Optimus Prosthetics
News and Notes for PatientsApril 2012
In This Issue
April is National Limb Loss Awareness Month
Meet Steve and Kara Gasaway
We Want Your Pictures!
Prosthetic FAQ
Quick Links
 
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Optimus Prosthetics * 8517 N. Dixie Drive * Suite 300 * Dayton OH 45414   

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April is National Limb Loss Awareness Month  

 

Approximately 185,000 amputations occur in the United States ever year.  The Amputee Coalition's goal is to raise awareness about living with limb loss and to reduce preventable limb loss through education, resources and support.  Read more about their efforts here.

Meet Steve and Kara Gasaway

 

 

 

It happened in September, 2011, as Kara and Steve were returning home after a motorcycle ride.  Just a mile from home, a young woman reaching for her cell phone went left of center and struck them head-on, throwing both of them from the bike.  "I don't remember anything from the accident," Steve says.  "We were thrown so far apart; I was told that I was yelling for Kara, but I don't remember anything until more than a week later."  Kara adds, "It was so difficult.  We've been married for 16 years, and together since I was 16.  We've never been apart, and they wouldn't let me see him.  He was in bad shape from his injuries and from a reaction to some of the medication they put him on.  We were in separate rooms for 1 ½ weeks, and that was hard."  Things got better when they progressed to rehab and the caring staff allowed them to be in the same room.  "That made such a difference!" Kara says.

 

When asked how they keep a positive outlook, Kara laughs and admits, "We have our moments!"  She goes on to say that their support system, made up of very good friends, has made all the difference.  "I don't know where we'd be without them!"  Steve adds, "That, and realizing how lucky we are to still be alive."  Pictures of the bike after the accident make clear just how fortunate these two riders - who were not wearing helmets - are to have survived.

 

Kara reminds herself of that fact when things get tough.  "Learning to walk again is hard," she explains.  "There's so much we take for granted, and I miss a lot - and it's hard to have to rely on others." Again, Steve adds, "But we are still alive."

 

What advice would they give to other amputees?  "It does get better," Steve says.  "It may take longer than you think it should, and there will set-backs, so give it time.  It does get better." "And stick with your physical therapy!" Kara quickly adds.  "We even set up a therapy table in our dining room," she says with a smile.  "We no longer have a dining room table, we have a therapy table."  Unique decorating tastes?  Maybe.  A sign of just how determined this couple is to reach their goals?  Definitely.  We wish you all the best!

We Want Your Pictures and Videos!

 

We are proud of our patients, and their personal triumphs!  If you have a picture or video of yourself "living life to the fullest," we would like to post it on our Facebook page!  Send it to Beth Warren. And don't forget to "Like" us!

 

 

Prosthetic FAQ

 

Each quarter, we bring you information and suport on living with a prosthetic device. In this issue: FOOT CARE.

 

Studies show that people with diabetes are 67% more likely to suffer a lower extremity amputation than someone without the disease.  As part of their efforts for National Limb Loss Awareness Month, The Amputee Coalition has created a campaign entitled:  "Take a Seat, Check Your Feet."  The following comes from their flyer:

 

TAKE A SEAT - CHECK YOUR FEET

 

 

Did you know that 250 adults a day lose a leg because of diabetes and that 7 out of 10 of those amputations could have been prevented? That's because diabetes lowers feeling and blood flow to the feet. This raises your risk of amputation. Follow this simple guide for checking your feet.

* Check for cuts, sores, bumps or lumps on the bottom of your foot. Even the tiniest cracks can become infected.

* Use both hands to feel your feet. Check for bumps or changes in temperature from one part of the foot to another. Changes in temperature could mean low circulation or infection.

* Search for any problems on the top of your feet, like sores or bruises. Look for patches of hairless and thin or shiny skin.

* Look between your toes for any problems. Look for blisters, sores and redness.

* Look for ingrown toenails with red and puffy skin along the nail and tenderness or pain.

The best time to check your feet is after a shower or bath. Once your feet are dry, sit on a bed, chair or toilet in a well-lit room. Use a foot mirror to inspect the bottom of your feet if you can't see them.

 

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following problems:

1. Breaks in the skin with redness, rashes, blisters, cracks in the skin or drainage.

2. Trauma to skin or nails

3. Change in the foot size or shape

4. Toenail problems-redness, drainage, pain

5. Ingrown toenails

6. Any foot problem that prevents you from wearing your regular shoe comfortably

 

Tips for Foot Care

* Wear socks and shoes that fit.

* Change shoes every other day. Wear clean socks every day.

* Do not walk barefoot as you may step on something and not feel it.

* Do not use very hot water or heating pads on the feet as you may burn yourself and not feel it.

 

Click here to find out how you can get involved in spreading the word about National Limb Loss Awareness Month, and the "Take a Seat, Check Your Feet" campaign.     

 
 At Optimus, we're here for you!
 
We want to thank you for the confidence you have placed in us at Optimus!  Our team will always do everything possible to merit that confidence. 
 
Please let us know if there is ever anything we can do for you! Click here to email us or call the office at 937-454-1900. 

Has it been awhile since you've had your prosthetic device checked?  Why not call today for an appointment?  We can check the fit and function of your prosthesis, and make sure you are continuing at your optimal potential.