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Amputee Coalition

Making Up For Lost Time

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In August’s blog, we catch up with Daniel Servantes, from San Antonio, Texas, who was fit with the Infinite Socket TF three months ago by Premier Prosthetics. After resigning to a wheelchair due to prosthetic discomfort, Daniel makes it clear that following the arrival of his adjustable socket, he has plenty of making up to do for lost time.

“Growing up I was extremely active, playing a variety of sports at a high level, in particular, baseball and racquetball. I will never forget the pride I felt when, in 1976, my Dad was able to pick up a copy of Sports Illustrated, with me, his son, promoting racketball on the front cover. In 1989, I suffered a meniscus tear to my left knee, on game point during a racquetball final 2-3 weeks before my daughter was born. I am lucky to report, I left on a high note and was able to win what was to be my last ever racketball point, to pick up the tournament trophy. Following the game, I went to the hospital to check on my injury, with the resulting outcome, “if you stay on the racquetball court, you will need a knee replacement in the next few years.” With the birth of my eldest daughter, it was an easy decision to give up the sport I loved. I have spent my professional years in the insurance industry, traveling the globe, picking up many fond memories along the way. In 1999, I had a knee replacement to help me keep up with my busy schedule, but after four years, the replacement came loose and had a second replacement.  

Infinite Socket TF seated comfort

Upon leaving, I was given a large dose of antibiotics I was told to take for the rest of my life. After two years of increased dosage to offset the pain, walking became unbearable. I was carrying a dead limb at this point and was on business in Germany when they put me on a splint. I revisited the hospital, where they said I had picked up a staff infection, and suggested I continue with stronger medication. After 2.5 years, and 5 doctor’s opinions, none of which wanted to touch me, I was referred to a cancer specialist; one of the best in Europe. My femur had eradicated, and his entire staff was amazed I was even walking. They were the first to suggest amputation; a scary thought, but one I would never look back upon given the pain I was in at the time. If I could point to one thing I have learned and would recommend to anyone from the process I’ve been through, it would be to always get a second opinion. 

 

On June 12, 2018, I underwent a transfemoral amputation on my left leg. Prior, the PA had asked what was most important to me, and I said my grandson, a thought which I cling onto to this day. The removal of my limb was the happiest day of my life. My amputation was very successful, and during rehabilitation, I found out about the Amputee Coalition; a great resource for any new amputee, and booked a ticket to their annual conference in Tucson, with stitches still in my limb. I attended a lot of the classes, on wound care, proprioception, technologies, and felt confident of my progress moving forward. I would recommend this event to any amputee.

I receive my care from Premier Prosthetics and Orthotics in San Antonio, who are conveniently located 100 yards across from my house. Upon hearing about my amputation, I was put in touch with a peer volunteer and was given the time to talk through my ambitions and goals with their staff. Rick Ramos and his team have always put my patient needs first. I just text him and he has someone from the office call that same day to answer any concerns. The peer visitation is a great method to learn the ropes of being a new amputee, and this year I was able to get my license. My first peer visit was a guy who didn’t like wearing the prosthetic device, and was in a wheelchair; a similar scenario to my first-year post-amputation. It’s a great feeling giving back to the community you are now a part of and one that I look forward to continuing with in the future.

I was fit with the Infinite Socket two months ago but have long shown a great desire to get one after previously being fitted with two different types of sockets. It’s as close to feeling like I have my leg back. The socket stability allows me to stand comfortably due to the way the lateral paddle holds up against my hip. The comfort encourages me to stand for long periods due to the socket’s design to encompass the entire residual limb. The way the struts are placed enables the distribution of my weight evenly between the four while allowing my limb to breathe. Being able to walk without a cane is a huge plus for me and I’m making progress to stride a little longer and a little straighter with each passing day. When I drive, I don’t wear the socket, preferring to take it with me in the car, but the beauty lies in the fact that it takes about 12 seconds to put on, something I never shy away from demonstrating to intrigued onlookers. I am getting close to walking around nine hours a day regularly after spending a year in a wheelchair, ‘staring at belly buttons’ as I like to say.  

It’s fair to say that I have a lot of catching up on life to do, and am currently working on renovating my daughter’s house. I have some more landscaping to complete in the front, so am using my newest purchase, a golf cart, to move around the garden and pot the sprinklers. That being said, I’ve made huge strides on the interior decorating, including redesigning the stairwell. I have recently had the golf swing mode added to my Ottobock C-Leg to reignite my love for golf, a sport that keeps tests both your physical and mental attributes. My long term goal is to go back to work within the next 2-3 years and continue to build relationships with my clients that I have established for the past 30 years. My son now coaches little league for his son, just as I did for him, and my father did for me beforehand. It’s amazing how life comes full circle, and I can proudly watch my family’s generations continue to shine.” 

 

Reflecting On Prosthetic Development

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In July’s blog, we speak to Donald Mandra, a 56-year-old, car enthusiast, who has been wearing the Infinite Socket TF for four years. 

When I was 17, I lost my right leg above-the-knee. When I was referred to my Prosthetist for the first time, I never thought about the progress of prosthetics or the care I was going to be given. I actually dealt with my current prosthetists, Tony Tufano’s, Uncle who owned Mutual Orthopedics on Long Island. Back then, the sockets were made out of wood, with a hinge on the knee but I was young and didn’t want to let anything slow me down in my rehabilitation. Comfort wasn’t necessarily the most important thing for me either. Now that I’m older I feel things catching up a little bit, and I have a chance to reflect on what’s important to me now, and how prosthetic technology has developed over the last 39 years. 

It would be fair to say that after my amputation, rehabilitation was learned through trial and error. My experience with Mutual Orthopedics has spanned 30 plus years, and I have always received great care, but when I started dealing with Tony, it was clear that he wanted what was best for the patient, but the technology was not there to match. Every time I fell, I learned something new; learning how to balance, how to utilize what I had to the best of its ability. The problem with conventional sockets was around the brim. Even with a softer inner liner, the comfort was never there, and I was receiving sores around the groin.

When I first saw the Infinite Socket TF on a news article on TV in 2014, I noticed that it was adjustable and had a soft brim. I informed my prosthetist Tony who investigated further, and within months he brought me into the office to be fitted with the socket. It actually fits pretty well out the box; I don’t remember any adjustments to my initial fitting, but one thing was noticeable; the comfort around the brim was immediate. I didn’t find myself having to take it off, or even wanting to take it off. I thought to myself, I can wear this all day and all night and it doesn’t give me any issues. Utilizing it increased my activity level as it didn’t create those sores around my groin anymore. Now that I can reflect, comfort should be the benchmark, as I went from being confident, but in pain, to not feeling like I have any limitations any more. 

As with all new technology, there were areas where the socket was breaking, predominantly the brim, and the tensioning device. What made the experience so seamless, however, was that for every part that broke, I informed my prosthetist, who informed LIM’s customer service, and they would ship the replacement part to be fit, all within three days. It was as though they never broke as I’d never been without the component for very long. I’ve actually been on the first Infinite Socket I purchased for 4 years now, and can’t imagine I’d ever go back to a conventional socket again. I’m now extremely excited to get my new Infinite Socket and a new knee. I had a trial with the Ottobock Genium knee and didn’t want to give it back. The combination has been working great for me especially as I spend a lot of my time working on the yard and working on a ‘67 Corvette.

One thing I have noticed is that there is still a lot of uncertainty around the socket on social media. People talk about the bulk of the socket, but in my opinion, it’s only marginally thicker, and that’s by the struts. I have no issues with the bulk and don’t really notice it as I’m comfortable. The weight is hard to quantify when you are wearing it, as the dynamic fit allows for a snug feeling around my residual limb that can be changed when I need it. As I have mentioned, comfort should be the benchmark, and I just wish everyone had the opportunity to try it. 

LIM Innovations now offers the Infinite Socket TF to candidates up to 300lbs. If you do have any questions surrounding the socket, please reach out on Facebook, or call us on 844-888-8546 and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Jill Takes Action To Regain Ability

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Jill exhibiting strength and poise in her Infinite Socket.

Jill, from Pennsylvania, recounts how she persevered through years of surgeries and rehabilitation to finally regain her active lifestyle with the Infinite Socket TF.

“I’m an energetic person. I’m out and about every day doing as much activity as possible.  I love to get myself into anything active, whether it’s outdoor activities or competitive sports–I’ve always been that way.  Then, in 2009, I received a stress fracture to my left foot. The exact moment it happened is unclear, though we suspect it may have happened when I tripped in a parking lot one evening.  Surgery was needed to fix it, and the doctor did a full fusion on my foot. The fusion and all the hardware in my foot ultimately came apart, though I didn’t realize it at the time.  A few years later I couldn’t take the pain anymore and went to have a doctor look at it. In 2013, they tried to reconstruct it. The reconstruction did not go well, and infection set in.  All the hardware in my foot was removed to allow it to heal, but a year later the pain was worse, and my foot was deformed. By the end of 2016, I’d had twelve surgeries to try to save the foot to no avail.  In December of 2016, I became a below knee amputee.  

I got myself a prosthesis and was walking.  However, I was still having trouble and couldn’t figure out why I was in so much pain.  It turns out there was osteomyelitis in my tibia, and in 2017 I opted for a shorter amputation.  A year from then, the pain in my knee from osteomyelitis was still persistent. In April of 2018, I became an above the knee amputee and encountered a whole new set of challenges.  

Below-the-knee sockets had been simple for me.  I had a traditional transtibial socket, and within three months I was out jumping rope and other activities of that nature.  However, when I got my traditional above-the-knee socket, it was the most uncomfortable thing I had experienced in my entire life.  When I first put it on, my reaction was ‘you have got to be kidding me.’ It was limited, heavy and restrictive.  The brim was incredibly awkward in the crotch area and so bulky.  It made me feel really bad. I tried my best but felt that I could only be as good as the socket I had to work with, and the conventional did not work for me.  For many months it sat against my wall, and I was non-weight-bearing for an entire year. The rashes and the rubbing made the socket unwearable, and for months I’d go in once a week for adjustments and band-aid solutions to try and make it bearable.  If I do something I really full-on go for it, and I really tried to make it work. Even so, it just wasn’t usable, and I became really depressed.  

I decided I absolutely had to get walking to stop feeling bad for myself.  A support group I joined on Facebook connected me with LIM, and in April of 2019, I received my Infinite Socket TF.  This thing is absolutely amazing, and I only wish I’d found it sooner. There are so many positive things about the design that make such a difference.  It doesn’t dig into my thigh and groin area because of the low trim, and it’s lightweight as opposed to thick and heavy. The steps I’m taking aren’t restricted as they were in the conventional socket.  The word “breathable” comes to mind; I don’t feel as if my limb is encased in something hard and unnatural. Sitting is also much easier as I can loosen and tighten my socket with the ratchet strap at the top, which is also great for volume fluctuation.  The difference between the Infinite Socket and my old traditional socket is night and day. I’ve done more in the past few weeks than I’ve done in the past year. It made me feel good about myself again.” 

 

Premier Partner Q&A: Anthony Tufano of Mutual Orthopedics

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Anthony Tufano, CP, is the president of Mutual Orthopedics.  He strives to achieve an optimal outcome for every individual patient by combining new technologies with the traditions that have made his long-standing practice a success.

 

Infinite Socket, Mutual Orthopedics
Mutual Orthopedics CP Anthony Tufano with Infinite Socket TF patient

What brought you into the Orthotics and Prosthetics industry?

My practice is third generation.  First was my great-uncle in 1957, then my father, and now myself.  What is now Mutual Orthopedics was officially founded by my father in 1978, and I took over in 2002.  It is one of the oldest companies in the Long Island area. Some of our patients have been with us for forty years.  We have expanded to two offices, one in Brooklyn and one in Long Island, with a sizable prosthetics and orthotics laboratory at the Long Island location.

 

How have you seen the industry change over the course of your career in prosthetics?

The uptake in technology alone has changed the way we practice.  Today, we have access to a whole slew of technology that we did not have previously. We as prosthetists can make people much more comfortable than we could years ago. A while ago, everyone had a standard prosthesis.  That was the challenge back then. It was a lot easier to run the business before, but the technology wasn’t there. Currently, the struggles of operating a practice are related to the changing environment of health care, rather than technological limitations.  Prosthetists are now better able to understand patient needs and fulfill many more of their dreams due to those advancements. As a prosthetist, you want to make your patients more comfortable than they were when they came in. You want them to be able to do things they haven’t been able to do before and to maximize the potential that they have.  The best thing for me to see is a patient coming back after they’ve gotten their prosthesis with parts worn out because they’ve been using it so much.

 

Mutual Orthopedics, Infinite Socket TT-S
Mutual Orthopedics CP Anthony Tufano with Infinite Socket TT-S patient

Can you describe the working relationship you’ve had with LIM Innovations?

I have a long-standing patient who has been with Mutual Orthopedics since the 80s.  About three years ago, he came to me wanting to be fit with the Infinite Socket. After meeting with Geoff, a representative from LIM, we set the process in motion and got the patient fitted. The Infinite Socket is fun to fit, and getting it just right for the patient is a great experience.  Once the fit is flawless, it’s a slam dunk. The appeal of working with LIM is they evolve with you and listen to the input of the prosthetist. It is a collaborative process. Like any product, it has the occasional pitfall now and then, but LIM works efficiently with the clinician to find the optimal resolution.

What would you say are the benefits of the Infinite Socket versus a conventional socket?

In my opinion, the beauty of the Infinite Socket is the adjustability.  It allows for the socket to evolve on a continuous basis along with the patient’s residual limb.  I can get patients to the next level of comfort by tweaking and adjusting to accommodate fluctuations in volume.  The comfort of sitting that the Infinite Socket provides is a huge factor for patients as well. The flexible struts are a draw as well; having something that isn’t rigid when a patient is ambulating on it is a big deal. The Infinite Socket permits a dynamic fitting as opposed to a static one. I love the product.

 

Nancy’s Search for a Better Solution

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Nancy, from Texas, shares her amputation journey, her opinions on the Infinite Socket TF, and discusses her near and long term goals.

Until August of 1989, my life pretty much had been normal as a young mother of three. We had attended a family reunion where I was casually playing a game of baseball. The next day I noticed my left knee was sore but blew it off because of the activities the day before. However, within a few weeks, I wasn’t able to walk without being in severe pain.

This spurred a trip to the doctor, where they took some x-rays and ultimately found a tumor in the bone at the knee joint. I knew my life was going to change forever. On my 31st birthday, September 1989, I took my first step into MD Anderson, a cancer research hospital to undergo further tests. A few weeks later they confirmed it was cancer (osteosarcoma), prompting my year-long battle. In March of 1990, they removed my knee plus some bone above it, replacing it with a mechanical knee and rods.

In 1992 and 1994 the hospital undertook revision surgery because one of the rods cracked, and continued to come loose. The issues continued until 2004, where the doctors warned that if the same thing happened again, there wouldn’t be anything else they could do due to having no more bone to work with.

In 2010 the very same rod broke, with the family not expecting amputation. Every attempt had been made at salvaging the leg, only for them to all fail. That was a hard year! In September of 2011, the decision was made. On September 30 they took the leg; so began a new battle.

Over seven years I had attempted to use five traditional sockets, none of which were usable let alone comfortable. My Mobility was far from where it should have been. I would only wear the leg when I had to go to town or something similar in nature, but never more than four hours a day at most. I hated it! I just wanted to stick to my wheelchair and forget about everything I’d been through.

In searching for something new, something better, I came across the Infinite Socket. My mind said “This is it! this is what you need!” Now I just need to find a prosthetist that would do it, as the one I had wasn’t in favor of it. He wanted me to stick to the traditional socket types, which just wasn’t working out for me, so I reached out to LIM for help finding a prosthetist in my local area who has fit their product before. They duly obliged and connected me to a wonderful prosthetist at Prostheticare, here in Texas. The process of changing prosthetist was easy and simple, and the clinician there did a great job ensuring that I got the best fit possible.

Granted I’ve only had the Infinite Socket for two months now, but I have seen a BIG improvement. It is SO comfortable and my mobility has improved greatly. I’m now wearing my leg 8 to 10 hours a day, every day! I’m able to get around so well that my husband has told me I need to slow down. I feel like my old self again, and finally in tune with my artificial leg. I went with a pin lock system with the ratchet tensioner at the top. I really love the ratchet because it’s easy to adjust the socket throughout the day to find the best fit for me. You’ll never get me in a traditional socket again.

For the first time in seven years, I’m able to go shopping without using one of those electric scooters. I’m now able to walk around the whole store without regrets, pain or sores. With any luck, I should be able to lose some of this weight I put on since the amputation and enjoy living life to the fullest once more.

My goals are to be more helpful to my family and maybe get a part-time job. My family keeps me busy but there is so much more I could do for them.  I think getting a job would help me feel even better about myself to able to contribute financially.

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Two Years on the Infinite Socket TT

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Most don’t recall the date that they received their latest socket. But when the socket you receive changes your life drastically, it becomes a date easy to remember. On May 20, 2016, Jim Demas received his Infinite Socket™ TT and his life changed. With Jim’s permission we are sharing the letter he wrote to commemorate his socket anniversary.


 

“It is impossible to count the number of times I have thanked all of you for the enormous improvements afforded me by this remarkable prosthetic technology you developed.  Furthermore, you are wonderful people whom I truly like and I dearly value.

The Infinite Socket™ TT has allowed me to live my life again.  Whether business or pleasure is involved, I live so much more like I did before my BKA in April 2015.  Case in point, in just this last month alone I was able to pursue more of my hobby of motorsports photography as I returned to shoot the Long Beach Grand Prix. Two weeks ago I shot the Ferrari Challenge at Laguna Seca and spent yesterday at Laguna shooting another event.  All these events require huge amounts of walking and standing under challenging conditions to shoot from the desired vantage points.

As I was traversing the track yesterday and proceeding up a very steep hill to the turn called the Corkscrew, I thought about our 2nd anniversary coming up and how I would not be able to do this without LIM Innovations® and my Infinite Socket™ TT. Three years ago, when I tried doing this with a conventional socket, I had incredible bruising of my leg which landed me in a wheelchair and unable to walk for three weeks! The difference I have experienced with the TT is profound and real. Even though I recognize that there are still very distinct moments where I really must stop myself and not take things for granted, I think about just how incredibly lucky I am to have crossed paths with all of you at LIM and the Infinite Socket™ TT.

 Your hard work and dedication have made my improvement possible.  LIM Innovations® and the Infinite Socket™ TT are among the best decisions I have made in my life.

Mere words seem so inadequate at times in life… but from the bottom of my heart on this 2nd anniversary… Thank You for giving me my life back!”

– Jim Demas

Independence in the Infinite Socket™ TT

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In May 2016, Sol Bernal was in a devastating car accident. As her doctors tried to prepare her father for the possibility that she would not survive, he remained undeterred in his belief that she would pull through. Eventually, her father was faced with an incomprehensible decision, either agree to the amputation of his daughter’s leg below the knee or risk her experiencing a stroke. He chose to allow the surgeons to amputate. Sol survived both the accident and the amputation but would spend the next four months recovering in the hospital.

After her initial recovery, Sol was fitted with a standard carbon fiber rigid suction socket. As her weight continued to fluctuate, she struggled to obtain a comfortable fit within her prosthesis. She quickly became frustrated as her activities became increasingly dependent upon whether her socket would be comfortable on a given day. She felt as if her recovery was being impacted by her socket discomfort.

Sol’s surgeon introduced her to the Infinite Socket™ during a postoperative visit. Eager to move beyond the limitations caused by volume fluctuations, she met with the prosthetic team at 121 Care San Francisco. After learning about the adjustable Infinite Socket™, she knew she found the solution she was seeking.

Soon after she was fit with an Infinite Socket™ TT,  she noticed a difference in comfort. “This socket has changed my life. I go to physical therapy and I am now spending time on a treadmill, learning to properly shift my weight, and climbing stairs.”

Sol continues to work through physical therapy to regain her strength and to master her prosthesis. She plans on going back to work as a pharmacy technician and is eager to return to school to pursue a degree in social work. In the coming months, she plans to resume living independently and driving. Ultimately, she wants to give back to the limb loss/ limb difference community.

Although she still recovering and adjusting to her new normal, Sol is becoming increasingly independent thanks to the adjustable Infinite Socket™ TT.  “Words cannot describe the tremendous gratitude I have for Dr. Laura Pak and the amazing team at 121 Care for introducing me to LIM Innovations®. My life is so much better now!”

Introducing the 4-Hole Base Plate

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In 2014 we successfully launched LIM Innovations® Infinite Socket™ TF, fitting over 1500 patients along the way. To celebrate, we are adding to the current Infinite Socket™TF components with the introduction of the 4-hole base plate.

“Our job is to invent on behalf of our users, and we only move forward with creating products that significantly improve their experience,” states Jeremy Galten, LIM Innovations’ SVP of Product. Galten continues, “The new base plate design, which no longer incorporates the pinch bolt, provides even greater security for the patient while providing clinicians maximum flexibility when connecting components.”

The four-hole base plate allows the clinician to find the optimal offset for limb length and alignment through the built-in line of progression. It continues to offer 5 mm of radial slide and 40º of angular pivot per strut. The 4-hole base plate has been also been designed to maximize structural integrity enhancing peace of mind for both the clinician and the patient.

The technical aspects of the base plate family, which comes in four shapes and sizes are broken down below.

Angular alignment built in (degrees) Posterior offset of knee with respect to socket (mm) Lateral offset of knee with respect to socket (mm)
  0 0 0
  0 22 0
  0 30 20
  15 60 20

 

The 4-hole base plate will be available on all new orders submitted after May 1st.

For further information and to order the Infinite Socket™TF visit the Infinite TF page or call 1-866-612-1998 today.

Honoring Tammy Myers

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It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of beloved LIMLegend Tammy Myers.  Tammy passed away on April 6th after a valiant battle with cancer. A strong voice for the limb loss/ limb difference community, she worked tirelessly to help others adjust and live their best lives. She left a legacy of service to the limb loss community that will continue through her support group Amputees in Motion.  

Tammy became an above knee amputee in 2007 due to a blood clot. Determined to turn a tragedy into a triumph, within one year she rallied and founded her support group. She threw her heart and talents into her support group and helped countless people in the community through her efforts.  Speaking about her group, Tammy said, “I had finally found my passion and my purpose! What a blessing! I started working out, being a social butterfly, not taking no for an answer and learned I was stronger than I ever knew. After speaking to old and young people alike without judgment, I learned one can make a difference. To kick off the inspiring nature of AIM I went skydiving with my son to show that life doesn’t end after amputation; there’s always a way to do things and live your dreams.”

Tammy started to use the Infinite socket™ TF and became one of LIM Innovations® biggest cheerleaders. True to her vibrant personality, she personalized the strut covers with leopard print fabric and proudly talked about her experiences whenever possible. She credited the Infinite socket™ with allowing her to continue to live her life without limits.  

Always quick to pick up the phone to contact somebody in need of a supportive ear, Tammy helped countless amputees adjust to limb loss over the past decade. She made friends wherever she went and was an active peer visitor through the Amputee Coalition. Her bubbly personality helped to bring the timid out of their shells, and she had a knack for making everybody feel comfortable.

Tammy will be deeply missed by those who knew her. The limb loss/ limb difference community is better because of her efforts. We honor her legacy and her spirit. 

Amy’s Life In Motion

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28 years ago Amy’s life was set on a different track when she received the diagnosis of Osteosarcoma. Initially, the physicians were able to save her leg from the ravages of the disease, but she was in constant pain. After a 16 year battle against pain, Amy opted to have her leg amputated above the knee on February 20, 2006. Speaking of the decision to amputate, Amy says, “I have never regretted my amputation. More so now that I have a LIM Innovations® Infinite Socket™.”

Amy was initially fitted with a conventional hard shell socket. She remembers it fitting “okay” in the beginning, but as her limb volume began to shrink and fluctuate, she struggled to get an optimal fit. Many times she was not able to use her prosthesis at all because the socket was so uncomfortable. Frustrated but undeterred, Amy continued to search for other options.

When Amy saw a Facebook Ad featuring the Infinite Socket™. She requested more information and, through that email, set her life on a path towards comfort. “I could not be happier. With the Infinite Socket™, I don’t have the fitting problems I had with the conventional socket. LIM has given me my mobility back.”

“Now when I’m asked about my leg I immediately tell them about my Infinite Socket™. Sometimes I’m asked what LIM stands for and I tell them that I think it means Life In Motion. LIM Innovations® put my life back in motion! Now when I have fluctuation issues from day to day or when working out, I can adjust accordingly, easily and discreetly. My Infinite Socket™ has truly been a blessing.”

With Amy’s living her life in motion, she is setting new goals. She is eager to compete in a mud run and all-terrain challenges; activities that she never dreamed possible when she was struggling with a conventional socket. She is grateful that her Infinite Socket™ allows her to be an active and involved Grandma to her beloved Grandchildren, and she is looking forward to continuing to volunteer with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Oklahoma.

“If I could give one piece of advice, I would encourage anyone to give it a try (Infinite Socket™). Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll never go back to the conventional socket. My above-knee Infinite Socket™ has set my life in motion, and I no longer feel held back by my prosthesis.”

From Physical Therapist To Patient

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In the summer of 2009, Dr. Scott Love donated his time and expertise to help injured servicemen and women returning from the military conflicts. A trained physical therapist, he was eager to help the injured regain their strength and mobility after sustaining injuries in battle. Working in San Antonio, Texas, he quickly put his skills to use by helping young amputee soldiers.  Little did he know that these interactions would impact the rest of his life.

Dr. Love contracted an Acinetobacter bacteria from a soldier who had served in Iraq. The Acinetobacter bacteria, a quick moving flesh-eating bacteria, quickly landed Dr. Love in a coma in the hospital. He woke up 10 days later to the grim news that the bacteria had settled in the metal from his knee replacement.

After fifteen (15) surgeries to salvage the limb, an above-knee amputation became his best option. Upon discharge from the hospital, he was provided with the name of a prosthetist, and he began the process of being fitted for and learning to master a prosthesis.  He was provided with a hard shell socket and a low energy foot, neither of which suited his body and lifestyle.

Dr. Love remembers falling 4-5 times per day due to the ill-fitting and uncomfortable socket. Eventually, he abandoned his prosthesis altogether and fell into a depression. Frustrated with his lack of mobility and out of a desire to escape the world, he medicated himself to sleep throughout the day.

His depression spiraled for a year until he was thrown a lifeline by his previous college advisor who offered him an online teaching position at St. Augustine College. During a visit to his new employer, he was introduced to a new Prosthetist who believed that a better and more appropriate device could be built. Dr. Love was fitted with a subischial vacuum socket with Genium knee and a high energy return foot. He says,  “I Instantly started walking without pain. Instantly started walking semi-normally. I broke down and cried.”

Caption: Ininite Socket™ TF

With his mobility restored, Dr. Love eventually accepted a full-time faculty position at St. Augustine College. He moved to Florida and his life was progressing but he still continued to struggle with socket fit. He did not know that other options existed until he was shown a photo of the LIM Innovations® Infinite Socket™ TF.  Immediately he knew that the Infinite TF would address many of his frustrations.

“I finally got a LIM and it totally rearranged my whole life.  I saved an hour and a half to two hours a day donning and doffing because my other socket was so difficult to wrangle. I get up in the morning. I shower, I put on my LIM leg and keep it on until 9, 10, 11, 12 at night. Before I had to take my leg off from work when I came home from work because it was uncomfortable.”

“The LIM lets me keep up with my active lifestyle. The LIM socket is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I tell every new amputee to get a LIM. They would never want to go anywhere else.”

 

Merlin’s Vader Leg

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In 2003, Merlin received news that shook his world. “You have cancer.” Hearing those three little words changed his life forever. The cancer began in his right foot and traveled to his back. With his body attacked by the disease, he was forced to make life and death decisions. “I had my leg removed below my right knee, then almost all my bones were replaced in my back with a titanium circular construct.”

The recovery was difficult. With his world turned upside down by the diagnosis of cancer and the subsequent amputation, he felt hopeless. “I knew pain and despair so shocking that I cried out many times for God to let me die. But when you are alone in the hospital again, looking for a missing itching limb, God introduced me to Mr. Ung from Lim Innovations®.” He credits this interaction as a turning point in his recovery. “A new meaning replaced the old despair and fear. Once again I could reach tomorrow one step at a time.”

Upon release from the hospital, Merlin received prosthetic care from a local facility. He found the standard socket uncomfortable and difficult to manage. “I was in pain with every step I took.” The rigid socket forced his sensitive limb to conform to an unyielding mold, causing both discomfort and frustration. “The terrible squeezing on my leg from the multiple socks I had to wear in order to keep the leg in place” added further obstacles to his recovery.

After struggling with a conventional socket, Merlin received an adjustable Infinite Socket™ TT by LIM Innovations®. The Infinite Socket™ has transformed Merlin’s amputee experience. “My leg that I was given by LIM is beautiful. NO LONGER AM I IN PAIN WHEN I WALK. I have air bladders that I can adjust at a moments notice.”

Merlin is enjoying life unLIMited with his adjustable Infinite Socket™ TT. In addition to the comfort that comes from being able to adjust his socket for volume fluctuations, he is thrilled with the look of his new socket. “It looks so cool that I call it my Darth Vader Leg. I know that every child who needs a replacement would love a “VADER” leg.”

“I want to thank the entire team for all their Kindness, for returning to me tenderness, compassion, and dignity.”

Adjustment Made Easy

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Hi my name is Lynn De Cola. I have been an amputee for 23 years following a motorcyle accident that claimed my right leg above the knee in 1993.

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I received my first conventional socket in 1993 and it’s rigidity had always caused me issues. The funny thing is that it looks exactly like the conventional sockets offered in 2016, with its flexible inner liner and rigid frame. I became a prosthetist in 1994 when my prosthetist invited me to come see the work he did. I instantly fell in love and he hired me as an O&P assistant, which spurred me on to become ABC certified by Florida state. I learned of the Infinite Socket through O&P edge, and believed the technology could prove a valid alternative to the sockets I fit on a daily basis. I reached out to LIM Innovations and was fit with the Infinite Socket at AAOP 2016.

The first thing I instantly noticed was the shock absorption from the dynamic struts was incredible. Whilst wearing my previous socket, I felt every bump in the road reverberating up my femur. Now it feels like I’m walking on a soft sponge. As I wore the Infinite Socket and became familiar with the functionality of it, I came to notice other benefits. One big difference was that the brim does not stick to skin like a proflex type flexible liner. The soft goods feel great around my groin and rather than trap the limb, capture it along the top. This leads to the Infinite Socket being cooler. I live in Florida, which has a humid climate that affects the way I maintain suction in the socket. While sitting out in sun, my residual limb does not feel like it’s baking in socket either, which is of huge benefit.

On a daily basis, I drive to work and noticed over a period of time that I had an increased range of motion in my hip flexors when I sit. This allows me to drive long distances without the need of removing my prosthesis and redonning upon my arrival. I can use the rowing machine at the gym and even bend down to pick up things I drop by accident. Convenient and comfortable has been unheard of since 1993…

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Naturally, I slow down at the end of the day, but not from painful sockets, but rather from being tired. My activity level has increased dramatically since being fit with the Infinite Socket, and when I arrive back home, I can use the adjustment feature by loosening the ratchet to free the grip around my residual limb. Whilst keeping the socket on, I can actually feel someone’s hand on my lap, the affection of a cat and it’s little paws stomping around in between my struts.

The socket did however, take some getting used to. At first I wanted to take full advantage of the adjustment, and attempted to over tighten the velcro tensioner because I thought the brim should be as tight as possible so as not to slide off.

Of course the tensioner broke, and I was left to make do with my old socket for one day until a new one was shipped. The turn-around times at LIM’s production facility is impressive and their flexibility to cover damages to the socket is unheard of these days.

On another occasion, my brim failed. The version which I was fit with originally had foam around the top of the brim. Once that had flattened out, I was able to feel the plastic interior digging into my groin. I provided feedback and images to the clinical team, and LIM sent out a brand new model with silicon rope along the top to counteract this issue. GOLDEN!

The adjustability of the Infinite Socket is always going to provide some durability kickbacks with parts as consistently seen on anything that moves. The important thing to remember is the quality of my life has dramatically improved as a result of my adjustable modular prosthetic socket.

Doing it for the Kids

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On November 7, 2013, I was scheduled for a Gastric Sleeve procedure for weight loss. I woke up November 23 with a huge dialysis machine next to my bed and a bunch of other medical devices connected to me. At this moment, I learned that my surgery was unsuccessful and I had just woken up from a 15-day induced coma. The doctor explains that my legs had been amputated due to complications with the procedure. During the surgery, a surgeon had punctured my aorta and I lost 4 liters of blood. My legs had died at this point and were amputated above the knee.

I went back to my hometown on Jan. 1, 2014, but reality started to sink in, and I knew nothing from now on was going to be easy.  After a few therapy sessions, I regained strength in my upper body and received my first set of traditional sockets around June. I could not even take a step without falling. However, I had to get my mobility back no matter what, even if it was on a wheelchair. I work 40+ hours a week and have two toddlers (Charlie 5 and Sofia 3) and I had to do this for them.  They deserved their Dad, to be taken out to the park, play games, and have a father to look up to as a role model.

A few months later, I was fortunate enough to get hand controls installed in my truck. My Kids and I went everywhere together; life started to feel normal again, but, I was still not walking. I started gaining weight, which was a huge deal because that was what got me here in the first place. I attended a few therapy sessions a month, but it was not enough for me to learn to walk again as my sockets would hurt so much. I started packing socks for comfort and I finally started walking with one hand on the rail. In early February 2015, I started to let go of the parallel bars and finally started walking unassisted, though I spent 90% of my day in the wheelchair.

I attended a Bilateral above the Knee Amputee Bootcamp and met other amputees who encouraged and taught me so much in regards to dealing with my amputation. I was so inspired that in July 2015 I hung my wheelchair to collect dust in the garage and haven’t touched it to this day. During all this time, my legs had reduced dramatically and I was wearing four to five socks in each socket. They were so large, that I was able to fit most of my arm on the sides of the sockets. I was casted for another two pairs of sockets later and I could not walk on them at all.

I kept seeing pictures and videos on Facebook of this company called LIM Innovations. So I began to research what this adjustable socket was all about. Since I fluctuate in volume so much from my leg, I was very interested in this technology, which I hoped would put the end to my use of socks.

In December 2015, I received my Infinite Sockets, and although it took a while for my sockets to fit properly, the tweaks and fittings that my Prosthetist was able to make with the clinical specialist from LIM present, it really proved a worthwhile experience.

They’ve been the most comfortable socket I’ve had; I am able to walk all day with no pain in my groin area nor in my stump area. My old socket pegged me into walking one particular way and it has nearly ruined my whole body in the process. The Infinite Socket, feels as if it is allowing me to reclaim a fair amount of meaningful space for control. Today, I put my sockets on at 7am and take them off at 11pm, Monday through Sunday. I am able to work like I used to and take care of my family. I love the confidence that I have with them; I am able to be a drummer playing live gigs again.

My Fiancé Tracy and I got engaged recently. She’s been by my side since I was on wheels, through watching me fall face first on the floor when trying my stubbies even to this day. We’ve been through thick and thin for sure. I know that there’s so many challenges ahead for us, but with each other’s support, we get through anything.  We are crazy in love and will be getting married in August in Laredo, Texas. I love life and I’m so happy that I get to share moments with my loved ones!  We only have this one life, and I’m grateful for this second chance. It’s made me stronger than I’ve ever been.

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Dan's Advocacy Mission

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My name is Dan McMullan and I am an above-knee amputee. In 1984, when I was 21 years old, I lost my leg in a motorcycle accident that broke nearly every bone in the right side of my body. My parents passed away in 1970, and I was dealing with my medical issues largely on my own. As a young disabled person, with minimal parental support, it was particularly difficult to receive quality care.

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After 14 months recovering in a hospital, I reached a stable state and was transferred to a Hospital in California. The first night I was in the hospital, a disabled woman died in a bathtub accident due to malpractice. I left in fear and spent the next decade, homeless, with no medical care.

Whilst homeless, I spent nearly an entire week sleeping on the steps of the Social Security office, taking a number every morning, hoping they would call me. By the end of the week, a representative approached me, and I walked out with my first disability check in eight years. This inspired me to become an activist for people with disabilities. I was able to get off the streets and regain a normal lifestyle, because I actively pursued whatever prosthetic care I could get, and I want to make sure other people have the same opportunities.

I am now 52 years old, and have transitioned into Medi-Cal coverage in California. I have been wearing a prosthesis for 21 years, but there are still obstacles to overcome. As an advocate for people with disabilities and the homeless, I feel the need to improve care for the vulnerable Medicare population. All amputees, regardless of coverage, deserve to have the same life experiences available to them that I now have. Most amputees are not athletes or young active patients. The vast majority are Medicare eligible individuals that struggle with volume control, poor fit, and comfort. I firmly believe that the Infinite Socket should be a prosthetic socket solution that is available to them, and I would recommend empowering them to function with purpose in their communities.

Achieving prosthetic enablement is a process in itself. Each amputee’s needs and abilities change over time, especially in terms of limb fluctuation. Instead of living within device specifications, the Infinite Socket is a device that actually grows and evolves with you as your needs and abilities change. This allows me to work meaningfully towards day-to-day challenges such as walking without the fear of my leg falling off.

Yes, LIM’s process may be different, but their ideologies are all on the right tracks. By providing amputees with the comfort, control and adjustability amputees often crave for, they have provided an alternative that is available with Medicare/Medi-Cal. They want to work with prosthetists, they want to work with amputees, and want to make evolutions to a product that is both conceptually different and unique in it’s custom design with varying suspension styles and tensioning options for the brim.

Today I am married with three kids, and a Commissioner on the Human Welfare and Community Action Commission for the City of Berkeley. My organization, Disabled People Outside Project, helps people with disabilities live with dignity and independence. I am blessed to truly understand how people experience disability and homelessness, and hope to use my experience to improve access to care for people with disabilities and the homeless.

Tammy's Journey to Inspire

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Our monthly installation – Then and Now – features #LIMLegend Tammy Myers and her heartfelt journey post amputation, inspiring others along the way.   

Tammy

 

My life was pretty average before moving to Decatur, Texas. I was a stay at home Mom, grandmother of three, a little adventurous, and with a deep love for water and the outdoors. With my Son attending a new high school and me juggling unpacking with Christmas shopping, it was an extremely busy time for me. I was having some leg cramps that worsened rapidly until I could no longer ignore them. I couldn’t walk around in a store without looking for a bench or stopping to rub my leg & wondering if I would make it to the car.

Fortunately, I happened to have an appointment with my doctor that day in what became a pivotal moment in my life! A day I never forget! 12-14-07. I went in for a routine Doppler and never actually got out of hospitals and rehabs until the end of January. The Doppler showed a clot in my artery behind my knee. I remember leaving to get in car to go eat with my family and the Doctor calling me back into the ward or risk me losing my foot. I was thinking “Yeah right! Is he serious?”

I remember people being there intermittently after being admitted for my five procedures. The surgeon wanted to take my leg off at the hip but my family refused. They had me transferred to St. Paul where the surgery took place through the night Christmas Eve into the following festive day. They were able to save my leg above my knee. It was hard, I won’t lie. I had only gone in for a Doppler and cramping and here I was with one leg amputated above the knee.

I did not know any other amputee; I was in severe pain and didn’t know what to expect next. A new way of live was soon to begin, relearning to do things everyone take for granted. I was determined to be as independent as possible and quickly started physical therapy where Brett Braziel taught me how to think out of the box not only with my therapy but in life in general where only “I CAN!” was accepted.

I noticed there was a need in the amputee community that wasn’t being fulfilled, where I knew I could make a positive difference. Following this realization, in 2008 I founded a support group for the community and outlying areas called ‘Amputees In Motion’. I had finally found my passion and my purpose! What a blessing! I started working out, being a social butterfly, not taking no for an answer and learned I was stronger than I ever knew. After speaking to old and young people alike without judgment, I learned one can make a difference. To kick off the inspiring nature of AIM I went skydiving with my son to show that life doesn’t end after amputation; there’s always a way to do things and live your dreams.

Unfortunately, 2008 was a rough road filled with multiple health and leg issues, and elected to have a revision to have staff scraped from the bone and the limb cut shorter. After having a blood clot up my arm to my brain they finally diagnosed me with a rare disorder that I would have never know about had I not lost my leg.

Today I can say all these things make me a stronger and better rounded woman. I’m the Founder of Amputees In Motion, a registered peer visitor with the Amputee Coalition, proud LIM Ambassador as well as belonging to multiple Women’s groups to help inspire, motivate others. Since I’ve lost my leg I have gone skydiving, parasailing, inner tubing, zip-lining, and taken a cruise with the Amputee Coalition.  

Over the years I’ve had several traditional sockets. I’m so thankful I found LIM Innovations. My limb is constantly fluctuating due to the activities I take part in, but I no longer have to worry how my limb will fit in the socket. My socket just adjusts to the shape of my limb, no matter where I am, with the crank of the ratchet fastener around the brim. No more stomping in the morning when I wake up. I keep the socket on all day, walking with unparalleled comfort that allows me to participate in all my activities. In the future I would like to try and run a 5k!

My socket is very unique in the way it was developed, for I have custom leopard print strut covers as well as this dynamic design, that act as a way to start conversations and open doors to educating others. I hope to continue helping others achieving what they want to do, and try new things with my Infinite Socket including getting through the Texas heat!

I just want to tell the whole World about LIM and why it’s important for all of us to be able to choose comfort and technology. In order for amputees to live a life that’s productive, it’s vital that we get a say in what prosthesis want. Everyone should all be able to have dreams like walking our first 5k, be a member on a rowing team, (my secret dream haha) or just walking comfortably round a shop without pain, and with LIM’s Infinite Socket I feel like all this could one day be possible. 

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NEW PUSH FOR PINT-SIZED MEDICAL DEVICES

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Seeing Miyah happy and living an active lifestyle in her LIM socket is what inspires our team to keep innovating. At three years old, she’s already overcome more adversity than most and we’re excited to see her grow up with the chance to do whatever she puts her mind to. Miyah and her prosthetist, Brent at Eastpoint Prosthetics and Orthotics, are  helping spur an evolution from the outdated and outsized medical devices currently used with children to a brand new era of pint-sized versions tailored for kids’s needs. We couldn’t be more proud to be a part of that.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Improvise isn’t a word parents want to hear from their kid’s doctor. Yet pediatric specialists too often have to jury-rig care because many of the medical devices needed to treat sick children were built for adults.

A birth defect left Miyah Williams with one leg missing at mid-thigh. The prosthetic leg she received as a toddler came with such a painful, sweat- and sore-inducing socket; a rigid cup connecting the leg to her thigh that she refused to wear it. Part of the problem is size. Now families are starting to demand solutions to address the issue and rightly so.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4fZcqCtS_Y&w=560&h=315]

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My First ACA National Conference

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Here at LIM Innovations we pride ourselves on the diversity of our team. We have a fantastic group of engineers, designers, machinists, clinicians, and amputees with relevant experience in the field. With such a diverse group working behind the scenes, we invite you to join one of our staff members each week for an in-depth look at what they bring to table. It is our goal to provide our loyal reader’s a behind-the-scenes look at LIM Innovations. Ranjit Steiner, Marketing Director, picks up the pen this week to discuss his first experience at the ACA National Conference.

 

If I Had It My Way Video

I attended my first ACA National Conference last week in Arizona.

I have been an amputee for nearly five years, and have learned a lot in that time. I can still remember my first track meet four years ago. I walked up to Kortney Clemons, whose videos I had been watching on YouTube since deciding to amputate my leg, and asked him if I could warm up with him. Without hesitation, he introduced himself and told me to jump right in. Last season, I was on the other end of the table. I was on the infield warming up, when a new Paralympic hopeful came up to me and asked if he could join me in my warm up.

Attending the ACA National Conference reminded me of those moments, because I was exposed to both ends of the spectrum again. This time I was right in the middle of it all. I learned from more experienced amputees, and provided whatever experience I have to newer amputees.

LIM Innovations took center stage at the event. We had a booth on the showroom floor, hosted a product workshop, participated in a panel discussion on advancements in prosthetic socket technology, and sponsored the first Night Under the Stars event.

The Night Under the Stars event proved to be the highlight of the conference. We launched a video campaign “If I had it my way”, where amputees were asked to introduce themselves and share what they would do with their life if they had it their way. We had nearly 40 participants of all different backgrounds. The answers ranged from singing and dancing again to giving away legs to children in need, and everything in-between. The goal is to impact health insurers and policy makers to provide better care and coverage for advanced prosthetic technology.

What I was not expecting, was the drawn-out emotional responses and personal connection to the question. I began to wonder how many people had truly thought about what they would do if they had it their way prior to that moment on camera. It was an eye-opening experience to see people share such personal and intricate details of their lives with a complete stranger. Being behind that camera is an experience I would not trade for anything else.

I am hopeful that this campaign will have a lasting impact, not only on the people who participated and shared their stories with us, but also on Capitol Hill.

LIM Innovations has compiled a short video, capturing a snippet of each person’s response, to take to Capitol Hill. We hope to use this video to influence policy, and improve the access to care for amputees.

We hope you enjoy the video, encourage you to share it on your social media networks, and invite you to contact us to find out how you can work with LIM Innovations and the Amputee Coalition to take action and lobby for your limb.

If you would like to get involved, please reach out to me at rsteiner@liminnovations.com or check out the Amputee Coalition’s Grassroots Advocacy Center.

LIM Innovations encourages all of our followers to sign the petition to rescind the recent Medicare proposal. We support our LIM Certified Providers, Infinite Socket users, and the rest of the amputee community to improve access to care and advanced prosthetic technology.