Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!olivea!oliveb!bunker!hcap!hnews!3800!1!Deborah.Johnson From: Deborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.org (Deborah Johnson) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: HELP Message-ID: <16007@bunker.UUCP> Date: 1 Dec 90 04:22:18 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Deborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:3800/1 - HelpNet #1, Baton Rouge LA Lines: 34 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 12093 HI, I'm fairly new at this so I hope I do it right. My Dad who is in his mid sixty's has a problem. He's an amputee just below the knee so he has the swing of the joint. He's been an amputee since 1975. From personal observation his limb has never been fitted properly, he's had problems from day 1. The problems are 1. He's a big man 6'4" and about 250 pounds 2. The belt device to hold the limb on was causing many back problems so he "invented" a suspender type of device it helps but is still not doing a good job 3. The limb is about an inch longer than his real leg 4. He develops abcesses on the end of the stump which don't want to heal. This is much better by using Aloe Vera jell and peroxide daily. 5. He has as far as I know only gone to one limb and brace shop. They tell him it will cost $2,400.00 for a new limb and $1,600.00 for them to try and fix the old one. If they haven't gotten it right since 1975 why do they think they can now? 6. He's on Heprin a blood thiner and has been almost constantly since 1975. Due to the Heprin he's losing calcium in the bones causing him to lose bone density and brittle bones. He's broken his back 3 time in falls his pelvis once. Usually they are hairline fractures not complete breaks. 7. He's on a very limited income he's been unable to work since 1975. I'm hoping to get some advice. I'm looking for a limb and brace shop that will stand behind what they sell. If it doesn't fit they will get it to fit with out charge. I don't think that's asking too much! Is it? Also he's on disability which they are trying to take a way. They say because my Mom is working they make too much in combined income to qualify. The only income he gets is disability. Has anyone had this type of problem and if so how did you resolve it. Any help or advice is appreciated thank. Deborah Johnson -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!3800!1!Deborah.Johnson Internet: Deborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.org Brought to you by Super Global Mega Corp .com