The Prosthetist

I remember the first time I heard the word, "prosthetist" I thought she said prostitute, which by the way is two words down from prosthetist in my Webster's dictionary, however they are miles apart in meaning. Anyway, a prosthetist is a medical professional who is responsible for the design and fit of a prosthetic limb. In reality they are much more than that clinically sounding word.

Through my various exposures to different specialized medical professionals, the prosthetist has a unique role. Of the five prosthetists I know, each and every one of them are capable, caring and concerned individuals who face a daunting task. Imagine trying to fit someone with an artifical limb that they will potentially wear twelve to sixteen hours a day for the rest of their lives, in my case, two prosthetic legs; not an easy job.

I never cease to be amazed at the patience and genuine concern that has been demonstrated time and again by my primary prosthetists, Eric and Jason. Once again, this whole limb loss nightmare was not without it's own blessings, namely meeting and getting to know Eric and Jason. I have great respect and admiration for both of them and what they have and continue to do for me.

I always try to establish a good alliance with anyone I will be working with closely, as soon as possible. I do this through the use of humor and cheerfulness.

Facing a sometimes unpleasant prospect, getting fitted for a prosthetic limb, was made more pleasant through the use of humor. I love to joke around with Eric and Jason and they with me. I actually look forward most of the time to seeing them and making the never ending adjustments necessary to get the correct fit and help ensure a more comfortable and proper allignment.

My experiences with my prosthetists have brought an enlightment I would never have known had I not met Eric and Jason. To undertake such a specialized, personal and important task for the benefit of another individual speaks volumes about what kind of people prosthetists really are.

Having met Eric and Jason has taught me patience, endurance, perservence, accomplishment and ultimately success. The prosthetists I have met have enriched my life. It is not unusual for either Eric or Jason to call me just to make sure all is going well and ask if I am having any kind of issue with my prosthetic limbs. I never feel as if I am just another patient, I know they really care about me and strive to get the most comfortable and proper fit for my prosthetics.

I am extremely grateful to both of them for their continued support and involvement in my limb loss scenario. As I have stated before in previous blogs, taking an unimaginable loss, and through the use of humor and optimism turn it into as pleasant an experience as is possible, is benefical not only to myself but to everyone else involved in my situation.

As time goes on, I have made an observation that a lot of medical professionals arrive at their chosen profession as a result of personal loss or the exposure of a personal loss by someone they love. These losses establish within themselves a feeling of compassion and desire to make other people's lives better.

How many people in my situation can say and feel that they look forward to seeing not only their prosthetist, physical therapist and their various doctors but also to be told they look forward to seeing you also?

This just a small part of my experience, thus far, I know it will continue similarly, and it is as it should be, I wouldn't have it any other way.