Prosthetics

Mick Holm, LPO, is a lower limb prosthetic specialist. He understands the needs of the amputee as his wife is a Trans/Tibial (below the knee) amputee and sees, first hand, what she deals with on a day to day basis. Mr. Holm also understands that prosthetics is a very intimate profession. He gives his undivided attention to each and every amputee that is referred to him. It is very important to remember that anyone who has had to endure an amputation is life altering and the psychological state of mind of a new amputee is paramount to the successful outcome of a prosthetic fitting. Mr. Holm has the vital tools and training to deal with such intimate subjects. He is often heard telling a new amputee that “Life isn’t over because you have lost a limb; it is just going to be a little different”. Family members are always encouraged to take part in the process as well to ensure the best outcome possible.

PAIN

Pain is a real thing. However, there should never be any pain while being fit with a new prosthesis. You will feel strange pressures at first but these pressures should never equate into pain. If there is pain then something is wrong and will be fixed immediately through proper adjustments to the prosthesis. You will never hear Mr. Holm tell you “Oh that is just normal pain you have to deal with. Just keep walking and you will get used to it”. If he does tell you this, he has given his permission to give a nice hard right cross upside the head so he can join in your painful bliss. All kidding aside, Mr. Holm could not sleep at night knowing one of his amputee patients is hurting because of something that he has done. In one of his many famous quotes, “The only good thing about pain is it feels so good when it goes away”.

PROSTHETIC DESIGNS AND COMPONENTRY

leg! Each new amputee is given a thorough interview and evaluation. This is very important in the process of choosing the right prosthetic design for each individual. Some folks are much more active than others and there are literally hundreds of components to choose from when manufacturing a prosthesis to help you become as active as you would like to be or have the ability to be. Technology has come a million miles in the art of prosthetics and Mr. Holm’s ability to choose the proper design is second to none. From the simplest designs to the latest micro processing (computerized) technologies, Mr. Holm has the knowledge and training to manufacture the proper prosthesis for each individual’s needs to make life as enjoyable as possible.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROSTHETIST

As an amputee, this could be one of the most important choices you make. Unfortunately, due to a few insurance companies, you may not have a choice. This situation is becoming rarer but does still exist. If you are fortunate enough though, your present insurance company will have multiple Prosthetic Facilities to choose from and we invite you to interview several Prosthetists. Chances are you will be with this person for many years as prostheses do not last forever and replacements will be needed. Things you may want to consider. What is your first impression? Is the facility neat and clean? Is the office staff helpful, friendly and welcoming? When you first meet the Prosthetist, do you get a good feeling? Are they easy to talk to? Does he or she give you confidence that they are knowledgeable in their field? All of these questions you must ask yourself are very important. May we suggest before you enter a new facility, have a list of questions written down so as to not to forget anything you may want to know. Remember, as a new amputee, all of these questions are probably still spinning in your head and you may go blank, so a list of questions will help you tremendously. Have at least one family member with you, more if possible so you can converse with them after the initial consultation. They may have seen or heard something you did not and may help you make a better decision. More than likely your Surgeon or Primary Care Physician will suggest the first consultation with a specific Prosthetist. Remember though that you are the boss. This is your body. Visit as many facilities that are allowed in your insurance plan to make the right choice. This may seem time consuming and may put some hardships on family members that want to take part in your care, but remember as stated above, this could be a life time relationship and your feeling comfortable is the most important aspect of a speedy initial recovery and a potential long lasting relationship with a person who has your best interest at heart. This goes for as well, as what we call, seasoned amputees, if you are unhappy with your present situation or are having problems with painful fittings, it doesn’t have to be this way. We implore you to get a second, third or fourth opinion if necessary to ensure your comfort and happiness.