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Original Article:
 

Amputation Overview – What You Need to Know
 

Mark Twain was quoted as once saying, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."

If you were to ask amputees who have successfully moved beyond the procedure to regain their life, there is a good chance that most would agree with him. If there is one thing that an amputation does, it definitely creates some challenges. But for those who break those complex challenges down into smaller, more manageable goals and tasks, success usually lies ahead.

Amputations are not exactly something that people think about much. That is until it hits home. When they or someone they know needs an amputation, they then enter a whole new world. A world that involves words and procedures with which they are likely not very familiar. It is important for families to be able to find important, helpful, and credible information on amputations in order to know all they can.

This amputation resource section aims to be a comprehensive source of information for you and your family. We have created an in-depth area that contains everything from success stories to articles on a variety of topics, a glossary of amputation terms, and a directory of amputation links. In other words, if it involves amputations, you should be able to find it here, or at least use this site as a starting point to find the information you need.

Amputation Facts

It is estimated by the National Limb Loss Information Center that there are approximately 1.7 million people who are currently living with the loss of a limb. It is estimated that in America, one out of every 200 people have had an amputation. This adds up to around 1.7 million people living with the loss of a limb. So just why do all these amputations occur? There are a variety of reasons, with the majority of them being related to complications with diabetes, which creates problems with the vascular system.

Surgical amputations typically fit into one of four categories, which include:

• Infection

• Disease (Primarily Diabetes)

• Tumors

• Congenital Defects

• Accidents and Wars

Over 80 percent of amputations are directly related to vascular problems associated with the blood vessels. Around 97 percent of these involve a lower limb amputation. When it comes to traumatic amputations (those that occur due to injury or accidents), over 68 percent of them involve an upper limb. For those amputations that are cancer-related, a third of them usually involve the lower limb above or below the knee. Over 58 percent of those with congenital defect amputations involve an upper limb.

Types of Amputations

There are a variety of amputations that can take place. Here is a breakdown of the different types and some information about each. Upper body amputations can include everything from fingers to the hand, to the upper or lower part of the arm. It can also include a shoulder disarticulation, or an amputation of the entire arm.

On the upper body, fingers are one of the more commonly amputated body parts. The thumb is the most commonly amputated digit on the hand. When this happens, the person has challenges that involve being able to grasp. If other fingers are lost, the person can usually still grasp, but they are not able to do it as well.

On the lower body, people may have a toe or more amputated, the lower part of the leg, or even the entire leg. Additionally, some people undergo a hip disarticulation, where the entire leg bone is removed. When it comes to feet, the most common amputation is of a toe, and the reason for it is frostbite. Losing a toe may not seem like it would pose much of a challenge, but those who have had one amputated realize that it actually causes issues with balance and walking.

Where to Go from Here

Any type of amputation, regardless of the cause or where it is on the body, is going to bring about a lot of questions. This is normal and to be expected. It is important to always take the time to ask the doctor as many questions as you need answered. Never feel as though you are bugging someone or posing too many questions.

It is also important that you do as much research as you can so that you know what to expect and where to find help and the answers to any questions you may have when you are not with the doctor or physical therapist. Again, this site will be able to answer a lot of your questions or point you in the direction of where you can find the information you need.

Some of the things you may want to do throughout this process include:

• Find an amputee support group in your area. This can be especially important for being able to meet with others who are going through the same thing or have been there before and are further along in their journey. Contact your local hospital and speak with the patient advocate, as well as the social worker, who may be able to point you in the direction of one, or you may find one by contacting an amputee organization. If you cannot locate one in your area, don't hesitate to start one. Most likely there are others in your community who could benefit from the group as well.

• Join some of the amputee organizations (links below) so that you can remain current regarding the news, information, and events that take place. You may find that the information is helpful and that you feel more in the loop when it comes to the information that comes out on amputations and resources for amputees.

• Get the psychological help that is needed in helping to make the transition. Many people benefit from speaking with a psychologist in order to work through all the feelings and emotions that are associated with undergoing an amputation. It is important to note that when there is physical pain control and relief it helps deal with a lot of the psychological issues as well.

• It is well known that one of the issues that many amputees experience is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is an anxiety disorder and happens after a traumatic event that involves injury or death. PTSD can be seen in a variety of symptoms, which include anxiety, nightmares, emotional numbing, detachment, feeling hopeless, and being stressed. It is important to work with a doctor or psychologist in order to address PTSD. You can find a mental health physician by contacting the American Psychiatric Association (Phone: 703-907-7300, 703-907-7300 ) and The Therapy Directory (Phone: no phone, online only).

• Anxiety is often a crucial issue with amputees, so it is important to help them find effective ways to address it. In addition to seeking treatment with mental health professional or psychologist, there are some very helpful things that can be done to help reduce anxiety, including meditation, yoga, and listening to music. Many people also find it helpful to journal in order to reduce anxiety and address feelings. It is important for the amputee to try various things to find out which one helps.

• Many people have found Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to be a useful route to helping to deal with phantom limb pain, as well as the psychological issues that arise following an amputation. The psychological issues that follow an amputation are common and need to be addressed. EMDR is a psychotherapy approach that incorporates cognitive, interpersonal, psychodynamic, experiential and body-centered therapies. It involves eight phases of treatment and is estimated to have helped over two million people with various degrees of psychological stress. Two top resources for this type of therapy include EMDR Institute, Inc. (Phone: 831-761-1040, 831-761-1040 ), and the EMDR International Association (Phone: 866-451-5200, 866-451-5200 ).

Continued Learning

As with all things in the medical community, the field of amputations will continue to be shaped and grow. Even as more people become amputees themselves, they find areas where they can be of service to others who have amputations, and they create businesses and services that serve that need. Because of this, it is important to remain current on what goes on in the medical community regarding amputations.

Whether it is a new procedure, research, prosthetic, or tool that can be of service, improvements are always being made. Never stop learning all that you can because everything you learn can be put to use.

An easy way to keep up on the latest news and research is to create a news alert in Google. You can do this simply, by logging on to Google Alerts and adding your keywords (e.g., amputations, amputee, prosthesis, prosthetics) to the criteria. That way, the latest news will be delivered right to your inbox. Also, you can periodically type the keywords into the search engines just to see what new comes up. These little efforts will help keep you informed and learning!

How to Succeed Following an Amputation

When it comes to pushing on and succeeding in life after an amputation has taken place, there is no one sure-fire way that will get you there. But there are some common traits that those who have been successful following an amputation share. If you can adopt some of those traits, or help your family member if they have had the amputation, your chances of success will be greatly increased.

There are several people who have become successful motivational speakers following having an amputation. Most of them have persevered because of their attitude toward themselves and the challenges that they faced. Of course, this all comes after the procedure is done and the rehabilitation is in place.

You may have even received a prosthetic at this point. There is no right time to start focusing on success following an amputation. The sooner you can do it, the better.

Here are some of the aspects to focus on when it comes to being successful following an amputation:

• Determination. Having a mindset that you can do things and that there are no limitations can take you a long way. As Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are probably right." We usually have the ability to do what we set our minds to. So if you believe you can do things, you will most likely be able to! There are people with prosthetics that carry on normal activities, including hiking in the mountains and playing sports!

• Attitude. Maintaining a positive attitude in life, not just when it comes to amputations, is essential to success and enjoying life. A positive attitude can help you stay happy, upbeat, and achieve what you set your mind to. An effective way to maintain a positive attitude is to write a positive affirmation and post it someplace that it will be seen frequently. Then, it is important to read and recite it daily. An example of a positive affirmation might be something like "I am confident, able and determined to succeed." A negative attitude will hold you back and may even lead to health problems brought on by the stress. Always focus on maintaining a positive attitude. The best way to do this is to remind yourself of all the things in your life that you are grateful for on a daily basis. Some people even keep a gratitude journal for this purpose. Another way to maintain a healthy attitude and help you succeed is by helping others.

• Support. It is important to surround yourself with positive people if you are the amputee. If it is a family member that is an amputee, it is important that people remain positive and provide a supportive environment. Attitudes are catchy, so those who are around the amputee should focus on being positive and providing encouragement.

Prosthesis Payment

If you are like most people you are concerned about where you will get the funds to pay for the prosthesis. It can be a costly route, especially if there are associative services included, such as wheelchairs, ramps and additional equipment. The best route to take is first determine what you will need, such as if you need equipment in addition to the prosthesis.

Once you have an assessment of that you will need to start considering fund sources. Some funding sources may require a justification statement, especially if you are working with public or private insurance. Depending on age, some people may qualify for Medicare assistance. In addition to inquiring with your insurance provider, there are additional resources you will want to consider, including social security benefits, state disability benefits, and veteran's benefits.

What works for one person to be successful following an amputation may not be what works for the next. Some people find comfort in attending church, while others become successful in finding their purpose in life. When you focus on what you want, rather than what you don't want, you will greatly increase your chances of success and living the life you want, even following an amputation!

See the link section for a wide range of helpful related links.

Connecting With the Community After an Amputation

Many people who have an amputation go through a period where they want to avoid others. They may feel embarrassed or afraid of how others will react to them, and some don't want to explain everything to others or want lots of sympathy. They may also have reservations about how they will perform with their new prosthetic in front of others. While it may be common to want to withdraw, it isn't necessarily the best route to take!

Getting involved in the community and the local amputee community is an effective way to help heal and be successful. Being involved with the community will help to provide new perspective, create a network of friends, and help to show others that those with amputations are out and about and making their way!

Here are a few ways to get connected with the community following an after amputation:

• Support groups. Check with your local hospital to see if they have an organization for amputees. If they don't, speak to them about starting one. Chances are, there are others in the area that can benefit from the network. If they have no interest in starting one, create one yourself. All you need to do is set the time, date, and place for meetings and get the word out. Many local libraries, churches, and temples give free space for these types of groups.

• Google resources. Google can be a great resource for finding people, information and more. You can look at Google Groups to find amputee groups, and visit Google Blog Search to find blogs covering a range of amputee topics.

• Online groups . If you check with places like Yahoo Groups, you will find that there may be online support groups available, or you can create one. An online support group of amputees will give you the chance to converse with others via e-mail. They can be a great resource for exchanging information, ideas, stories, and inspiration. For example, the Yahoo group Amputee Moms (no phone, online only) has over 7,000 members. Through e-mail they share such things as support, photos, discuss problems, joys, and more.

• Social groups . There are many social groups that are geared toward amputee's, including Less Than Four (an online community for amputees) (no phone, online only), Disabled Planet (member site, news, information, and more) (no phone, online only), Amputees Helping Amputees (a support group) (Phone: 410-414-4670, 410-414-4670 ), the International Child Amputee Network (no phone, I-CAN
  P.O. Box 514 Abilene, TX 79604-0514), and Dating Amputees (a singles site) (no phone, online only). You can also find information, like this article here, on the " 10 Best Amputee Support Groups and Resources Sites."

• Facebook . Many of the organizations, groups and resource sites also have a presence on Facebook. So if you are on Facebook, look them up and "like" them so that you can keep informed and in the loop.

• Meetup. The site meetup.com is a great place to look for amputee resource groups (or to start one). There are amputee meetup groups in several places around the country.

• Forums. Another option for communicating with other amputees online is forums. They are usually free, easy to use, and will allow you to post and respond to questions. It is a great resource, especially for those with questions who are looking for a response from someone who has been there. Some forums include the Amputee Communicator Forum and the forum for the Amputee Treatment Center (Phone: 585-343-4154, 585-343-4154 ). You can usually find information on everything from pain management to insurance information.

Being involved with the community, whether in your neighborhood or online, can be a great resource for any amputee. It's a great way to chat with others who have had a similar experience and to find the answers to the questions you have. Don't hesitate to become involved, you will be glad you did!

Think Amputees Can't Play Sports? Think Again!

When someone has an amputation they may feel that they will no longer be able to engage in their favorite activities or sports. But that couldn't be farther from the truth! In fact, there are amputees who engage in just about every type of sport out there!

Some of the sports in which amputees still engage, even with lower limb amputations, include jogging, golf, surfing, skiing, bicycling, skateboarding, swimming, and others. Basically, you name it, there are amputees still doing it! There are even amputee scuba diving certifications and associations, like the Handicap Scuba Association (Phone: 949-498-4540, 949-498-4540 ), and Disabled Divers International (Phone: +4577340234, +4577340234 ),The War Amps (Phone: 800-465-2677, 800-465-2677 ) and the International Association for Handicapped Divers (Phone: 866-685-4243, 866-685-4243 ).

Many amputees are not allowing their amputation to keep them from getting involved in sports activities. There are many people who have become involved in running, skiing, bicycling, and swimming, among other sports. In April of 2010, Amy Palmiero-Winters, a leg amputee, became the first ever amputee to be named to the U.S. national running team.

Tyler Hyatt, who is the co-owner and player for Amp 1 Standup Amputee Basketball (no phone, online contact only), plays basketball and helps run the only standup competitive amputee basketball league that there is.

"The one thing that we want people to know about Amp 1 Basketball is that just because we are amputees and people think we are handicapped, we are true athletes and we deserve the same attention and respect as able body athletes," he says. "Everyday we practice basketball like other basketball players, but we also train and practice harder then normal athletes because not only do we have to practice the game of basketball we also have to practice and learn how to maneuver our prosthetics to run, jump, shoot and move just as fast as our opponents."

Whether or not you are an amputee should not be a factor in whether or not you engage in sports. Most prosthetics today suit people playing sports just fine, and with some practice, you can actually become quite good at them (even non-amputees need to practice to be good at sports). Getting comfortable with your prosthesis is the first step to being able to play sports. It is important to note that some people have a separate prosthesis that they use just for particular athletic or sporting involvement. Some, such as the Ossur Cheetah (Phone: 800-233-6263, 800-233-6263 ), is built for sporting activities, and helps to make activity more comfortable and helps with shock absorption.

"If you are interested in playing stand up basketball our advice is to start off with taking small steps. First make sure you are wearing prosthetics that can handle the abuse that basketball requires," says Hyatt. "We suggest a Renegade carbon fiber foot from Freedom Innovations, all our players wear these feet because they can handle the abuse we give them as well as they give you great return in the energy you put into them."

Visit the link section of this page to find a variety of sports-related links for those amputees who are interested in sports. There are sports organizations for amputees and others who have excelled in the area. When it comes to playing sports as an amputee, the sky is the limit. While it may pose a few more challenges, it is by far not at all off limits.

Whether you get involved in sports as an amputee just for fun, want to participate in organized games, or join sports associations, the options are there. In addition to the links below that will take you to resourceful places, you may also want to log into YouTube and do a search for amputee sports. There are many amputee sports videos on YouTube, which will give you an idea of just how successful people have been in continuing their favorite sport, as well as taking up new ones!

"As amputees we may move slower then our opponents but we can always out shoot them. From there keep practicing and conditioning and never give up," adds Hyatt.

Pain Management for Amputees

When it comes to amputee resources, one of the things that many people look for is information on pain management. The reality of amputation is that at some point just about everyone will experience some pain. While it is to be expected, it is important to determine what type of pain it is, where it is coming from, and what can be done about it.

Pain management is a major issue in health care, reaching every corner of the country. Most amputees have likely been informed that there is going to be some pain following their amputation process. But there may be pain beyond that initial period as well.

Here is a breakdown of some of the various stages of pain that some people may experience with their amputation:

• Post-operative pain. This is the type of pain that follows the amputation. It happens because of the trauma that has taken place to the nerves and bone. It will usually resolve as the healing process continues. For this type of pain, amputees are usually prescribed a pain killer over the course of at least the 4 to 6 weeks following the amputation.

• Extrinsic residual limb pain. This type of pain that amputees may feel is usually related to the prosthetic. You may experience pain in the prosthetic area, which can be caused by an improperly fitted prosthetic or it may be due to the type of material from which it has been made. It can usually be remedied by having modifications to the prosthetic made, including modifying the socks and sock plies.

• Phantom pain. This is the feeling of pain or sensation that all amputees have in the limb that has been amputated. The term has been used since the Civil War, when it was first noticed and named by a surgeon. Phantom pain is most prevalent during the first year following an amputation. Researchers believe that those with congenital amputations, as well as those who get them early in childhood, are not as likely to experience phantom pain. They believe that the phantom pain is related to the way the brain has mapped the body. If one is in pain before the amputation, the pain after the amputation may end up lasting longer. Also, there are sometimes increased pain receptors at the site of the amputation. The mirroring technique is treatment that people have been successful with in addressing phantom pain following an amputation. An excellent resource for addressing phantom pain is the Center for Brain and Cognition Department, Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego (Phone: 858-534-624). Additional methods for treating phantom pain include pharmacological intervention, surgical treatments, physical therapy, and alternative techniques, such as hypnosis and acupuncture.

• Residual limb pain. Many amputees end up feeling pain in the residual part of the body where the amputation has occurred. This is because of the massive disruption that has taken place to the area tissue. Ongoing, it can also be caused by never damage.

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are some conditions that can make phantom pain worse for amputees. These conditions include being too tired, stress, infection, changes in the weather, poor blood flow, swelling on the remaining part of the limb, and putting excessive pressure on the remaining part of the limb.

Pain for amputees can come in a variety of forms, including sharp, shooting pains, cramping, burning, and aching. It can also feel hot or cold, tingly, or even numb.

Some pain that amputees experience may last a few days, while others can be chronic, lasting a long time. It is important to work with your doctor whenever you have any type of pain. They will determine the source of the pain, which will help them determine the best route to take to alleviate it.

Note: See the links resource section for a listing of those specialists in pain management.

Amputations: What to Expect

Regardless of the reason why someone may need to have an amputation, it will create a lot of questions. People need to know what to expect before and after the procedure. The better you are prepared and know what to expect, the better you will be able to handle what comes your way.

Here's an idea of what can be expected throughout the amputation process. Of course, this information will vary some depending on the type of amputation, as well as the surgeon, among other variables, but it provides a general idea of the process:

Before. When the amputation is first discussed, before it takes place, you should receive a lot of information about it. The doctor should be able to give you an in-depth overview of what to expect leading up to it, as well as what the procedure itself will be like. They should also be able to answer any questions you have about what to expect following the amputation and through rehabilitation.

During. This is the process that will be determined by your surgeon and the hospital where it is being performed. Typically, you will be prepped for surgery, the surgery will be performed, and you will remain in the hospital for a period of time that could be anywhere from 3-7 days. During this hospital stay, they will be monitoring your progress, providing appropriate pain management, and ensuring you are successfully recovering.

After. Following the amputation, you will continue with prescribed pain management, as well as begin rehabilitation. The rehabilitation period will likely have you working with such people as a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. Once your amputation area has made a sufficient recovery, you will also meet with prosthetists and discuss your options and be fitted for a prosthetic. Once you receive your prosthetic, you will continue with rehabilitation to learn how to integrate using it into your life.

Of course you will find various bumps along the road throughout this amputation process and recovery period. But these challenges may differ for each person. Some people may include doing such things as meeting with a psychologist to discuss the mental health aspects of undergoing an amputation. Others may need to meet with their employer to discuss how the amputation will impact their job and if any changes will need to take place. The more you know about what to expect, the better off you will be!

An Amputation Success Story: Amy Schmitt

As Amy Schmitt, of Michigan, was cruising through her 30s, the last thing on her mind was an amputation. It's not something she ever thought about, until, that is, the day she heard the words first spoke to her in regard to her lower right leg. Like most amputees, she went on an emotional roller coaster throughout the process, but came out on top!

For nearly eight months, she had a misdiagnosed blood clot in her lower right leg. She knew there was something wrong, as she was in a lot of pain, but nobody seemed to be able to get to the root of the problem. As it turns out, after months of seeing specialists and getting misdiagnosed, she found out that she has a blood clot that was caused by her birth control pills. At that point, because the blood clot went undiagnosed for so long, she was told she would need an amputation of her lower right leg.

"My first thoughts going into the amputation were that my life was over," she says. "I am never going to be able to paint my toenails again! I literally thought my life was going to be over."

Long before the amputation had been brought up someone had mentioned the word to her, and she had actually said she would commit suicide if she had to live without her leg. Little did she know that just months later she would be undergoing an amputation of her lower leg.

"The most difficult part of it was accepting that I would no longer be a 5-mile a day walker and that I would have to learn to do things a bit differently," she adds.

But things didn't turn out quite as bad as what she had expected, as with many amputees. Often times, amputees imagine an array of negative outcomes but find out in time that things turn out much better than they had initially expected, which is exactly what happened to Amy. About seven weeks after her amputation, she received her prosthetic.

August 2011 will be two years since her amputation took place. Since that time, she has adapted well. She has returned to work and has learned to do things differently. Some things still pose a challenge for her, such as climbing stairs, since she lacks the ankle flexibility that she used to have. But she has not let an amputation or having a prosthetic slow her down or hold her back.

"There is not much I don't do," she says. "People are surprised when they hear that I swim, ride my bike, and drive without aid. I think the thing that made me maintain a positive attitude was my family and friends. From the first day, they were all so supportive and accepting."

Likening it to a bump in the road that everyone moved past, she also felt that if she sat around crying, that's what those around her would do. So she tried maintaining a positive attitude and didn't look back. She also has advice for those who may be preparing to undergo an amputation or who have had one.

"Don't think it is the end of the world, it is the end of life as you know it, but life goes on and you are in control of your destiny," she says. "You can cry about it forever, or you can deal with it and move on."

Touch Bionics Helps Pave Way for Amputees

When it comes to prosthetics, there are a handful of companies that are leading the pack and providing the latest technology. One of these companies is Touch Bionics, a company that specializes in upper-limb prosthetics using the latest technology. Since launching their i-LIMB Hand in 2007, they have shipped over 2,000 units of them.

The i-LIMB Hand is the first fully articulated bionic hand in the world. It is helping amputees in all corners of the globe to be able to achieve greater independence in their daily lives. The hand, which looks and acts like a human hand, has been designed to use a myoelectric (muscle signal) that can open and close the fingers. It's a prosthetic that leaves many of its users feeling pleasantly surprised.

"Fittings with our devices are often emotional occasions," says Danny Sullivan, the communications manager for Touch Bionics. "One of the key reasons for this is because it can be the first time for a very long time that a patient has looked at their hand and seen the fingers moving and bending in a way that more closely reflects the action of a human hand than previous prostheses."

When it comes to what else is new in the world of prosthetics, Sullivan reports that there are some key advances being made in the area of control. These advances are aimed at allowing users to gain a higher level of function with the prosthesis. Last year, Touch Bionics launched the i-LIMB Pulse, designed to allow for more grip strength in each digit.

As companies continue to strive for technological advances in the field of prosthetics, it is important to note that it will provide more options, but it can also create a few more learning curve challenges.

"It's important to remember that all of this new technology means increased complexity, so ongoing therapy and support becomes as important as the technology itself in terms of gaining positive patient outcomes," added Sullivan.

In the area of lower extremity prosthesis there has also been new developments. One prosthesis, the Otto Bock Genium Knee (7720 Cardinal Court San Diego, CA 92123 Phone: 800-55-SCOPE, 800-55-SCOPE ) was in the making for 11 years with the Department of Defense. It is now available to the public the microprocessor controlled knee is the most sophisticated available. The power in the knee lasts for up to four days and the sensors even allow the person to walk backward.

The Otto Bock Genium Knee offers five modes, so that they can be programmed for specific activities, such as bicycling, skiing, table tennis, and inline skating. It has also been designed to be more water resistant than the C-leg (a computer controlled hydraulic knee and foot system).

It is the advancement in the microprocessor knees that is bringing about the more sophisticated prosthesis. In turn, they are giving people more opportunities to do more and engage in the activities that they have always enjoyed (or take up new ones)!

Prosthetics: What You Need to Know

Today there are many prosthetic options available for amputees. Even with all that is available today, there is continued research and development that is underway, which will only further the number of devices that will be available in the future. Most people have questions when it comes to getting fitted for, or getting used to, their prosthetic, which is completely normal.

One of the most challenging aspects that amputees may find is in being able to locate enough information to answer all of their questions. Such things as how to take the prosthesis on and off and how to properly clean it may seem trivial, but for those needing the answers, it can leave them feeling lost. Because of this, Todd Norton developed a Prosthetics 101 (P.O. Box 7335 Jacksonville, FL 32238-7335 phone: (904) 716-5149, (904) 716-5149 ), an instructional DVD and provides advice where he can.

"The biggest myth is that a prosthesis is painful to wear," says Norton. "A prosthesis certainly may require some acclimation, but it should not be painful to wear."

Norton, who is the vice president of prosthetics at Bremer Brace of Florida (3627 University Blvd. S # 425 Jacksonville, FL 32216 phone: (904) 346-0086, (904) 346-0086 ), has been working in the prosthetic field since 1993. Being a prosthetic assistant, he has helped many people along the way. In addition to providing assistance to those in the Jacksonville area, where the rehabilitation office is located, he has the video that helps people worldwide. He also does volunteer work in the field by doing mission trips to Central America to provide free prosthetic devices to those who need the aid.

Having so many years in the industry, he has advice to offer those who are getting a prosthetic. First, he says it is important to realize that the residual limb will change in size, and because of this, an amputee has to learn how to manage their volume change in order to keep the prosthesis fitting properly. In addition, he offers tips he has learned through years of experience in working with amputees.

"As cliché as it may sound, an amputee has to just take the process one day at a time and one step at a time," adds Norton. "They will need to be determined, yet patient at the same time."

Dan Horkey Gives Prosthetics Unique Identity

When amputees get fitted for a prosthetic and begin using one, they often feel as though this new extension is not really a part of them. It can also be a period of time when self esteem begins to slump and morale sags. This is what happened to a man named Dan Horkey, but rather than let it keep him down, he found a way to pull himself up. Little did he know, he'd be pulling others up as well!

Horkey lost the lower half of his leg to a motorcycle accident in 1985. Like many amputees, he struggled with it for a while, both emotionally and physically. But around four years ago he had an idea, and it turned out to be one that many other amputees would appreciate as well.

He decided to tattoo his prosthetic, giving it a unique design that reflected his personality, rather than the manufactured materials. Not only did it give him a new look to sport around, but it changed the way he felt about and saw himself.

"The moment I put art on my socket, I stood tall and my self-esteem was higher," Horkey says. "Now I wear my prosthesis with pride."

He had such a positive response from others that he saw a business opportunity and now provides this service for other amputees. GTOPI (Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations) now provides custom air brushing and tattooing of prosthesis for people around the world. (GTOPI 2981 Lowren Loop, Port Orchard, WA 98366 phone: (360) 895-1976, (360) 895-1976 ).

From veterans to children and the elderly, Horkey's idea of giving prosthetics more of a unique look has caught on. From customer characters and pets and animals to military insignia and tattoo drawings, there is practically no design that can't be added to a prosthetic. People love the idea of being able to have their prosthesis match their identity, giving people something to really look at and admire.

"My mission is to help fellow amputees fit in by standing out," Horkey adds. "Applying artwork to prosthetics and orthotic braces gives me the feeling I'm making a difference helping other amputees and those who wear orthopedic braces regain self-esteem and pride, enhancing the quality of lives."

Additionally, there are a variety of other options available in prosthesis covers and sleeves, all which give people the opportunity to create a unique look that represents their lifestyle. One visit to the Amputee Supplies online store (4470 West Sunset Boulevard Suite 430 Los Angeles, CA 90027 Email:info@amputeesupplies.com) will turn up a variety of cosmetic sleeve covers, for example. (see the link area for more sleeve resources)

The variety of prosthesis covers ( and sleeves is growing, with a variety of gel sleeves, gel liners, laminated sleeves, prosthetic art, and others readily available. (see the link resource section for a listing of providers)

We hope that you have found this comprehensive amputee resource page to be helpful. You should be able to use this as a starting point to making the contacts you need. Please feel free to pass this on, as well as drop us some feedback at . We would love to hear from you and we wish you all the success on this chapter of your life and on your journey!

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." -- Theodore Roosevelt

Checklist of What to do Right Before and Right After an Amputation
 

1. Seek out a specialist doctor for Pain and an Acupuncturist

2. Locate a Psychologist and/or Psychiatrist to assist with emotional components, and also seek counseling for family members and caregivers

3. Find a local Prosthetist familiar with all of the latest prostheses and innovations

4. Locate a Physical Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist with experience with amputees

5. Connect with a social worker from a local hospital or university and/or a patient advocate from patient advocate organizations

6. Line up and get transportation assistance such as buses or rides from organizations to ensure making medical appointments

7. Identify and join local and national groups of amputees

8. Seek out Internet groups of amputees and mailing lists, and join them and participate with other amputees

9. Determine prosthesis insurance coverage and seek assistance for that as needed from federal, state, and local government and private foundations and organizations

10. Apply for Social Security and State Disability Insurance to assist with financial needs

11. Develop a personal plan to deal with stress and anxiety including a healthy diet, proper nutrition, relaxation, meditation, yoga, observing nature, hobbies, and listening to music

12. Choose a sport that interests you such as golfing, running, bicycling, swimming, diving, skiing, or the many others, and locate a group of amputees or disabled that assists

13. Get involved with a local church, temple or other religious group or organization. Develop a relationship with local clergy

14. Set personal activity, education, and career goals and keep to those goals