5 replies to this topic

[BeejDeC]

Afternoon all...

My mother has been a complete paraplegic (s-3 or 4ish) for nearly 40 years. A few weeks ago, an unresolved, incurable infection in her legs forced an above-the-knee (upper-middle thigh, really) double amputation.

Obviously, her insurance will not cover 30 or so thousand dollars for prosthetic legs designed for a walking person. She's not prideful, but really want to maintain the appearance of legs when she goes out.

Has anyone come across purely cosmetic prosthetic legs and where can we find them? They don't have to be load-bearing. She's really open to most anything, even mentioned murdering a mannequin..

Seriously though, I've googled and googled and have come up dry. I've given thought to attaching fake feet to a number of pair of pants and installing air bladders in the legs that could be inflated with something akin to a blood-pressure bulb once on. I can certainly try, but don't really want my abilities as a seamstress to be her only recourse when she's discharged.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank You,
BJ

[ClaraTaylor]

Have you tried googling for stage props / special effects?

[Tinbasher]

Have you tried actually ringing or emailing a prosthetist? I have heard of such a thing.

Tin

[BeejDeC]

Thanks Tin and Clara.. those are both good ideas.

I did speak to someone at the hospital in the rehab dept... not sure if she's a prosthetecist or not... but, apparently they will sell or donate prosthesis that don't fit or match perfectly and can mount them to her wheelchair. It seems like changing outfits would be a real chore though. Hadn't thought about stage-props. I have found flexible mannequin's though... that looks promising so long as they're not too heavy.

We'll keep at it.

Thanks for your help,

BJ

Edited by BeejDeC, 20 November 2009 - 03:32 PM.

[allis53ca]

i think if you give her a bit, she'll realize how nice it is to not have legs in the way...shorter turning radius...no toes into walls and curbs...footrests not catching things..knees not catching every table edge...and transfers ?..previously physically impossible transfers are now cake

i don't think you sould encourage her to "maintain" obstacles by replacing a pair of useless legs, with a pair of useless legs

since getting mine off, above knee, in february....its improved my mobility profoundly...take those legrests off and get them out of the way....give her a chance to discover the advantages two less obstacles

[BeejDeC]

I would imagine that you're right. I've had similar thoughts. She made a wonderful transition to being on non-walking person several years before I was born, so I'm certain she can do it again... But, my opinion really isn't the one that counts.

In any event, she'll certainly have an opportunity to experience easier mobility around the house. Actually, I doubt she would wear them much in doors. She does seem concerned about going out to church, shopping, and friends' homes though, so we'd like to have something in place for her... even if it just a crutch/transitionary appliance.

Thank you for your thoughtful response..

BJ

allis53ca, on Nov 20 2009, 07:27 PM, said:

i think if you give her a bit, she'll realize how nice it is to not have legs in the way...shorter turning radius...no toes into walls and curbs...footrests not catching things..knees not catching every table edge...and transfers ?..previously physically impossible transfers are now cake

i don't think you sould encourage her to "maintain" obstacles by replacing a pair of useless legs, with a pair of useless legs

since getting mine off, above knee, in february....its improved my mobility profoundly...take those legrests off and get them out of the way....give her a chance to discover the advantages two less obstacles