Legislature, Baby, and Prosthetics

Been a busy few weeks here in Prosthetic Land...House bill 376 did not get through the Kentucky Senate. Although this is a setback, it is not the end. The fact that we were able to get it through the banking committee in the House and passed on the House floor shows that we have the support to get Prosthetic Parity in Kentucky. For those who haven't seen the previous post about the law, it's basic premise is to force private insurance companies in Kentucky to pay for appropriate prosthetic equipment as defined by the patient's doctor; instead of imposing a cap on either technology, money, or both to limit the coverage a person is able to get. As an example, the prosthetic that allowed me to return to work was only possible due to the pressure placed by those of you that called, messaged, or otherwise contacted Humana. They impose a limit on the type of prosthetic they will approve. My knee is deemed "experimental" because it has microprocessors. This type of technology has been around for years, but due to the cost of the prosthetic, they label it experimental and refuse to approve this amazing product for those who could use it most. Next legislative session we will be back, and be ready to fight even harder.

On the personal front Mrs Prosthetic Medic has returned to her throne behind the radio, dispatching at work. Liam and I have had a difficult time adjusting to being at home without her, but it's getting better.

I'm trying to get some prosthetic issues worked out. I've started to have some skin issues, while minor at the present, could pose serious consequences if they aren't dealt with quickly. My amazing prosthetic team is on the case, and assure me the problems will be fixed soon. This is yet another unforeseen complication of wearing a prosthetic. Skin breakdown is a huge problem, if it gets too bad, I'll be forced to not wear my leg until the skin is healed. This means missing work, since it's not a work related issue I won't be able to get a light duty position that would let me work without having to wear my prosthetic. My prosthetist has told me that this is a complication of wearing my prosthetic for extended periods of time, while doing very labor intensive work. In a few years, once the skin has adjusted this will no longer be an issue, till then I'm forced to find creative methods to deal with problem.

Progress is being made on the ever elusive book about this whole wild ride. I'm getting my thoughts organized and the first chapter is nearly complete. Well, It may be the first chapter. I'm just writing and will place things into place once it's fleshed out a little more. If there is anything you'd like to know, or think I should include feel free to let me know. I'm always open to suggestions.

Till next time.

PM

Prosthetic Parity and New Jobs

The past week has been quite busy and exciting. The best news has to do with prosthetic parity. Currently, when insurance companies cover prosthetics in Kentucky they are filed in a category known as "durable medical equipment." This is the same category that covers crutches, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, etc...they generally pay $2500 - $5000 and disallow any computer assisted prosthetic. Just as with any insurance coverage some companies cover more than others. With House Bill 376 insurance companies would be forced to cover prosthetics the same as any other medical prescription. This would allow for amputees in Kentucky to receive higher quality prosthetics and cover the higher costs of these limbs. I'm sure you, as well as the legislators, are concerned with how this will effect insurance premiums, the great news is it would only raise insurance rates about 12 cents per member per month. For literally pennies a month, amputees could get the prosthetic they need to get back to a functional life. Wednesday a group of us went to Frankfort to the state capitol to testify in front of the House banking and insurance committee. The next step is for it to be voted on during the next house meeting, then onto the senate.

As for things going on closer to home...I interviewed for a supervisor position at my place of employment. I'm hoping to be the on ambulance supervisor. I also have applied for a flight medic position. I'm hopeful for the supervisor position, but have no idea if I'll be considered for the flight medic position. Given my weight and disability status, I'm not sure if they will consider me at all. As soon as I know more I'll update everyone on here.

4 News Spots in 1 day...that's gotta be a record!

 Yesterday was quite a busy day at work. Aside from the normal hustle and bustle of a Friday, I was interviewed by all 4 news stations in Louisville. The stories were focusing on my returning back to work as a Paramedic as an above knee amputee. It was very humbling for them to want to do this story, much less all 4 agencies running the stories simultaneously. Not too bad for a one legged medic. If you'd like to see the stories the links are provided below.

Until next time,

PM


WLKY's News Story

WHAS 11's News Story

FOX 41's News Story

WAVE 3's News Story

Update and News Coverage

As you can see from the post prior to this one, life has been a little busy here at the Prosthetic Medic homefront. We welcomed our son Liam to this world on January 2nd, he is a happy, healthy baby boy.

In other news Otto Bock has contacted me to do a follow up story about me now that I'm back to work. They are possibly going to do a ride along for a 24 hour shift with me to see what life is like for an amputee paramedic. I've been back to work for a little while now. I have ups and downs, I'm still waiting for my new socket. Looks like it will be ready on Thursday. I'm trying very hard to keep up with everything that's been going on, it just seems that as soon as I've taken a step forward I have to take one back. I'm happy that I have made it to where I am, I just hope that soon this process will feel more like nature. I'm still dealing with the fact that when I put on my prosthetic, it feels just like that, a prosthetic. Recently, I tried a new foot that took that feeling away somewhat. The foot is the iWalk by Biom. This foot mimics the response of the calf muscle and the achielles tendon. It's amazing to have a foot that will actually flex when I walk and assist by pushing my leg forward, the same as a "normal" person. This will be an amazing help at work, especially when walking up stairs, or pushing a patient on the stretcher. I'm quickly approaching my one year anniversary of losing my leg. I'll be posting more on that later...

I'll be back soon. For now I think I'll go feed the baby and enjoy some time with him and Kate.

Till next time PM

Introducing Liam!!!

Liam was born on January 2, 2013 at 0936. He was 9 pounds and 20 1/2inches long. Please help us welcome him to the world.

Small Setback...Big Implication

Beyond frustrated tonight. I had a small setback that has had big mental implications on me. My prosthetic socket, the part that keeps my knee attached to my leg, is a little too big. Normally, this isn't a big deal, but with the change in the weather today my stump has shrank more than normal. This lead to my leg "bottoming out" inside the socket. Allow me to paint a picture for you, when my leg was amputated they removed 10cm of femur, the remaining muscle was then wrapped over the end of the bone and sutured together. When my leg bottoms out in the socket my weight is pressing the remnant of my femur into that muscle. Bone pain is some of the worst pain I have experienced. It's just a deep, almost toothache type pain, that is just deep inside. It's sickening, literally. So, I tried to suck it up and continue to work today, but when it got to the point that I was getting nauseated by walking, it was time to throw in the towel. My prosthetic office has already started on making a smaller socket for me, should be ready in the coming days, but this was a reality check. This was a very unwelcome reminder that despite all my efforts, I am different than how I used to be. I loathe admitting any weakness, much less one that I'm already being judged for.

I'm hoping that these instances are few and far between, but they are a part of life now. I'm lucky enough to have a very supportive system at home, and have someone who knows when I need support and to vent, and when I need a great kick in the butt to move on.

On a good note, aside from today's setback, things are going well. I've noticed that I'm still having problems with carrying patients down stairs, but that will come with more time and strength.

Until Next Time...

PM

What might have been

Last shift I was given a glimpse of what may have been. I met a man who is a recent amputee, he was very anxious and scared about what may become of him. He had his leg amputated and was given no further instructions about what is to come in the future. He was very pleased to see an amputee providing care to him. A visual representation that despite losing a leg, you don't have to limit yourself or lose who you are. All he wanted to be able to do is get back on his bicycle and ride again. I was able to give him the name of several prosthetic offices around town and instructed him to call around and find the office that will work best for him. He asked which office I used and of course I gave him the name of Kentucky Prosthetics and a very warm recommendation.

This is when it hit me. How many people out there could return to a functional lifestyle if only given the chance to get the prosthetic they need. After dealing with Humana, and reading up on the numbers of patients who are thrown into this life without given instruction on their options for how to return to their lives. I want to become an advocate for these people. A voice for the voiceless. If you are reading this, and you know of any new, or old, amputees who need help getting the equipment they need please forward them to me or to the Amputee Coalition.

Until next time. I'll be back with more news from the ambulance and lessons learned in getting back into the swing.

Prosthetic Medic