PVA Prosthetics

Restore Your Freedom

artificial limb

TOP 10 PROSTHETIC QUESTIONS

As a new amputee, or even if you experienced limb loss in the past, prosthetic limbs restore mobility and give you the ability to manage your life independently. 

Here are answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from amputees and their families.  Keep in mind that this information is not a substitute for speaking with your medical provider or prosthetist, who is the expert in prosthetic limbs.  Keeping your scheduled medical appointments is important as you go through this process.

  1. When do I get my prosthesis?  On average, from the time a patient is evaluated to the time they are fit with a prosthesis can be anywhere from 4-6 weeks.  The process involves more than what you, as the patient, experiences in the clinic setting.  There is also work taking place behind the scenes. It is difficult to predict precisely since every prosthesis is unique and customized to the individual and some can take more or less time, depending upon your needs.  We understand that you are eager to regain your independence.  The goal is to restore independence as quickly as possible but your safety is of the greatest importance and concern
  2. What kind of prosthesis will I be getting? Gathering information about your level of physical fitness and health, the amputation level, the demands you place on the prosthesis and your future goals are just a few things that will help us determine what type of prosthesis would be most appropriate.  A prosthetic limb for a 20-year-old traumatic amputee who wants to return to work in the construction industry will vary greatly from that of an 80-year-old nursing home patient who only uses a prosthesis for transfers or to go to the bathroom, even though both be amputated at the same level.  The use of predictive and muscle testing results can also shed light on what type of prosthesis would allow you to safely and effectively engage in activities you need and want to do.
  3. Why is my prosthesis so heavy?  Overall weight is a consideration with every prosthesis but is especially important with regard to those with vascular disease.  Ideally, the prosthesis should be as light as possible while still providing the necessary strength and features needed to safely meet your needs, as an amputee.  In some cases, feeling as though your prosthesis is heavy may not be related to the weight of the device at all. It is more related to your needing to take the time to adjust to wearing a prosthetic device. Wearing the prosthesis loosely and generalized weakness can also create a perception that the device is heavy.
  4. Can I wear my prosthesis 24-hours per day?  Most physical aids such as prostheses, contact lenses, and dentures, for example, typically are not meant to be worn around the clock.  Most prosthesis involve the use of silicone or urethane liners, which create an environment where the skin can become more susceptible to breakdown.    
  5. Why are prostheses so expensive?  Medicare establishes the pricing for all of the components that comprise a prosthesis.  This is called the Fee Schedule and accounts not only for the specific component but also the practitioner’s time in fabricating, fitting, and/or adjusting the component or components properly.
  6. Will my prosthesis look like my “real” leg?  Prostheses used to be what is called an exoskeletal design which had a more anatomical look, however most modern prostheses are typically an endoskeletal design which is more “robotic” looking.  Exoskeletal prostheses were typically very heavy and difficult to adjust at times, whereas endoskeletal designs are much lighter and easier to adjust.  In order to make an endoskeletal prosthesis look more like a “real” leg, foam can be used to cover the structural components and provide a more anatomical shape.  Although they are often referred to as “cosmetic covers”, only protective covers are typically reimbursable and establishing medical justification for such a cover can be a challenge.  A protective cover might be warranted for some patients such as an amputee who hopes to return to working in a chemical plant where the risk of damage to the prosthesis exists. Simply having a cover to make the prosthesis look more natural when wearing shorts or a skirt is not likely to be a covered service.
  7. Will my prosthetist teach me how to walk again?  The prosthetist’s goals are to ensure that the prostheses they deliver to patients are fitting and functioning properly which usually involves some training.  However, learning how to walk again and/or achieve functional goals while wearing the prosthesis is where physical therapy can be of great benefit.    
  8. Can I get my prostheses wet?  It depends.  This question should be discussed with your prosthetist, as there are some components that are unaffected by water and some that can be damaged beyond repair. 
  9. Can I drive with my prosthesis/prostheses?  There are plenty of examples of amputees who drive their own vehicles, so it is possible.  However, the State Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) will likely want you to establish that you can do so safely.  Contact the DMV to see what is required, if anything, for you to do so legally and safely. 
  10. Will my insurance cover the cost of a prosthesis?  Many insurance companies now offer a variety of “plans/policies” to let patients select the one that best suits your needs.  It is a good idea for you to refer to your own policy to see if prosthetic services are covered and the specifics of your health plan. 

Mobility and independence are basic human rights and we know the challenges that amputees face.  We work with you and your family to help you get back to an active and independent lifestyle.  At PVA Prosthetics, we are well versed in all aspects of prosthetic care and have participated in research and beta testing for some of the most innovative companies in the industry. 

Here are additional community resources for amputees: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/ and https://www.projectmend.org/.

Life as an Amputee

Losing a limb can profoundly affect every aspect of someone’s life, both mentally and physically. In the U.S., 500 people lose a limb each day. Limb loss can occur from an accident, cancer or as a result of a circulatory illness such as diabetes.  In Bexar County, limb loss is of particular concern due to the large number of diabetics who suffer from the severe medical complications of this devastating disease. Individuals facing amputation often wonder what life as an amputee will be like.

As a new amputee, you may not know what to expect after limb loss but there are resources and organizations that can help you navigate through this major life-changing event.  Obtaining independence and mobility is one of the first goals after amputation.  It will take a team of medical providers that includes vascular surgeons, nurses, physical and occupational therapists as well as social workers and prothetists to help you accomplish this goal.  However, the most important person on this team is YOU.

A physical rehabilitation team plays a key role in helping your transition to your new normal.  Initially, your physical therapist will teach you exercises to improve muscle function and will show you how to get around on crutches or wheelchair.  An occupational therapist will help you adapt to your activities of daily living such as bathing, brushing your teeth, cooking, and safely moving around your home.

Choosing a prosthetist is another important decision you will have to make early on in the process.  The goal of the prosthetist, or prosthetic company, is to design and fit a custom prosthetic limb to meet your individual needs.  Your prosthetist will assess your medical history, test muscle strength and range of motion, and evaluate your joint motion. They will also measure the residual limb or stump as one of the first steps in the design of your prosthetic limb.

“Everything the team at PVA does is focused on doing what is right for you and your family,” said Jeff Forbes, Licensed Prosthetist at PVA Prosthetics.  “Our ultimate goal is to get you back to the things that feel normal to you to where you don’t feel like you are losing out on your independence.”

The impact of a prosthetic limb extends far past the physical benefits. As an amputee regains independent mobility, their physical health vastly improves while their overall mental, social, and emotional wellness increases, and their quality of life improves. The re-integration of an amputee ensures that they can return to a level of community engagement held prior to amputation.

“A perfect day for me is when I wake up in the morning and I’m not in pain, like I used to be. I put my leg on and I get my day started,” said Richard Garcia, amputee and PVA Prosthetic patient. “If you are an amputee or have been diagnosed with losing a limb, just strive to get better. Use your prosthetic 100% because it will get better, don’t give up hope.”

“Losing a limb is devastating but we have seen amputees blossom and regain their self-esteem, self-worth and capability to perform everyday tasks after they receive their prosthetic limb,” Daniel Tamez, PVA Vascular Surgeon. “Just remember that this isn’t the end of the book; it’s the end of the chapter,”

To learn more about what you can expect after amputation watch our videos.

Videos

To watch Richard’s full story visit: 

Community Resources

Amputee Coalition

The Prosthetic Foundation

Prosthetic Technology Restoring Freedom

Losing a limb can profoundly affect every aspect of someone’s life.  Over the last decade, advancements in prosthetic technology have greatly improved outcomes for amputees. PVA Prosthetics is a strong believer in leveraging technology and fitting patients post-amputation in a timely manner. In most cases, our patients are fitted with a diagnostic device and are taking steps in as little as 1-hour during their appointment.

Fitting patients in a timely manner minimizes the effects of deconditioning that occurs following amputation and maximizes the benefits of post-surgical rehabilitation. When a patient is provided with a functional diagnostic device immediately to be used in physical therapy, we are helping in the process of regaining strength and mobility in the safest way possible.

 “Though not always possible, in some cases patients are fit with a diagnostic device that they can begin using right away in a controlled setting,” said Jeff Forbes, Licensed Prosthetist and Director of PVA Prosthetics.  “This can offer several advantages to the patient and helps ensure that the fit and function of the device has been properly vetted prior to delivery of the definitive prosthesis.”

The latest prosthetic technology in patient care includes using state-of-the -art Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment. CAD uses a digital scan of your limb to create a prosthetic specifically for your body.  Through this process, your unique situation and your expectations for your new prosthesis should be discussed and taken into consideration and planning.  Then your specialist can create your prosthetic limb in virtual reality before it is sent to a 3D printer for production using CNC equipment.  This technology allows each patient to have a truly unique experience with greater efficiency, accuracy, and comfort.

It is imperative, when selecting a partner through your amputation and prosthetics journey that you select a team who understands the challenges that amputees face and have the expertise to meet those challenges and hold your hand to guide you along the process. At PVA Prosthetics we believe in a “team approach” to prosthetic care that allows us to work directly with your vascular doctor for a seamless, highly individualized continuum of care. We are well versed in all aspects of prosthetics technology, our passion for what we do and PVA’s commitment to outstanding patient care, have combined to create a truly outstanding patient experience.

PVA Prosthetics Focuses on You

Watch Richard’s story on how PVA Prosthetics has changed his life.

At PVA Prosthetics, we know the multidisciplinary approach is, as a rule, far superior to the status quo and that the benefits to the patient are irrefutable. It is difficult to find anyone in the healthcare industry unfamiliar with the “multidisciplinary team approach to healthcare” mantra, and for good reason; it works and has fundamentally changed how healthcare is delivered. Nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, physical therapists, and other medical professionals meet together to discuss individual patients to establish the most effective plan of care to achieve the best possible outcome. Most people, particularly patients, would agree that they prefer to have every available resource used in their behalf when they are ill.

We strive to return our patients to normal activities as soon as possible, so they can get back to living their lives in happiness.

What to Expect After an Amputation