Time for an Upgrade (Part 3)

I invite you to walk with me through the process of getting a new prosthetic arm. I’m journaling the steps along the way. You can interact with me by sharing thoughts and comments on this post.

FEEL GOOD, WORK GOOD, LOOK GOOD. That’s been my prayer for my new prosthetic arm. This week, I came one step closer to seeing that prayer answered.

It’s been three months since my last appointment. During that time, Tess, my prosthetist, sent specific suggestions for a prosthesis to my primary care doctor. The doctor then submitted his recommendations to the insurance provider. Once the cost was approved, Tess ordered the parts. Fillauer in Chattanooga manufactures made-to-order parts. The mechanical hand and its vinyl glove came from there. The Ergo Elbow came from Ottobock in Germany.

One purpose of this visit was to get the alignment correct from upper arm to elbow to forearm to hand. I stood with my heels against the wall while Tess and her husband, Josh, worked to match my left arm to my right. I think it looks great, don’t you?

Another goal was to make the length from shoulder to the bend of the elbow the same as my right arm. Wow. Wow. Wow. They got it to match exactly.

Many thanks to Tess and Josh at McNeill Prosthetics Lab for their attention to detail. My life will be better because they care in such a big way.

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“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” Psalm 18:32 (NIV)

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Read “Time for an Upgrade (Part 1)” HERE.

Read “Time for an Upgrade (Part 2)” HERE.

Time for an Upgrade (Part 2)

I invite you to walk with me through the process of getting a new prosthetic arm. I’m journaling the steps along the way. You can interact with me by sharing thoughts and comments on this post.

Years ago, I attended a support meeting for amputees. When my eyes scanned the circle, I realized every person was wearing a prosthetic leg—except me. I instantly became the celebrity of the evening. My new friends were ever so curious about upper-extremity devices.

Prosthetic arms only make up about ten percent of all prosthetic limbs. Because of that, advances in arm technology have been slower than advances for legs. And finding a prosthetist who specializes in arms? Well, that’s a difficult endeavor. So, you see why I appreciate Tess at McNeill Prosthetics Lab so much.

Using last week’s cast, Tess poured a plaster mold to replicate my upper arm. Then over that mold, she made a clear plastic test socket for me to try on today.

The test socket fit well and felt comfortable. I requested it be a little looser—a personal preference of mine. So, we made a few minor adjustments. Now, on to the next step!

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“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior … He has performed mighty deeds with his arm.” Luke 1:47,51 (NIV)

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Read “Time for an Upgrade (Part 1)” HERE.

Time for an Upgrade (Part 1)

I invite you to walk with me through the process of getting a new prosthetic arm. I’m journaling the steps along the way. You can interact with me by sharing thoughts and comments on this post.

In the world of cell phone generations, my device has reached senior adulthood. Seven years and going strong. Why should I replace it, spending time on set up and getting used to all the changes?

For those same reasons, my prosthesis is even older than my cell phone. The arm has served me well for a decade, but now it’s time for an upgrade.

Today I had an appointment at McNeill Prosthetics Lab in Birmingham, Alabama. My friend, Tess McNeill, will be making my new arm. Like me, she was born without a left elbow, forearm, or hand. Who better to understand my needs? She is a skilled prosthetist and assistant professor for the prosthetics program at Alabama State University.

The appointment included an evaluation of my needs and the casting of my upper arm. I’ll return in a week for the next step. I’ll keep you posted!

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“This is God’s generous truth; embrace it with both arms!” (1 Peter 5:12 MSG)