An Orthotics Option?
Today Nyel had an appointment with the Hanger Clinic in Astoria. They deal with orthotics and prosthetics. In case you are not clear, orthotics is that branch of medicine that deals with the provision and use of artificial devices such as braces. Nyel already has a complicated knee brace that was helpful in stabilizing his leg after his quadriceps parted company with his knee for the third and final time. Now that he no longer has a hip, he needs something more. Perhaps something that goes from hip to ankle and involves cables attached to his good hip for extra stability. Complicated and not altogether ideal.
However, the physical therapist at OBH strongly advised him to look into the possibility. Nyel’s ultimate goal is to be able to walk again with a cane. However, without the stability offered (hopefully) by a sophisticated custom-built orthotic, there really isn’t a path forward for him.
While we were at the Hanger Clinic, the word “amputation” came up for the first time. In that case, a prosthesis (artificial leg) would be the way to go. There are many advantages, apparently. And, even if he can get reconstructive surgery (which he is looking into), there are no guarantees that, down the line, amputation wouldn’t still be required. So, part of the equation to consider must be whether or not to try “smaller” fixes first.
A Prosthetic Option
A crystal ball would be good. In lieu of that, the Hanger clinician said that she would be glad to put Nyel in touch with patients who have had similar problems (though she admitted that she had only seen a few with Nyel’s complications).
There was lots to talk about on our way home. Nyel, as always, is pragmatic — weighing pros and cons and making arrangements to talk to his various doctors and, if possible, to someone with a similar case history. Bless him!
Nyel is always optimistic and looking at things from both sides it seems and trying to be as knowledgeable as possible. You both are! I think you both will come up with a good solution. I certainly understand how eager he is to walk and I feel he will. Take care both of you!