Had a bad accident

[CROSSBOLT]

That's really great, Forbes! That leg is all mechanical, right? Hopefully it is so it will never be "hacked" over some nearby wi-fi system!

I am with you on your car in the shop, running poorly or not at all, leaving sounding like a sewing machine with a happy face at the controls. That happy face goal is this forum. No matter what the problem this bunch will back you up! It has been rewarding and inspirational to know you and see you meet the problem with true grit and succeed. The input to the initial cause and YOUR evaluation on what you could have done differently is highly valuable to the rest of us. Sorta like one of us pointing out how slippery grass clippings can be! Makes all hands aware.

200 years ago we did not have speedy personal transport like today. However, we did have HORSES! My thoughts go to Christopher Reeve (aka superman) and his horse dismount disaster. What a result! He never quit, either, just like you!

Karl

[Scooter Dan]

Hey Forbes, my buddy from a Goldwing Forum who got diabetes and lost his leg last year now had to have the other taken about a month ago. He's going through therapy now for his second prosthetic. My friend Bob has no insurance or money and Medicaid is paying for his prosthetic but doesn't seem like his is as nice as yours. Your's sounds very high tech.

[Forbes1964]

Hey Forbes, my buddy from a Goldwing Forum who got diabetes and lost his leg last year now had to have the other taken about a month ago. He's going through therapy now for his second prosthetic. My friend Bob has no insurance or money and Medicaid is paying for his prosthetic but doesn't seem like his is as nice as yours. Your's sounds very high tech.

My prosthetist had to fight to get it approved. He had to prove to them that i NEEDED it. Medically necessary is the Medicare /Medicaid term. He's a great listener. When I thought I was just making small talk, he was taking notes. I told him my prior to amputation activities. He found out that my house is on a hill with a semi washed out driveway. He asked how many steps I had, my job responsibilities including the fact that I have to balance and rotate tires on vehicles as large as an f350.

I'm not sure of your friend's pre amputation overall condition. But the key words that Medicaid or insurance wants to hear are "this leg is necessary to prevent falls. And this will prevent further damage to his residual limb. Which is a fancy way of saying "it will keep the patient OUT of the hospital and save THEM (the government or insurance company) money. His prosthetist can help determine what's best for him for his balance and safety. I found out more Than I ever wanted to know about the insurance industry.


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[Forbes1964]

Well, here's another update. I'm loving the upgraded leg. GUESS WHAT? I CAN JOG and even RUN a little. I know the rule is "if there are no pictures. It didn't happen " . But I haven't figured out how to take a selfie of me running yet.[emoji16]

They say that a BK (below knee) amputee uses 25% more energy when walking than a non amputee. So that may explain why after running only a short distance, I sweat like a pig at a slaughterhouse on a 100 degree day. ---- Or it may be because prior to a few weeks ago , I hadn't jogged or run in over a year.

Or it may be due to the fact that PRIOR to my amputation, I used to sweat like a pig after running only a short distance . [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


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[Forbes1964]

Advantages: 1. I can jog and run.
2. Due to the fact that it's held on by a mechanical vacuum system that's activated when I walk, my stump remains a constant size, and I don't have to remove it and add prosthetic socks during the course of the day like I did with my old leg.
3. Because of The vacuum , It simply feels more comfortable and more connected..
4 . If I'm wearing long pants, many people don't even realize that I have a fake leg. In fact, I was walking with my sisters out of town in July. And my OWN SISTER who l only see every few months, asked"  Darryl, are you limping a little?". I thought she was just messing with me until my other sisters gave her the "are you crazy" look. After all, I had been on it all day. Then her brain kicked in. She'd momentarily forgotten that I had an artificial leg!
5. I can sit for a few hours and drive without having to stop every 45 minutes to relieve the pain. In fact, now my 53 year old bladder is the limiting factor. [emoji16]


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[Forbes1964]

Disadvantages :
1. It's more difficult to remove and install than my old prosthesis. I can no longer simply roll up my pants leg. I have to go somewhere private and drop my trousers in
 Order to remove it to dry the sweat on these HOT , HUMID Florida days.
2. Because it's held on by vacuum, if there's even a small vacuum leak , it kind of flops around. The sealing sleeve is the weak link. Average lifespan 3-4 months, normal wear item, price about $100.00.




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[Forbes1964]

Finally, the price of the entire assembly is approximately 20 THOUSAND dollars! My deductible approx. 4 THOUSAND dollars.

Warranty. Sealing Sleeve 3 months, urethane liner 6 months, pump 24 months, socket and leg 36 months , foot 36 months.
But the socket will likely have to be replaced much sooner due to changes in my leg.

Insurance will repair items after the warranty. But will not replace them until 5 YEARS.

Anyway, that's the progress report. Overall I'm pleased. And I am DEFINITELY BLESSED more than I deserve.


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[Stig / Major Tom]

Thanks for the update Forbes.
You remain an inspiration to this, your internet scooter gang!

Best regards,
Stig

[CROSSBOLT]

Keep on livin', Forbes! Good on ya!

Karl

[GLV55]

Thanks for the update. We are all very grateful that you have finally gotten the right combination to walk comfortably and actually run - that's fantastic. We wish you all the best of God's blessings on you because you are such a blessing and an inspiration to all of us. Keep truckin'!

[mcdcfc3]

Good to see you are in a good place Forbes. Very best wishes to you from here in England

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[pipster326]

Hey Forbes, good to hear from you. Glad to see that everything has finally progressed in the right direction. Stay well and keep inspiring

Rich


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[Jim Grant]

 In my prayers get well

[CROSSBOLT]

Those are a couple of really good ones! Forbes' recovery is magnificent! Robo's repair shows learning and tenacity. Bothnare inspirations. Working on how to present one that was done mostly PM.....

Karl

[ScooterWolf]

Happy New Year Forbes. Hope 2018 will be a good one with the medical problems and expenses hopefully behind you and a new year ahead.

- Wolf