Some Tips...

Several people have written to me asking more about the sleeves that I'm wearing in the biking photo. (previous post) I've noticed since altering my prosthesis that my residual limb is much warmer in the socket. Now, don't get me wrong, the socket is often pretty warm, but with the carbon fibre 'skin' on the forearm, the socket is MUCH warmer, particularly during the seasons when I am not wearing a jacket. I am wearing sunsleeves, sold by Coolibar. They are known for selling clothing with sun protection. I have two sets of sleeves: a white paisley and a black paisley. They are easy to don and doff and easy to clean. I have found the 'sun sleeves' to be particularly helpful for two purposes. In the summer, I use a light-colored sleeve over the prosthesis and extending over my upper arm -It protects my skin from burning, and my carbon 'skin' from collecting to much heat so my socket is actually a little cooler. In the winter, I wear a dark sleeve in the same way. I truly don't notice my socket being cooler in the winter; I think it's warmer than without the carbon. One could use the coolibar sleeve over the residual limb and in the socket as well and it will likely keep the arm warmer in the socket during winter sports.

You can find this product at www.coolibar.com

Other products that are helpful to manage perspiration include an anti-perspirant made by Certain Dri, available in the pharmacy. If you are opposed to using too many chemicals, you can also use fabric with good wicking qualities, such as the titanium lines offered by Columbia, Avia, and UnderArmour to name a few. You can use a long-sleeved shirt of this material and twist it around the end of the residual limb (similar to a shrinker) and then fold it back onto the arm. Of course, you could also cut off the sleeve of a long-sleeved shirt and then use it the same way (but why ruin a shirt that you might actually wear over the prosthesis at some other point?!). You might find the material at a fabric store -or be able to purchase from the manufacturer directly to sew your own sleeve. Should you do this, be sure to wear it with the seam on the outside, and not against your skin!

 

Reader Inquiry

I know that I promised an entry devoted to swimming... and it's coming! Sometimes my readers send requests to me via my posted personal e-mail; and I do try to respond. With permission, I like to post your questions or dilemmas and even some of my tips/tricks for solving these inconveniences. Since I have permission, and the problem is a common one it is worthwhile to share. So, read on...

My reader wrote:

"It was great meeting you... Thanks for helping me out with those tricks and tips.I love your blog. There is so much information that I had questions to and you answered them for me.
I have a problem, I have a few pants with zippers on the left side. Because I'm missing my left forearm, it makes it impossible to wear these pants. Do you have any suggestions on how I can zip up the pants, without me tossing them in the trash?And if you have any other tips, please send them to me. I'll keep checking your blog."

The suggestions:

Tell me more about the clothing... is there a button also? And does the fabric have any 'give' to it (stretchiness) vs being stiff like denim? Pants with a little lycra are easier because the fabric moves around our curves better.

     *If the pants have a button, you can use something called a "button extender" typically sold in the men's department because many shirts fit a man's body but the neck is often too tight. There is also a pant button extender on the market, typically sold on line. If you use the button extender, you could pre-button the pants, and pull them up.

     *To fasten the zipper, you can "hold" the bottom of the zipper by pushing up against a wall or a table. Run a string through the hole in the zipper pull and reach across your body with your right hand and pull the zipper up. Then tuck the string into your pants. It works really well if you use clear plastic thread---- it's strong and invisible if it works its way out of your waistband.

     *You can also use an assistive device called a zipper pull. It's a little hook with a long handle, typically about 6 inches long. It will help you to reach the zipper on the left side ofyour body with your right hand.

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There is often more than one way to accomplish a task. You change the outcome by simply re-positioning your self or the objects being used.
Questions? Suggestions? Feel free to write to me at b.able2@yahoo.com

Dancing Feet.. and even Wheels!

Although I have every intention of addressing the topic of swimming ... accompanied by some 'tips and tricks' for those of us with apparent upper extremity asymmetry... please indulge me while I digress. Truthfully, the weather here has been less than helpful; I am disinclined to photo-shoot with tornado warnings and thunderstorms looming. In the meantime however, and in the spirit of fun and happiness I am sharing something that a dear friend (you know who you are!) sent it to me..... Check it out, enjoy and pass it on.... it is sure to bring a smile to even the grumpiest curmudgeon!

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120710.html

UH OH...Summer is ...

Oh my goodness... It's AUGUST!! Where has the time gone?! I hope that you are all enjoying the summer as much as I am! I apologize (again!) for so very much time having passed since writing. Truly, we have been enjoying the amazing weather and the great activities that summer in New England offers. One of my favorites is biking. My husband I purchased new bikes this year. Let me tell you about mine... It's made by Specialized and has 21 speeds. This model is a hybrid style that can be used both on- and off-road. (We bought our bikes from Family Bike, East Longmeadow. The technicians there were fantastic about making my accommodations, offering suggestions and getting me on the road!) We had the rear brake lever and the rear sprocket shifter moved to the left handlebar so that I can more easily control the speeds, and more safely use the brake system. I have been practicing using my terminal device (the Adept, by TRS) to rotate the right handle grip. Although my system is not perfect yet, my adaptive strategies continue to evolve and this is the best set-up I've ever had. You will also notice that in addition to wearing my helmet (forget about fashion; safety first!) I also am wearing UPF 50+ skin protection sleeves (Coolibar, sold by the pair, multiple styles, colors) which protect my skin but also seem to keep my carbon fibre forearm from heating up, especially inside the socket. And I'm using a neoprene glove (Swede-O) with wrist strap to give my left hand and wrist extra support.

When we're not at work, enjoying family or riding our bikes, we're at the pool! We'll talk about swimming next!

Some New Trends

Yesterday I shared my latest jewelry find, the Bali Designs bracelets. I should specify that I wear these bracelets on my left wrist (not my residual limb side). -They are easy to don and to doff because of the hinged cuff style. They make other styles as well: clasped and bangles.
What I wanted to share with you today is another latest rage: jewelry for the prosthesis! Why not?! I've long observed that many users of the passive/cosmetic and myoelectric hands wear watches and bracelets on the prosthesis. It's a bit of a challenge for those of us who use body-powered to accomplish this without interfering with our control mechanisms. Until of late. Here are some easy tips:
To wear a bracelet, I've had two holes drilled into my prosthesis forearm ('body-piercings', if you will!) on the same side as my cable and distally near the wrist but just proximal to the wrist unit. I thread the bracelet through the holes so that it doesn't interfere with the control of my terminal device and it stays in place. Re-visit this blog and I will insert photos this week-end. I wear a black leather cord Pandora bracelet with beads pretty much all of the time.
To wear a watch or a cuff style bracelet (typically further up the forearm), I use the loop velcro on the underside of the piece of jewelry and the hook velcro on the prosthesis in the desired area. This stablizes the jewelry in place so it doesn't slide up and down my arm and the loop protects my carbon fibre from getting scratched. The velcro I prefer is the adhesive-backed black dots because they are camouflaged by my carbon fibre forearm. You can find these at a craft or notions store can be peeled off when not in use.
Ring-bling: Have you discovered elasticized rings? They are the rage among the younger set, can be found at any costume jewelry site and because they are typically inexpensive (unlike the bracelets) one need not fret if they get lost. -This style will definitely slide off easily once stretched.
There is a cool shop in Thorne's Market, Northampton that sells unique items. Among them are a wooden cuff bracelet that I love to wear on my prosthesis forearm and a ring that I admire. It's carved wood; I always check to see if the shop-owner has any large enough to fit on my Adept thumb... for special occasions, of course. I love the look of the wood... set against the modern sleekness of the carbon fibre, it is a nod to the days when the prosthesis was hand carved of wood! My, haven't we come a long way!!!
Again, please re-visit this blog soon... I will insert photos of these pieces this week-end.
And stay tuned... next entry I will show you my 'freckles'!

Eve's Addiction Ad

           

I notice that this company has advertised on my blog. Although I have not (YET!!) puchased from them, they do carry some jewelry that I like. -You might enjoy it as well. This particular line is called Bali Design and it is made in ... you guessed it; BALI! I particularly like the silver and gold cuffs. The design is such that it has an opening and a hinge. There are no clasps to fasten! HALLELUJAH!!
One merely opens the hinged area and slides the bracelet on the forearm. This is wonderful for those of us with one hand, or those who are experiencing decreased fine motor abilities. Check out their website for yourself! This particular line is referred to as a Vintage Style Sterling Silver Cuff. http://www.evesaddiction.com/

Who says you can't teach an (old dog) new tricks?!

I have now "arrived" as a full-fledged adult.... I have a smart phone!  Probably most of you are well-experienced with this technology. I however, seem to have always been a late bloomer. And besides, I am a New Englander and we are known to be... shall we say, thrifty? My previous phone is not that old and was working perfectly fine. I could not justify spending the $$$. But all of that changed with Mothers' Day. I received my DROID as a gift and the dawn of smart technology arose within me! I love the phone, am learning about  'apps' and am trying NOT to become addicted to the technology. But it woos... it draws me. There are games and access to my e-mail accounts, my phone contacts, internet research.... My husband is citing neglect (just kidding).
But let me tell you about the cool simple technology that I've acquired to complement my smart phone. It's called Fly Grip and it's a holder that folds flat when not in use; expands to support my fingers so that my thumb is free to fly across the keys and access the world... or at least the internet and the telephone. I don't risk dropping my phone.Check it out:
I like to use my index and middle fingers in the flygrip holders and my ring and little fingers to support the device. But you can use it however you feel most comfortable and beneficial. You can get more info at flygrip.com... VERY COOL!!!!! So, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks???