Prostheses

[cjsmith]

Many people with artificial feet can walk, hike, run, and even backpack. (At least if they've somehow obtained these artificial feet while the rest of their body was still functioning.)

If my doctors hadn't told me there was hope, back in 2003, we might have discussed this by now, and I could be running today.

Comments

[gdmusumeci.livejournal.com]

I'm dreadfully sorry, but might I ask for the background behind this?

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Oh, no prob. There's a little in my userinfo. Basically I have unexplained pain in the ball of my foot. The more active I am the worse it gets. Doctors all try their pet theories, and none of it works.

Nobody but me is even thinking amputation, of course. But if everybody would just ditch their blasted pet ideas and be honest that they don't know and can't fix it, I could imagine having an option like that.

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

Many hugs... what a choice to have to make!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I get angry that it isn't a choice I have right now. I know that sounds crazy. But if I were faced with that choice -- whether I took it or not -- at least I'd be pretty sure I was getting honest answers.

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

It doesn't sound crazy when it's the only road to functionality. I just feel awful for you that it might be the only one... and not available.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I guess even if that's the only way I'd run again, then I could also choose to stay cardio-fit by buying a good arm bike. Thousands of dollars for an arm bike is cheaper than new feet. I still wish I had a clear picture of what the real chances are. I guess THAT'S what I'm railing about: wanting information.

I just saw a child's wheelchair go by on my local Freecycle list. Wonder if I'm skinny enough for one of those. Things that make an arm bike out of a wheelchair are much less expensive than standalone ones. Hmmmm. :)