Blog 7

          This minicourse has really opened my eyes to a whole world of prosthetics that I never knew about before.  Although I hope that I never have to be in the situation to need a prosthetic, I am now sure that I would be able to use the new technologies to vastly improve my life.  I was surprised at how personal the whole process is.  Many professors or researchers develop amazing technologies, but never really relate them to people. A favorite quote of mine is from the TV show Mercy, in which a nurse and a doctor are arguing about the best course of treatment.  The Doctor states that “I treat the disease” but the caring nurse replied that she “treats the patient.”  The scientists and researchers at the QoLT laboratories definitely treat the patient.  No one there is thought of as a number, or a socket that needs a prosthetic attached.

            Dr. Brewer explained how each patient is different and so is their situation.  Even though the newest and best technology is available, she understands that that is not always the right choice for the patient.  She is always respectful of the patients’ wishes, even when they may seem illogical in this time.  For example, some amputees choose to use the same prosthetic that they have used for 30 years, even though there are many more “better” possibilities.  Overall I think that this minicourse has given me some prospective.  It makes me appreciate those who have gone through such experiences that much more.

Blog 6

          Recently we discussed the books Soul Surfer and The Running Dream.  If I was in the situations of either of the main characters I think that I would want to try a prosthetic.  In the Running Dream, the main character, a track runner, loses one of her legs in a bus accident.  I would definitely want some sort of prosthetic because it is nearly impossible to do that sport without one.  However, I would have to try out a prosthetic if I was in a situation similar to Bethany’s.  I think that I might want one for surfing in terms of balance issues.  Surfing requires a lot of balance and the loss of an arm would really through off my balance.  I do understand why Bethany did not choose to wear one.  In either case I know that the main thing that would help me get through such a demanding time would be my friends and family.   I do not think that I would be able to get through such an incident alone.

Blog 5

          Dr. Brewer taught us that there are six types of grasps that the human hand can make—Hook, Lateral, Palmer, Cylindrical, Spherical, and Pincer.  The Hook grasp is used when someone picks up a bag.  The Lateral grasp, also known as the key pinch, is used when someone picks up a piece of paper.  The Palmer grasp is how someone grips a pen or pencil.  The Cylindrical grasp is how someone grasps something like a can.  The Spherical grasp is used to pick up round objects like a ball.  Finally, the Pincer grasp is used to pick up small objects.  There are two types of Pincer grasps, pad-to-pad and tip-to-tip.  Dr. Brewer also spoke about all the different ways a human hand can move, this is known as the “Degrees of Freedom.” The human hand has 21-17 degrees of freedom.

Blog 4

          In class we researched the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, in terms of the overwhelming numbers of amputees.  Many Haitians were trapped in piles of rubble for many days.  Those who made it out often had limbs crushed, which needed to be amputated.  Unfortunately, there are not many resources available in Haiti for those who are missing part of a limb.  Many doctors have gone to Haiti to combat the overwhelming need for prosthetics and overall education.  Missing a part of, or all of, a limb in Haiti is no easy task.  Aside from the physical disabilities, those with amputations are looked down upon by society.  It is very hard for an amputee to find work, so they are forced into greater poverty.  The physical issues, of needing prosthetics, are easy to solve, but many are trying to gain greater acceptance within the Haitian community for these people.

          I think that Bethany would like our proposed prosthetic for Chrisliane.  Bethany and Chrisliane are similar in their active lifestyles.  Our proposed prosthetic, the Otto Bock Harmony P3, is perfect for those with an active lifestyle.  It is easy to use and very comfortable.  I think that Bethany would like the comfort aspect, as well as the suction technology that is used to attach the prosthetic to the remaining limb.  Overall I think that Bethany would approve of this prosthetic.

Haitian Amputee Mother's Alliance Case

The aftermath of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti undoubtedly left a mark on this poverty stricken nation.  Approximately 250,000 Haitians were injured as a result of the earthquake and of those injured, approximately 100,000 were amputees. After the earthquake the demand for aid from surrounding nations was enormous; sure enough many countries were there to help. The need for prosthetics is still a predominant problem in Haiti. They are trying to urge outside countries and foundations to donate used prosthetics to the amputees. They are also trying to educate amputees to aid fellow amputees about cleaning their wounds and other fundamental processes. This is very important to prevent infections in the patients’ wounds. The Haitian Amputee Mothers Alliance (HAMA) was created in an effort to obtain high-quality prosthetics for the members of the group (about 60 women). Another important part is to make sure that their new limbs will be incorporated to fit their life styles.  

Chrisliane, an active 20 year old woman who lost her leg in the Haitian earthquake, is a member of this alliance looking for a better prosthetic.  We propose the Otto Bock Harmony P3 prosthetic leg for Chrisliane. This device has a very high rating for active amputees. This prosthetic has many advantages especially how the leg stays on very well due to the innovative suction technology.  As the amputee transfers weight on to the prosthetic it generates negative pressure, thus suctioning the prosthetic onto the remaining limb. This makes it more comfortable because the socket is connected using only air. The prosthetic also reduces the painful forces within the socket, and improves body awareness of the new limb. It is also very light weight which is perfect for patients with active lifestyles such as Chrisliane.

Blog 3

          Bethany Hamilton’s lost her left arm in a shark attack when she was only 13 years old.  Bethany was a professional surfer and surfing was her passion and her life.  Bethany’s story is a very inspirational one.  Instead of entering denial about her accident, she chose to face her “disability” and get back on that surf board.  Bethany’s faith allowed her to be this strong in a period of possible hopelessness.  Bethany has inspired people all across the world by her ability to get back on her board and to be able to surf through her troubles.

          While researching and talking about Bethany’s story the question that has appeared time and time again is: what would happen if you lost your arm?  Truthfully, I do not know what would happen.  We would all love to say that we would be as strong as Bethany was, but I think that I would probably go through a greater period of despair.  I also do think that I would adapt my life, but I am not sure if I would be able to do it to the extent that Bethany did.  I admire Bethany for her strength and persistence.  I can only hope that if I am in a similar situation, that I can be as dedicated as Bethany was