINTS AND TIPS
TIPS
Upper extremity
If you wrap your limb with plastic wrap (like Saran) and then wear the sock, after several days you may notice a reduction in sweating. (It has a similar effect to the silicon liners.) [[Note: check with your doctor or prosthetist first.]]
Lower extremity
To make a non-skid surface on wooden or concrete ramps mix sand with the paint of the finish coating. (DO NOT use a sprayer to apply, this must be brushed or rolled on--it will clog and destroy the spray equipment.)
Also, there is a tape that is available through automotive supply houses (used in auto-garages.) It has a durable non-slip surface on one side and a strong adhesive on the other side. Be careful applying this, it REALLY sticks!
(Note: This suggestion was in response to a question on SJUVM Listserv.)
For both upper and lower
Insects flourish in the summer season. Some folks may already do this by habit but make sure that you invert and tap you socket inspecting for spiders, etc. before donning.
Have a hint, tip, or suggestion? Please email us and we will consider it for use in the newsletter or chat room.
5.) QUOTE/THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I thought you might get a chuckle out of these sentiments considering the change of season and our state of residence:
"The moonlight is the softest in Kentucky,
Summer days come oftest, in Kentucky,
Friendship is the strongest,
Love's fires glow the longest,
Yet a wrong is always wrongest,
In Kentucky."
--James Hillary Mulligan
© Copyright June 24, 1996 J. Meyer. All rights reserved.