Hello,
I have a patient who must weigh 350 lbs. We found the ALPS suspension
sleeve (it’s silicone) to be a big help with severely obese patients…. it
seems to stay out and not roll down.
As for shrinker and socks, you might try coolmax socks (don’t know the brand
name)– they are more elastic than most socks. And if the shrinker rolls
down, you can modify a shrinker by sewing dacron straps to it and attaching
those to some type of waist belt. Not an elegant solution, but it works.
Good luck,
Bill Lifford, C.P.
>Greeting again!
>I have a very heavy BK patient. She is about 60 years, diabetic, weighs
appox
>250 to 300 lbs. The residual limb is not a bad shape, however, her thigh
>above the knee is extremely fleshy and flabby. (Circumference of upper
thigh
>is 29 inches). My problem is finding shrinkers and socks that do not roll
>down her leg. My other problem is suspending the prostheses. I have been
>using a neoprene suspension sleeve now because I do not think she would
>tolerate a thigh lacer, because of weight, bulk, and difficulty of
>application. She is now able to stand with assistance, but unable to walk
>more than a step or two. I do not think she will be using her leg for more
>than transfers, but would like for her to have it for these purposes. If
>anyone has any experience with fitting a patient such as this, I would be
>happy to hear from you. Sincerely, Paula Martinek.
>