24.02.15
Hi all
well I survived the Prosthatist he wasn't even a bit angry apparently people 'tweak' their limbs all the time. so few!.
He did agree that about an inch needed to come off the rim and he lengthened the leg. There was still a bit of pain by my bum but I was able to walk with out any groin pain now.
But walking in the bars my leg kept swinging out and round when I walked and my leg kept locking. This is because I had relied on the belt to pull my hip in all this time and now I had to use my inner thigh muscle. So I had to learn to clench my muscle as I walked pulling the leg in straight under me.
This stopped the swinging out motion and the locking.
When I got home I got the Dremel out and cut off some more of the bum shelf part and bought some more Velcro and soft fluffy padding. I glued the padding to the bum rim so it was now comfortable to sit on. Then I put some Velcro on the inside of the socket (because they took it out when I went to see the Prosthatist!) and super glued the soft fluffy bit of the Velcro to my grey liner. This stopped the leg slowly turning in the socket as I walked.
I've now had a few days to practice walking and I can do it with one stick again but I have now found the leg to be too long. which is an easy adjustment I will see them about next week.
My leg/stump/residual limb, does hurt when I first put it on but its not pain caused by the socket but my nerves being squashed about and learning to take weight again. plus the end I had sawn off is only a couple of months old. In time this should ease.
So I have my leg back, lets see how long it lasts this time :) ho and I'm not planning on any more operations that's it!........
Monday, 16 February 2015
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
Pin lock review/ trouble
10.02.15
Hi all
well after getting my sandpaper and saw out of the garage and hacking of bits of my leg that stuck in me. (I wouldn't recommend this) It was still painful.
The whole problem with the pin lock system is that its a good idea. you push your grey liner with a pin on the end into a hole in the bottom of your socket and it sinks in until it wont go in anymore, and you cant pull it back out with out pressing a metal button on the inside of your knee. (which sticks out like a mini metal bar and you cant wear anything tight on your leg or it will press the button).
The problems come when the socket is too long, the pin pulls you in and at the same time the bum shelf at the back and your crotch slowly push into your skin until it becomes too painful to walk.
and you cant pull yourself out without pressing the button.
This is the problem I'm having at the moment, I hate the thing. I know when I finally get back into see my prosthatist and tell him look the socket is too long. He's not going to believe me because hes the qualified prosthatist and knows how these this should feel!!!!
So I found out that my old gel liner fits comfortably in the socket, so I got a load of Velcro and glued them to the inside of the leg and stuck my leg in, and hey presto my leg doesn't come off, and its comfortable. But they wont let me keep it like this :(
I will leave it on like this so I can get some practise walking again, and will let you know what happens next.
Hi all
well after getting my sandpaper and saw out of the garage and hacking of bits of my leg that stuck in me. (I wouldn't recommend this) It was still painful.
The whole problem with the pin lock system is that its a good idea. you push your grey liner with a pin on the end into a hole in the bottom of your socket and it sinks in until it wont go in anymore, and you cant pull it back out with out pressing a metal button on the inside of your knee. (which sticks out like a mini metal bar and you cant wear anything tight on your leg or it will press the button).
The problems come when the socket is too long, the pin pulls you in and at the same time the bum shelf at the back and your crotch slowly push into your skin until it becomes too painful to walk.
and you cant pull yourself out without pressing the button.
This is the problem I'm having at the moment, I hate the thing. I know when I finally get back into see my prosthatist and tell him look the socket is too long. He's not going to believe me because hes the qualified prosthatist and knows how these this should feel!!!!
So I found out that my old gel liner fits comfortably in the socket, so I got a load of Velcro and glued them to the inside of the leg and stuck my leg in, and hey presto my leg doesn't come off, and its comfortable. But they wont let me keep it like this :(
I will leave it on like this so I can get some practise walking again, and will let you know what happens next.
Sunday, 8 February 2015
A pain in the leg.
8.2.15
Hi all
I got my leg back yesterday, its a pin lock this time meaning the grey liner has a metal pin sticking out of the end and you push it into a hole in the bottom of the socket and it locks.
But as with new sockets this one is horrible. it has a hard plastic outer coating and a softish white plastic lining. and its pushing on my pubic bone at the front and right around the inside of my crotch. when I walk its trying to both saw my in half and squeeze me so you can imagine its really painful to try and take any steps and I have a long red sore developing along my crotch line.
Also the part your suppose to sit on at the back was poking upwards into my bum and making me tilt forward rather than sitting on it.
I did mention this all the prosthatist but during the 4hrs I was there, for tweaks it wasn't getting any better. 'He then said go home and try walk on it for a bit'. 'I know its just because you haven't had a leg for a while, and you need to get the strength back in your hips to walk correctly, and your leg is naturally tilting upwards.'
First off, no my leg wasn't tilting upwards, that happens if you don't do your stretches and the muscle at the front of your thigh becomes tight and pulls your leg up. I know to keep doing my stretches and once I have the weight of the limb it naturally pulls your leg straight.
So that wasn't the problem, and I know I'm a bit wobbly after not walking for 2 months but I quickly get back into it. its the damn socket that's not fitted right!
So he booked me in to see him in 2 weeks telling me to try walking.
As it was a Friday I wore the leg home and I was in my chair, and I really did try to walk at home with the aid of two sticks but it was just too painful. I tried stuffing sponge down my crotch and on my bum seat. That sort of stopped the pain but I couldn't put my full weight on it. so I did something your not advised to do. I went into my garage and got out my dremel and started hacking away at the bits that were bothering me.
First I cut back the bum shelf, just the hard plastic outer lair so the softer rubber could fold over better. That solved that problem. Then I started cutting and filing bits of my crotch.
It stopped it sticking into my pubic bone, but the whole thing around that area was just too tight. So I stuffed loads of foam down my crotch, and a sponge plaster over my pubic bone area.
I can now take a step without it hurting but its still not right, and I was just so frustrated and I knew when I went back the prosthatist wouldn't believe me when I say its too small at the top its digging in. He won't do another cast, and then he will see the hacking I've done to it and god knows what he'll say. So I had a really good cry. I'm still upset and frustrated as I write this, I just want it to be sorted, I want my leg back, and I want it to be comfortable is that too much to ask!
I'm going to call them on Monday see if I can get an earlier appointment and get this sorted.
Hi all
I got my leg back yesterday, its a pin lock this time meaning the grey liner has a metal pin sticking out of the end and you push it into a hole in the bottom of the socket and it locks.
But as with new sockets this one is horrible. it has a hard plastic outer coating and a softish white plastic lining. and its pushing on my pubic bone at the front and right around the inside of my crotch. when I walk its trying to both saw my in half and squeeze me so you can imagine its really painful to try and take any steps and I have a long red sore developing along my crotch line.
Also the part your suppose to sit on at the back was poking upwards into my bum and making me tilt forward rather than sitting on it.
I did mention this all the prosthatist but during the 4hrs I was there, for tweaks it wasn't getting any better. 'He then said go home and try walk on it for a bit'. 'I know its just because you haven't had a leg for a while, and you need to get the strength back in your hips to walk correctly, and your leg is naturally tilting upwards.'
First off, no my leg wasn't tilting upwards, that happens if you don't do your stretches and the muscle at the front of your thigh becomes tight and pulls your leg up. I know to keep doing my stretches and once I have the weight of the limb it naturally pulls your leg straight.
So that wasn't the problem, and I know I'm a bit wobbly after not walking for 2 months but I quickly get back into it. its the damn socket that's not fitted right!
So he booked me in to see him in 2 weeks telling me to try walking.
As it was a Friday I wore the leg home and I was in my chair, and I really did try to walk at home with the aid of two sticks but it was just too painful. I tried stuffing sponge down my crotch and on my bum seat. That sort of stopped the pain but I couldn't put my full weight on it. so I did something your not advised to do. I went into my garage and got out my dremel and started hacking away at the bits that were bothering me.
First I cut back the bum shelf, just the hard plastic outer lair so the softer rubber could fold over better. That solved that problem. Then I started cutting and filing bits of my crotch.
It stopped it sticking into my pubic bone, but the whole thing around that area was just too tight. So I stuffed loads of foam down my crotch, and a sponge plaster over my pubic bone area.
I can now take a step without it hurting but its still not right, and I was just so frustrated and I knew when I went back the prosthatist wouldn't believe me when I say its too small at the top its digging in. He won't do another cast, and then he will see the hacking I've done to it and god knows what he'll say. So I had a really good cry. I'm still upset and frustrated as I write this, I just want it to be sorted, I want my leg back, and I want it to be comfortable is that too much to ask!
I'm going to call them on Monday see if I can get an earlier appointment and get this sorted.
Friday, 16 January 2015
The last operation...i really mean it!
16.01.15
Hi all
Happy new year, well I had my mum and dad and my sister and her fella around for Christmas dinner. I managed to cook it and get them all merry. I'm still in my pram as the leg was just the wrong size and I could not walk without pain. So I went back to Seacroft and got measured up for a new socket.
All the stitches have healed now and there's no pain. I'm getting fitted for a pin lock fitting so I will keep you up dated on how that went.
Also I've had another operation. my left Carpel tunnel. I know I said in previous posts it hurt to much that I would not have the other done. but once I was back in the chair my left wrist got bad to the point where I could not hold up my phone for too long before my whole had went numb.
So I bit the bullet and got booked in, and yes those three injections into the bottom of your hand really, really hurt and this is coming from me, so you can believe me. it wasn't the fact of the needle going in but when they pushed down on the plunger to pump the anaesthetic in boy that makes you grit your teeth. He had to stop twice with the bloody needle in my palm asking me to relax!!
But after that within 10 minutes it was all over, and I was bandaged up and told to keep it elevated in a sling for 5 days, then try exercises. But this time my had was the usual completely numb until the next day, and then it felt fine. Just the pain of a cut on my palm. Where as last time my had was numb then for the next 4-5 days I could not touch my thumb and finger together without pain, it took a while for my had to support weight as well. where as this operation I can move my fingers fine, make a fist and grip. There's still the pain of the cut and its tender but at this rate I should be fine really quickly. I can only think last time he cut some nerve or tendon in my right hand, or he hasn't cut deep enough on my left. God I hope it's not that.
But we shall see, my right by the way is completely healed and no longer has problems.
So I'm down to one arm and one leg again, but that's my last operation. I know I have said this before and something crops up, but I mean it now. I just want a break, from recovering or waiting for fittings or problems. I just want my leg and to go on holiday somewhere. let's hope it's this year this will happen.
Hi all
Happy new year, well I had my mum and dad and my sister and her fella around for Christmas dinner. I managed to cook it and get them all merry. I'm still in my pram as the leg was just the wrong size and I could not walk without pain. So I went back to Seacroft and got measured up for a new socket.
All the stitches have healed now and there's no pain. I'm getting fitted for a pin lock fitting so I will keep you up dated on how that went.
Also I've had another operation. my left Carpel tunnel. I know I said in previous posts it hurt to much that I would not have the other done. but once I was back in the chair my left wrist got bad to the point where I could not hold up my phone for too long before my whole had went numb.
So I bit the bullet and got booked in, and yes those three injections into the bottom of your hand really, really hurt and this is coming from me, so you can believe me. it wasn't the fact of the needle going in but when they pushed down on the plunger to pump the anaesthetic in boy that makes you grit your teeth. He had to stop twice with the bloody needle in my palm asking me to relax!!
But after that within 10 minutes it was all over, and I was bandaged up and told to keep it elevated in a sling for 5 days, then try exercises. But this time my had was the usual completely numb until the next day, and then it felt fine. Just the pain of a cut on my palm. Where as last time my had was numb then for the next 4-5 days I could not touch my thumb and finger together without pain, it took a while for my had to support weight as well. where as this operation I can move my fingers fine, make a fist and grip. There's still the pain of the cut and its tender but at this rate I should be fine really quickly. I can only think last time he cut some nerve or tendon in my right hand, or he hasn't cut deep enough on my left. God I hope it's not that.
But we shall see, my right by the way is completely healed and no longer has problems.
So I'm down to one arm and one leg again, but that's my last operation. I know I have said this before and something crops up, but I mean it now. I just want a break, from recovering or waiting for fittings or problems. I just want my leg and to go on holiday somewhere. let's hope it's this year this will happen.
Thursday, 4 December 2014
Shortening the stumpy
4/12/14
Hi all
Well 6 weeks ago I had my op to cut of the bone overgrowth at the end of my stumpy, and flatten down the loose skin on the hip side. so rather than looking like an ice cream shape leg I now have a short cone. There wasn't any pain just soreness from the stitches. They said there was some more bits of road debris which they got out as well as filing down the bone.
So it's been six weeks in the pram (wheelchair), and I've already scuffed all door frames. Bashed my knuckles and generally getting frustrated at the world.
My stitches have now all dissolved and I just have plasters on over the sore bits. which is mainly under my thigh at the top, as that's what gets sat on and pulled around, so is taking longer to knit together.
A few days ago I started putting my grey liner on just to get my leg used to the tightness again. The first time it always feels like you pulling on a rubber corset, until the rubber softens and then you just wearing a wellington all day.
Now today I've got my leg back on, I can't take a proper step with out it hurting really bad. the socket doesn't fit right now because my stump has changed shape. So rather than putting my weight through the hard seat on the rim, my weight is being taken by my thigh itself. Pulling the skin up and down when I move. And as theres new muscle and nerves in new areas its like I'm getting a Chinese burn with the occasional stab of pain when I try to walk. I'm sure this will settle down in time and i will keep trying a few steps to toughen up the nerves/ muscle to pressure.
I've booked an appointment in the new year for a new socket fitting so by then I hopefully will be able to walk.
This is also my first Christmas in my new bungalow, my family helped my decorate my tree and I've ordered most of my presents off the Internet.
I could go on the bus in my chair into town but that always seems to fall on days when I'm really self conscious about people staring at me, and worrying whether the driver will get out of his cab and pull down the ramp for me. Then I can only fill up my rucksack and have to come home.
Another method is riding my mobility scooter into town, riding into those shops big enough.
This way I can put large items on my scooter.
The only down side is for the smaller shops i cant go in as i have to use both crutches to hop around and cant hold a basket at the same time, and shops with steps are a definite no go.
I know what you are going to say why don't you go with a friend or family. I have but i like my independence, so the sooner i get back my leg the happier i will be.
So hope you all have a pain free, stress free Christmas and a happy new year. xxxx
Hi all
Well 6 weeks ago I had my op to cut of the bone overgrowth at the end of my stumpy, and flatten down the loose skin on the hip side. so rather than looking like an ice cream shape leg I now have a short cone. There wasn't any pain just soreness from the stitches. They said there was some more bits of road debris which they got out as well as filing down the bone.
So it's been six weeks in the pram (wheelchair), and I've already scuffed all door frames. Bashed my knuckles and generally getting frustrated at the world.
My stitches have now all dissolved and I just have plasters on over the sore bits. which is mainly under my thigh at the top, as that's what gets sat on and pulled around, so is taking longer to knit together.
A few days ago I started putting my grey liner on just to get my leg used to the tightness again. The first time it always feels like you pulling on a rubber corset, until the rubber softens and then you just wearing a wellington all day.
Now today I've got my leg back on, I can't take a proper step with out it hurting really bad. the socket doesn't fit right now because my stump has changed shape. So rather than putting my weight through the hard seat on the rim, my weight is being taken by my thigh itself. Pulling the skin up and down when I move. And as theres new muscle and nerves in new areas its like I'm getting a Chinese burn with the occasional stab of pain when I try to walk. I'm sure this will settle down in time and i will keep trying a few steps to toughen up the nerves/ muscle to pressure.
I've booked an appointment in the new year for a new socket fitting so by then I hopefully will be able to walk.
This is also my first Christmas in my new bungalow, my family helped my decorate my tree and I've ordered most of my presents off the Internet.
I could go on the bus in my chair into town but that always seems to fall on days when I'm really self conscious about people staring at me, and worrying whether the driver will get out of his cab and pull down the ramp for me. Then I can only fill up my rucksack and have to come home.
Another method is riding my mobility scooter into town, riding into those shops big enough.
This way I can put large items on my scooter.
The only down side is for the smaller shops i cant go in as i have to use both crutches to hop around and cant hold a basket at the same time, and shops with steps are a definite no go.
I know what you are going to say why don't you go with a friend or family. I have but i like my independence, so the sooner i get back my leg the happier i will be.
So hope you all have a pain free, stress free Christmas and a happy new year. xxxx
Tuesday, 4 November 2014
lypo done!
4th November 2014
Hi all
1 of 3 operations down, just 2 more to go. Had the lypo suction 2 weeks ago, they sucked the fat out of my hips lower and upper tummy. I originally went in for just my hips, but the surgeon started grabbing hold of handfuls of stuff asking if I wanted to keep it!
So I was knocked out and 1 hour later I was in a knee length pink corset. which I had to sleep in.
I wasn't in any pain until day 2 when the bruising started to come out.
sorry is so blurry its hard to take a selfie of your front whilst balancing on one leg :)
As you can see all my front was bruised and my hips and around my lower back were the same colour. The little stickers are where the metal rod went in and they just had two stitches in.
Of course I wasn't able to wear my leg as the belt pressed on my bruised sides, so I was back in the pram. Also you cant wear any knickers, because as the swelling goes down your knicker line will leave a permanent dent (that's what the doc says anyway).
So after one week of constricted painful days I went back and had my stitches out.
I'm now on week two and can put my leg back on, the bruising has nearly all gone but has been replaced by areas of hard lumps. This I'm told is scar tissue and I need to still wear my corset for 6 weeks! and some thing else they didn't tell me. You have to massage yourself for 5 minutes to help break down the scar tissue.
I'm told that I wont see the final results for 6 months, that's when all the swelling, scar tissues and other bits would have settled down. At the moment its just like when I first had my skin grafts on my leg I need to keep doing stretches. because if I don't and I have been sat for a while its like those lumps cramp up and it feels like I'm tearing them when I stretch.
(I'm also not wearing my corset anymore sshhhh!) Because on line some say no garment is needed other up to 2 months.
Its to help with the shape, but if I keep up with my stretches and massage I should be ok.
I have another review in 6 weeks so will let you know if there are any problems.
operation number 2 for my stumpy is on Saturday, god I hope I don't have to go back on the ward!
take care xxx
Hi all
1 of 3 operations down, just 2 more to go. Had the lypo suction 2 weeks ago, they sucked the fat out of my hips lower and upper tummy. I originally went in for just my hips, but the surgeon started grabbing hold of handfuls of stuff asking if I wanted to keep it!
So I was knocked out and 1 hour later I was in a knee length pink corset. which I had to sleep in.
I wasn't in any pain until day 2 when the bruising started to come out.
sorry is so blurry its hard to take a selfie of your front whilst balancing on one leg :)
As you can see all my front was bruised and my hips and around my lower back were the same colour. The little stickers are where the metal rod went in and they just had two stitches in.
Of course I wasn't able to wear my leg as the belt pressed on my bruised sides, so I was back in the pram. Also you cant wear any knickers, because as the swelling goes down your knicker line will leave a permanent dent (that's what the doc says anyway).
So after one week of constricted painful days I went back and had my stitches out.
I'm now on week two and can put my leg back on, the bruising has nearly all gone but has been replaced by areas of hard lumps. This I'm told is scar tissue and I need to still wear my corset for 6 weeks! and some thing else they didn't tell me. You have to massage yourself for 5 minutes to help break down the scar tissue.
I'm told that I wont see the final results for 6 months, that's when all the swelling, scar tissues and other bits would have settled down. At the moment its just like when I first had my skin grafts on my leg I need to keep doing stretches. because if I don't and I have been sat for a while its like those lumps cramp up and it feels like I'm tearing them when I stretch.
(I'm also not wearing my corset anymore sshhhh!) Because on line some say no garment is needed other up to 2 months.
Its to help with the shape, but if I keep up with my stretches and massage I should be ok.
I have another review in 6 weeks so will let you know if there are any problems.
operation number 2 for my stumpy is on Saturday, god I hope I don't have to go back on the ward!
take care xxx
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Plodding on
12.10.14
Hi all yes i know, its been a while, but I've finally moved out and had to unpack and sort out my computer.
i have been walking on my old leg now for 5 months. I am able to walk with just one stick, as i have solved the problem of the leg slipping off or turning round when you sit down.
Don't tell your prosthatist this as they wont be happy with you messing with the equipment. But they don't have to wear the leg you do.
So first the grey liner that you have it should be rubber on the inside and an elastic type cloth on the outside. Take a metal brush or scouring pad and when you have the liner on rub the top of your thigh, until the grey cloth becomes slightly fluffy.
Then buy some Velcro strips. You can get these from any sowing shop. glue 4 strips diagonally on the top inside of your plastic socket.
Then put your leg on you should find that the fluffy cloth now sticks to the Velcro and you should be able to shake your leg and it wont come off. You shouldn't have to wear all those silly white socks to pad it now. You can easily pull your leg off to adjust if needed. So that's why i can now walk with one stick. I've also taken the foam off again as the leg doesn't swing out as well.
I am also waiting for 3 operations, the bone on the end of my stump, my left wrist carpel tunnel, and I've decided to do something drastic about my weight and having lypo sculpture.
so by Christmas i will be back in my chair, all bandaged up. But I'm determined that that will be it for operations no more!!
I will post pictures after each op and let you know how i get on.
x
Hi all yes i know, its been a while, but I've finally moved out and had to unpack and sort out my computer.
i have been walking on my old leg now for 5 months. I am able to walk with just one stick, as i have solved the problem of the leg slipping off or turning round when you sit down.
Don't tell your prosthatist this as they wont be happy with you messing with the equipment. But they don't have to wear the leg you do.
So first the grey liner that you have it should be rubber on the inside and an elastic type cloth on the outside. Take a metal brush or scouring pad and when you have the liner on rub the top of your thigh, until the grey cloth becomes slightly fluffy.
Then buy some Velcro strips. You can get these from any sowing shop. glue 4 strips diagonally on the top inside of your plastic socket.
Then put your leg on you should find that the fluffy cloth now sticks to the Velcro and you should be able to shake your leg and it wont come off. You shouldn't have to wear all those silly white socks to pad it now. You can easily pull your leg off to adjust if needed. So that's why i can now walk with one stick. I've also taken the foam off again as the leg doesn't swing out as well.
I am also waiting for 3 operations, the bone on the end of my stump, my left wrist carpel tunnel, and I've decided to do something drastic about my weight and having lypo sculpture.
so by Christmas i will be back in my chair, all bandaged up. But I'm determined that that will be it for operations no more!!
I will post pictures after each op and let you know how i get on.
x
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