11/28/2015
With the end of the 2015 year rapidly approaching, be sure that you have the replacement prosthetic supplies that you need to function in the new year. Many of my patients have maxed out their deductible for the year, and securing replacement supplies now, will save them the out of pocket expenses they will incur if they wait until 2016.
Prosthetic gel liners and suspension sleeves, stretch out over time and accumulate bacteria and odors. Signs that your liners are worn out include: pinching in the back of the knee joint, loose fit at the top border, cracks or discoloration of the gel, and a strong smell. Signs that your sleeves need to be replaced include: strange noises when you walk, like hissing, or a whoosh sound at heel strike, air trapped in the sleeve, lack of sealing at the top, either with the skin, or the liner underneath. If you feel like your leg is falling off when walking, you probably need new prosthetic supplies.
If you are using, socks to adjust your fit, be sure to get new single, and multi-ply socks, along with shrinkers if you use them. Normally, after one year post-op you do not need to use a shrinker anymore. However, there are patients that do benefit from wearing a shrinker at night. If you are having problems in the morning getting your prosthesis on, you may be prone to volume changes, and a shrinker will help you maintain a consistent fit.
Currently, most of the insurance companies will pay for, two new liners, two new sleeves (if you use a sleeve), 6 single ply socks, 6 multi-ply socks, and two shrinkers. You need to have two liners, so you can wash one and wear one. Some providers only give their patients one liner, I do not recommend this, as it promotes poor hygiene, skin problems, and reduces the life of your liner as there is no time for it to snap back into shape. A liner is like a rubber band, it will wear out faster if constantly stretched, this will increase your sweating, and the chance of a fungal infection on the skin of your remaining limb.
This is also a good time to get a "tune-up". If you changed shoes recently, your alignment may need to be adjusted. If you have a prosthesis with a valve in it, it may need to be cleaned out. This are all simple things that can be done to improve your prosthetic fit and function. Normally, there is no additional charge for minor adjustments.
If you have recently lost or gained weight you may need a new socket, or even a new foot. A 10% change in weight up or down, can impact limb size and shape. This can also impact your foot selection. Prosthetic feet are matched in stiffness to your height, weight and activity. If your activity had increased, or your weight has gone up or down the foot can be too stiff or too soft. Most insurance companys will pay for a new socket or foot if this is the case for you.
I recommend you meet with your prosthetist first, before you order new supplies. It is important to make sure the current, liners, sleeves, socks and shrinkers, all fit properly. I often have to order a smaller size liner, sock or shrinker for my patients, due to changes in their body shape, and residual limb. This is a good time to address problems you are having with your prosthetic. Maybe a different, liner, sleeve, sock or shrinker will be a better choice for you. You can not always retrofit a new liner into an old socket that was designed around a specific liner, but sometimes this is possible.
Technology is changing daily. New materials are being discovered. Your prosthetist is your main care giver that is responsible for a big part of your mobility, and should be open to your ideas and questions. Be sure to ask, any questions you have. I recommend you see your prosthetist every six months regardless of whether or not your having problems. Insurance will pay for new supplies every six months.
