Listserv subscribers:
The initial query was about the DAW Cinch suspension. One reply was
received:
Matthew C. Daniels, CP
Practice Manager
Hanger P&O, Quincy, IL
MD> If you’ve had the same prosthesis for 20+ years, and it works, and
you liked it, why not get a properly fit one with that style of
suspension and interface again?
This is what happened when I got the old prosthsis fit in about 1985 or
so. Chuck Dillard, CPO, [now retired] was then fitting the Iceross 3-S
system, and he thought I would be a good candidate. If memory serves,
it used a pin in the bottom of the socket. We tried it and even after
nearly fifteen years, my distal stump was so sensitive (it still is)
the suction and downward pull of the suspensuion caused incredible
pain. Not discomfort. Serious pain.
Chuck advised me that I “would get used to it and after a few weeks
it would be very comfortable.” I suggested that I had no desire to
experience pain for a few weeks. Been there after my leg was amputated
in ’69. It hoit. It’s my stump so let’s go back to where we belong.
The fitting was done with the proviso if it did not suffice, we would
go back to my PTB, 3x wool sock, and I think I began using a Jim Smith
suspension. We did and I can wear it to this day, in spite of a volume
change since 1985. We get old—and if we don’t exercise, we get fat.
MD> Go with what works. Your prosthetist might not like the idea, or
might even think of it as a “downgrade” in design, but they’re not
walking in it. If nothing else have them duplicate the old shape and
enlarge it until you get a nice 3 ply fit again. You just might be
better off!
Exactly sir. I was better off for fifteen years.
Thank you for the response.
Wayne Renardson
