What's in a New Socket?

Greetings from Mile Marker 9,559!

What's in a new socket? 

Me.

After a record 3 years (and 3,000 miles) in my old one, it's time.

Wait, you say, you got a new leg?

Nope, not quite...

A prosthetic leg is built from dozens of individual components. 

"Like Tinker Toys," I say.

(And just like that, you know how old I am!)

The socket is the part of the prosthesis that fits over my residual limb -- a.k.a. my "little leg."

For many amputees (like me), socket fit is an ongoing struggle.

Take Mile 34 or 369 or 2,015 or 2,155 or 3,140...

Get the idea?

Our bodies are mostly fluid.  We change constantly.

You can have the fanciest equipment -- the most high-tech knee, ankle, or foot -- but if the socket doesn't fit, you can't walk comfortably.  It's that simple.

Or not!

This time around -- like always -- we started from scratch. 

Prosthetist Tim casted my leg to capture the shape.

We're good at it by now!

Next came the test-socket.

And another.

And another.

And as many as we needed -- until it was fine-tuned to fit my leg.

Now, at Mile 9,559, here's final product:

It has moveable panels, a boa cord, a carbon-fiber outer layer, and a flexible inner layer made of SiOCX.  It's a work of art and engineering!

I chose the color!

Along with it, I'm trying a new type of liner with an adjustable seal.

First-aid, not included :)

Although this socket is "final," it's not quite finished.

Tim checks my length and alignment.

Meet the "hip leveler."

Then I take some practice steps to seal the deal.  

A new socket seems like a small change, but there's a lot riding on this one.

These are the first steps of many.

There's a "break-in" period ahead.  Some tough mornings.  A few bumpy miles, I know.

But after that, fingers crossed for active days...

Long walks and hikes.  
Travel and adventure.

Good health and good times. 

So... what's in a new socket?

Potential.  Hope.  Comfort.

A clean slate and new goals.

Or renewed goals.  LOL :)

And because it's 2021 --

A new mask to match!

Walk on!
Rebecca