Oh the fun one can have when getting a new leg made, I think the puns could keep rolling and rolling…or maybe I should have said the puns could just keep coming off and off…

 

I spent the past few days at the Prosthetics HQ of Australia – APC Prosthetics (admittedly, I may have some personal biases given brilliant results in the past).  I was introduced to the world of APC Prosthetics by all round legend, Don Elgin; I haven’t looked back since.

 

To help paint the picture a little – between the four founders, APC was built on a foundation of over 100 years of combined clinical experience. After 15 years, APC is now recognised as the benchmark service to the Amputee community and situated within an advanced environment that rivals the best in the world. If you are an amputee, APC is definitely the place to be, and you will be in good hands!

 

Prof Leg working his magic during casting

 

First thing Monday morning was Step 1 of PLM– smiley faces and getting plastered. For some reason this stage of PLM always brings out the kid in me – I love having stumpy covered in mushy, white stuff and watch as it sets to a rock solid compound. And then I enjoy getting the happy faces drawn on the rock solid compound in bright purple pencil, or in the scientific sense, marking on off the bony landmarks. Stumpy had quite a few.

 

Getting plastered up and legless!

 

Off Hannah waltzes into the distance to sit in her PhD office for the day (tough life, see pics below). Meanwhile, the team of technicians and prosthetists at APC are busily transforming the cast into a plaster mould, add a little carbon, attach a foot, a bit of genius and experience, and leave to set over night.

 

My PhD office for the day – views of Central Station + Hyde Park

 

 

Step 2 of PLM is testing of the socket. Imagine getting a new pair of shoes, it can be a similar experience getting the new leg. Each new leg has different nuances – you weight-bear slightly differently, it feels weird, and it might need wearing-in. However, I had a similar experience to when I got my new Nike Yellow shoes – it felt like I was walking air (for those interested, see my previous post).

 

Pain and the body’s ability to adapt is an interesting concept. However, when you suddenly take away that pain, if feels like you have swallowed a magical elixir – maybe an amputee version of Viagra (although, this case I can’t speak from experience). I tested the new leg over the next 48 hours, and still, no sore spots and life is good again.

 

One cannot put a price on having a good leg man; it enables you to literally live life to the fullest. I am extremely grateful to the whole team at APC Prosthetics, from Prof Legg and Cam, to all the amazing team on the front desk, and Daniel/Josh/Tommo for conversations/lifts to and from the station. I am also extremely grateful to Evolution Industries, the suppliers of my brilliantly coloured liners, these guys also go be the mantra that life needs to be lived in colour!

 

My brand new leg with super cool Evolution Industries Inc liner – won’t be loosing them in a hurry

 

Step 3 of PLM – go and life  to the max with the new leg. I think I have that one under control!

 

Until next time,

Ride safe, ride with a smile, ride in the moment.

Han

 

Any votes for this as my next leg design?