My leg stays on through thick and thin (and yes, I am talking about stump size variation, not adversity) because I have a really great belt holding it on. I don't know whether to call it a "silesian" belt or a "suspension" belt; I don't know the difference. What I used to have was a nasty thing, a prototype of something my prosthetist's company was developing made out of thick velcro attached to hard white nylon fabric which sliced my flesh open at the edges and didn't stay up over even my generously rounded hips. (And seriously, is there anything that can make you feel quite as attractive as constantly reaching into your pants to pull up the belt holding your leg on?)
What I have now is another design my prosthetist and his company worked on, and you can see it here:
"Cascade Designs PAW Suspension Belt"
(at the OandP Edge, which is part of OandP.com, a fantastic clearing-house of information for amputees and rehab professionals)
I am here to tell you, this thing is the greatest thing since sliced bread -- or it would be if sliced bread had anything to do with holding on prosthetic limbs. Its ergonomically padded portion with a side softly textured for traction stays where you put it against your skin or underwear, but it's cushy, flexible and not at all rough, so it does it without discomfort.
It does not cut or chafe. It stays in place. It seems to be hypoallergenic. It's absolutely no bigger or heavier than it has to be. And yet, it holds my leg on. No bother, no fuss, total reliability, total comfort, and it comes in my size. What's not to like?
Does your leg not stay on by suction? I've always had a suction socket. Do you use the belt because your leg varies in size so much? I'm interested to know what the differences would be.
Posted by: Jodie | July 13, 2006 at 02:04 PM
Yes and yes.
I love my suction socket. I haven't tried anything else, either, but from what I've seen, I think it's probably the least complicated method for holding one of these puppies on. But as I've said elsewhere, I gain and lose 15 or more pounds of water every month, so I am a different size and shape every day. Maybe just about two weeks out of every month -- total, and that's just an estimate, and in no event is it ever fourteen consecutive days -- my socket fits perfectly. The rest of the time I am either too bloated or too -- heh -- thin. (Yeah, too thin in one thigh. Never thought I'd ever say that about myself, even if I am only talking about a few days a month.) Many of the imperfect days are perfect enough that there's still something to suction onto. When I'm too bloated, though, I can't get my stump all the way in without powder or grease, either of which naturally works against the suction. And when I'm too -- heh -- thin (sorry, that's just always going to be funny), there's just not enough to suction onto. So I just strap this thing on nice and tightly and don't worry about it.
It was such a relief to be presented with a solution that is actually comfortable and reliable. I can't rave about it enough.
Posted by: Sara | July 13, 2006 at 02:27 PM