inMotion Magazine

Being Informed 3 The decision to use (or not use) a prosthesis is unique to each individual and should be weighed carefully. We all have different situations, needs and desires. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are so many options to consider, it can be almost like buying a car. Should you get something practical or sporty? The standard package or the deluxe model? Some people prefer to use assistive devices instead, such as a wheelchair and/or crutches, either full-time or as an occasional alternative to using a prosthetic device. While the bewildering variety of choices can be overwhelming, there are many resources that can help you make informed decisions. Although there may be no single place to find the answers to all of your questions, tapping into the knowledge of your healthcare team and other resources, such as the Amputee Coalition’s National Limb Loss Resource Center, can go a long way to help you achieve your goals. Ultimately, you need to consider your functional and aesthetic goals, needs and desires, as well as cost considerations, including how much insurance will cover. All of these concerns need to be reviewed and evaluated in detail with your prosthetist. With this information, you and your prosthetist can make the most educated decision about the most appropriate device for you. For more information on surviving and thriving with limb loss, please contact the Amputee Coalition at 888/267-5669 or visit our Web site at amputee-coalition.org . What do we tell our children? Haste makes waste. Look before you leap. Stop and think. Don’t judge a book by its cover. We believe that we are always better off gathering as much information as possible and spending as much time as possible in deliberation. ~Malcolm Gladwell, Canadian journalist Editor’s Message BEING INFORMED ~ Bill Dupes, Editor-in-Chief Kick the Tires Before You Decide