About me, my current prostheses and the people that helped me walk again.
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The accident that took both my lower legs happened on January 26, 1998. I am amputated about 4 inches below the knee on the right, about 5 inches on the left. Back then, I did not believe I would ever walk again, but with the help of some very fine and carring people, I am up and around again. I do just about everything I used to, and I walk without the use of a cane. I have about 95% of my mobility back. Many, many thanks to those who helped make this possible. I will always be grateful to you. Dr. Mary Ann Miknevich, thank you very much for your continued care and efforts. You played a big part in making it possible for me to walk again. MD - Medical Rehabilitation Inc. Dr. Mary Ann Miknevich 1350 Locust Suite #105 Pittsburgh, PA. 15219 (412) 232-7608 She also runs all the amputee clinics around the Pittsburgh area, the one I attend is called SHORE. It is located at 2000 Oxford Drive Bethel Park Park PA. 15102, 1st floor, 1st door on your left. 412-835-7100. Call by 11 AM to get your appointment time. This clinic is on the 1st Wednesday of every month. There are no real appointments, it is 1st come, 1st serve. It is very important for follow up. The orthopedic surgeon and the prosthetist will be there. Both will determine if your prostheses are right for you and your life style. There are other clinics all over the Pittsburgh Area, please call her to find a location near you. Linus R. Barch, from the Pennsylvania Office of Occupational and Vocational Rehabilitation for their help and financial contribution. OVR / Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Linus R. Barch 217 State Office Building 300 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 USA (412) 392-5986 Joe Turner, of HealthSouth - Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital, many thanks, it was a pleasure working with you. HealthSouth Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital Washington Outpatient Center Joe Turner, PT 351 West Beau Street Washington, PA 15301-4613 USA (724) 223-0300 Drew Buffat and Christian Been, of De La Torre Prosthetics who spent endless hours working with me to get these prostheses to fit just right. Without your help, I would not be walking the way I do. Many thanks also to the rest of the De La Torre staff. De La Torre Prosthetics Drew Buffat / Christian Been 382 West Chestnut Street Washington, PA 15301 Telephone : (724) 225-1221 Fax : (724) 225-1496 Appointments: (412) 599-1105 |
These prostheses use a negative suction system, which makes them comfortable and secure. The foot is a brand new design, called the Flex Foot Allurion (LP Vari Flex), which is made by the Ossur Company. I wear a gel liner (6mm) on the inside, a thinner gel seal on the outside makes everything airtight. Both liners are made by the Ohio Willow Wood Company. This new foot design is by far the best I have tried. Thanks again for all your time and effort, Drew and Christian, it is always a pleasure working with you. Prior to this, I wore the Luxon Max DP Foot and before that, the Pathfinder Foot, you can see it at the links below. Both feet were good in there own way, but the Flex Foot is better. It has all the comforts, flexibility, stability and shock absorption of the Pathfinder, but has the weight of the Luxon Max DP. I feel like I am walking on air.
They were built by: Christian Been De La Torre Prosthetics 382 West Chestnut Street Washington, PA 15301 Telephone : (724) 225-1221 Fax : (724) 225-1496 Appointments: (412) 599-1105
The Ohio Willow Wood Company released the Pathfinder foot at the end on 1999:
Happiness is not having what you want, it is wanting what you have.
Enjoy your LIFE, you only get to live it once.
Peace...Jurgen
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Current as of Febryaury 2nd 2004.
