First Post & Introduction

March 9 2019

I am a LAK (Left Above Knee) amputee. For three years now I have been using a prosthetic knee and foot. The thing I have learned the most, is how little I know.

I see often amputees get an initial substandard leg, that they are quite happy with. Then a few years later they get an "upgrade" and again they are happy. This gradual improvement frustrates many patients. Why didn't they get the good stuff at first. Why should they buy upgrade after upgrade. Some one is getting rich off these gradual improvements.

I keep asking myself why I can't get a prosthetic leg that is better than my removed leg. I want to run faster and jump high than I did before.

My decision to do a blog on the various prosthetic devices I get to try out, and use daily, is based on the lack of non-manufacturer information available on the Internet.

Seldom is an amputee given all the available options regarding prosthetics. Most Prosthetists have access to a limited range of products. The commission a Prosthetist gets, often determine which product a patient gets.

Most prosthesis manufacturers supply the Military with prosthesis. The military has deep pockets and will spent almost 10 times the budget that I have available for prosthetics and rehabilitation. The result of this is the astronomical prices charged by manufacturers.

I am very lucky to have a progressive minded Prosthetist. He often "loans" me new or used prosthetics to try out.

Buying on Ebay has many pitfalls awaiting the prosthetic user. I have bought 5 prosthetic devices on Ebay, and all have either been un-serviceable, or they broke, or wore out within months. As an ex-aircraft mechanic, I do my best to revive them.

Prosthetic manufacturers do their best to keep their intellectual property out of the hands of the customer. Most manufacturers will not service, repair, or maintain any prosthetic device unless you can "prove" you are the original purchaser. They will give you no help or share any knowledge with you regarding the repair, or service of any of their products. You are supposed to buy a new one from them. Profit seems to trump ethics and morals.