are there any one legged cavers out there?

[Moors Miner]

One of our regular diggers is an amputee. He has recently had problems with his leg falling off when he gets wet.  We are looking into various solutions into how to keep his prosthesis dry. Are there any cavers who have a similar issue?

 

[bograt]

Is this a problem of attachment straps expanding or attachment points shrinking?.

 

[lordpike]

When showering I tie a bin bag to my leg, using an (or more than one) elastic band on the upper leg. This allows me to walk out of the shower chair. So I think it would allow you to walk when you reach the depths of the cave - you can always try it. The tougher bin bags that you get from B & Q are the best.

Cheers
Alan Latchford

 

[Pitlamp]

I know someone with a lot of experience of exactly this problem. I'll send a PM.

 

[Moors Miner]

His leg is attached by pure suction using a silicon sleeve over his stump. The problem is when water gets behind this sleeve it looses suction. Where we are currently digging there is prolonged periods of layin and crawling in water. He has tried a neoprene sleeve over the top but this still let's in too much water.  The bin bag method probably wouldn't be durable enough.

 

[lordpike]

Ah! I am Not exactly a caver - I once looked at a picture of a cave , so I now understand that a bin bag would not be tough enough. The ALEC centre in Manchester (0161 611 3700 and ask for prosthetics) may be able to help. They did both my legs.

 

[Peter Burgess]

One of our regular diggers is an amputee. He has recently had problems with his leg falling off when he gets wet.  We are looking into various solutions into how to keep his prosthesis dry. Are there any cavers who have a similar issue?

I don't know anyone, unfortunately. But I would warn against him taking up unicycling in wet caves.

 

[paul]

[gmod]Please keep on topic![/gmod]

 

[tony from suffolk]

I presume your pal's a below-knee (transtibial) amputee?. If so it sounds like he's using a Silipos suspension sleeve or something similar, with a one-way valve in the bottom of the prosthetic socket. This generally works fine for walking but if you flex the knee too much they do tend to lever themselves off.

There are several potential solutions here but your friend really needs to attend his local Centre & discuss the options.  He (or she) also needs to tell their prosthetist about getting the prosthesis wet. Some contain components that are very susceptible to corrosion.

At one time we supplied a one-piece silicone waterproof cover but this won't necessarily help if the prosthesis falls off due to excessive knee flexion. Another alternative is to use an auxiliary cuff suspension. Discuss with the prosthetist.

 

[Jopo]

Amazing that from such a small community (cavers that is) that there are so many who have a intimate knowledge of prosthetics.
Can add two more who are cavers but not on this forum and both make artificial limbs in South Wales.

If Pitlamp's offer cannot sort you then pm me and I will put you in touch.

Jopo

 

[Pitlamp]

Jopo - it looks like my offer won't help after all, because the person I know had the leg removed above the knee - so different situation.

Incidentally I used to know a bloke who was a BSAC member and did a lot of diving with one leg. In fact he was actually quite powerful at finning - better than some of the other members with two legs.

It's all about attitude . . .

 

[estelle]

It's all about attitude . . .

Most people who manage to achieve so much despite disabilities like this amaze me and i really admire their attitude towards life.    :bow:

 

[Chalky]

Ok I am the offending/offensive cripple. Cripes, I much appreciate all the attempts at help and offers of a Uni-cycling duel, no problemo bring it on. Ok here?s the general crack, I?ve been digging for around 25yrs now and lost my left leg below the knee 9yrs ago (rather careless). Generally there are no problems with the bugger dropping off, unless we need to use it as a belay. The leg is held on by a silicon suspension sleeve and pin/carbon socket. I generally use a neoprene sleeve over the top for extra bondage when cave conditions are wet. The cave we?ve been digging in for the last six years has now become particularly wet and muddy, can?t say anymore at the mo for fear of death/ snapper up the arse. The combination of getting water behind the sleeve and extra suction from the mud is now generating a problem which is somewhat worrying. I need to come up with a way of stopping any water penetrating behind the sleeve, has anyone else any ideas?? We considered it may be possible to use a dry suit material with seals, one over my voluptuous soft thigh and one over the carbon fibre socket, has anyone tried this or does anyone know where I can get such a thing constructed. My prosthetics department is bloody good and I generally get what is required, given the speed in which I break legs, around one every 8 months or so. However they don?t do bodging and any products have to be kite marked/tested/blah blah so they are of little help. Any other thoughts would be welcomed.
TAR

 

[blackshiver]

You can stop water getting behind the sleeve by transferring your digging activities  from *deleted* to Devis Hole which is much drier  and far more pleasant anyway.

 

[bograt]

Hi Chalky,
              No "offending or offensive" about it, you are just another cripple on this site (as I suspect many others are, me included )
Have you tried Clingfilm over your stump and over the attachment, then squeezing in between the two layers either silicon sealant or expanding foam?
I am not sure how this will affect the integrety of the suction bond mentioned earlier in this thread but it might be worth a try??. At least the clingfilm will seperate the experiment from the bits that matter!.
(P.S., one of my granddads had only half a leg, I am not being flippant!!)

 

[tony from suffolk]

I'm sure the advice being offered by the good folks on this forum is given with the best of intentions, but I do urge Chalky to go and discuss his problems with his prosthetist. It really is not a good idea to interfere with the fit of the prosthetic socket by packing (unless of the type recommended).

Depending on local funding it's possible to be supplied with a prosthesis that's pretty well immune to the effects of water. Ask nicely...

Although it'd be unethical of me to go into specifics, if you want further advice please PM me.