If you have
received your prosthesis from Progressive, it has been
custom crafted for you. Your residual limb is dynamic and
will change over the course of time, so your prosthesis may
need adjusting to remain comfortable. This is normal!
Check your limb the
first five days
During the
first five days that you wear your new prosthesis, you
should remove it every 30-60 minutes and check your limb. It
is normal for some of all of the limb to be red immediately
after removing the prosthesis. If there are any red spots
that do disappear after five or ten minutes, please call our
office immediately. We will schedule you an appointment to
relieve this area and prevent it from becoming blister or
sore.
Donning notes
If your
prosthesis uses the shuttle lock suction socket/silicone
liner, separate instructions from the manufacturer have been
given to you. Please be sure to follow these instructions
regarding daily hygiene and donning/doffing the liner and
socket exactly as outlined. This is necessary to ensure the
liner remains in good shape and continues to protect your
limb. When donning the liner be sure that the liner is
placed firmly against the bottom of your residual limb. If a
space is left between the liner and your limb a painful
blister can result.
Adjustments
The
components used in your prosthesis have been carefully
assembled and aligned according to the manufacturers
requirements. Therefore, you should never adjust or change
your prosthesis. Doing so will void the manufacturers
warranty and could result in your injury. Please call and
set up an appointment if you fell that an adjustment is
needed.
Managing residual
limb changes
As your
residual limb changes overtime so will the fit of your
socket. The changes may be seldom, but can also
occur as often as several times a day. This is normal
and we will be able to adjust your prosthesis to accommodate
these changes. Also, be prepared to change your prosthetic
socks, adding more or using thicker socks as your limb
shrinks, and wearing fewer or thinner socks as your limb
swells. For example, a shrinking limb may cause your
prosthesis to slide on easier, or cause you develop pain on
the end of you limb or below the knee cap. In this
case, try adding socks, or wearing thicker socks.
Getting used to your
prosthesis
Although we
are sure you are excited about receiving your new
prosthesis, please be careful to allow time for your
residual limb to acclimate to the prosthesis. As your
limb is not used to the pressures that will be applied by
the prosthesis, it is very important to follow the wearing
schedule given you by your practitioner. However, if while
on the schedule, you develop pain before finished wearing,
do not force yourself to wear it. Return instead to the
previous days schedule and move forward as you are able.
Do not wear
your prosthesis to bed! Put it on when you get up in the
morning and take it off before napping or retiring for the
night. Generally, you should be able to wear your
prosthesis full time in about two weeks.
If you have
any questions or concerns please contact our office at any
time.
