David Grant Above Knee Amputee
Following an above knee amputation of my right leg in early 2009, I was issued with a prosthetic limb by the NHS. This was a very basic limb, very heavy and fitted with a locked knee, and the attachment was by a thick leather belt. At the time-in mid 2009- I was told that after 12 months I would be supplied with an improved limb with an articulated knee, allowing me to walk with a more orthodox gait.
As time went by, the replacement limb never materialised, various reasons being given for its non-appearance. Eventually, having been told my exiting prosthetic limb was ‘state of the art’, I concluded that I could not depend on the NHS for any improvement and I investigated the supply of a more advanced limb from an independent specialist.
Most of these ‘specialists’ appear to be London based which, as I live in the Midlands is inconvenient. However, Ledbrook Clinic is Midlands based and I approached them for an initial appointment. This was an in-depth investigation of my situation and what I would expect from a new prosthetic limb which they would supply. I realised I was in excellent professional hands, with the Lead Clinician and Prosthetist who were experts in their field of Prosthetics. I proceeded with the casting being made for the lightweight carbon fibre socket to fit my residual limb, and a few days later the socket was ready for a fitting. The prosthesis was supplied the following week.
My initial impression is how much lighter the new limb is compared to my old NHS limb and that it is attached by vacuum suction rather than the heavy and uncomfortable leather belt I have been wearing. Some of my muscles needed to operate the new limb to its full advantage have been unused for some years and Ledbrook Clinic have arranged for a specialist prosthetic physiotherapist to work with me, so I can take full advantage of my new prosthesis. I would highly recommend the Ledbrook Clinic to anyone seeking a better quality of life, better mobility and the experience of being seen by caring and knowledgeable professionals.