The Amazing WWII Veteran

I am reminded of one particular story of mine in 1978 that has changed the trajectory of my life. After my 1977 accident, and several subsequent amputations on the same leg, my first prosthesis was questionable, as I was hardly able to do more than walk. In 1978, while in New York City, I decided to find a better prosthetic facility. At the top of the appropriate yellow pages section, I found and called the first place on the list, explaining my case while asking questions. That’s when I hit gold. After talking to the receptionist, she transferred me to one of the owners, who was also an amputee, she said. After explaining my situation and what I was looking for, the man set me up with a quick appointment, and we met in his tiny facility. During our meeting, he listened to me and examined what I was wearing. Then, he shared with me that he is a WWII veteran with a similar short below-knee amputation and started to explain the kind of transformation that we were about to go through by building a completely different style prosthesis. I immediately felt relief and excitement at the same time knowing that he would certainly understand my needs.

During our visits, I was listening and cooperating, but my expectation was limited to something better than what I had. When it was time to start walking in a test prosthesis, I was very impressed, and when the leg was completed, and I tried it on, I was blown away. I thought, this is like the best artificial leg to have, and it was. I remember having the desire to go dancing, literally. The fitting was near perfect: it walked good, it was slimmer, much lighter, and looked nice. We were having our final session before paying my $850 bill- yes, only $850 ($25,000 today). One thing that was special is how this man took the time to walk me through many important details about my situation and educate me on what I should expect and look for in any future prosthesis. This was a valuable lesson that helped my transformations through the years, and I continue to appreciate it to date. This prosthesis and the lesson that came along with it helped set me on a successful course. Although my prosthesis today has evolved in many ways, the essential core fitting concept remains the same. Since then, I have been in action and participated in all sorts of activities, including various sports, fixing my cars, completing my own home projects, and even riding motorcycles again. I don’t know where my life would be today if I did not meet this man.

Please use this link to review my webspace “BKA Short Amputation” – with a 45-year experience-based summary on how to create the best prosthesis for those with short below-knee amputation.