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Posted on: Fri, Aug 24 2007 9:12 PM

Posted by: House Posts: 132

For all amputees, I would really appreciate your input on a topic about "what to call it".  During my residency in Rehab we were told that we should no longer refer to someones "remaining leg or arm" as a "stump", but instead we should refer to it as a "residual limb".  I used "residual limb", but patients would come in and tell me to called it a stump.  Now some may say that we should not talk about it as something separate, but we as physicians do have to address this area of the anatomy because we are talking about specifics such as phantom sensation, pain, skin problems, etc.

What does everyone perfer? Have you had a doc say residual limb?

Posted on: Sat, Aug 25 2007 9:28 AM

Posted by: Bethica Posts: 45

My doctors and physical therapists have simply referred to it as "the limb," to differentiate it from "the leg."

I'm not really big into political correctness, so I refer to my own "stump" from time to time, although I will refer to others' "limbs," for instance when I'm with my support group.

When I found out I was finally going to get my prosthesis, I said, "I'm so happy, my stump is jumping."

Non-amputees just kind of vaguely murmer and wave a hand in the general direction of my limb. Children, of course, are more direct, but they say "leg."

Posted on: Tue, Sep 4 2007 6:14 PM

Posted by: Gogol Posts: 11

 All the medical professionals I've met refer to is at residual limb, and most non-medical professional call it a Stump. I prefer stump, I find the residual limb term odd, its almost like mocking whats left it's not residual its my leg, my stump. I find most younger kids call it a numb.

Posted on: Wed, Sep 19 2007 8:36 PM

Posted by: jrcarr Posts: 8

After 30 years I have always referred to it as my "Stump".  Most professionals usually refer to it as my "Limb".  Don't believe I've ever heard the term "Residual Limb" use by anyone.  I would probably be somewhat confused if a Doctor asked to see my "Residual Limb"???? What? You want to see who?  Where would I find that to show it to you?  Anyway, stump to me, my family and friends is the general preference.

Jack

Posted on: Wed, Sep 19 2007 8:45 PM

Posted by: Debbie Posts: 3,874

The Drs. and nurses I've been involved with over the years have always called it a stump. Like the others, I've never heard of residual limb. When talking to the kids they call it my little leg. I'm just used to calling it my stump, but mostly my little leg. I'm not offended, whatever a Dr. wants to call it, that's fine with me.

Posted on: Sat, Oct 13 2007 11:30 PM

Posted by: TensPro Posts: 9

Hey there ya'll.  I'm not an amputee, but I've been working with amputees for a few years now.  I'm designing a prosthetic foot, so I spend a lot of time with amputees and a lot of time with people who've never really met amputees, so maybe I can bring a different perspective to this converation.

Residual limb - this is what you see all over the scientific journals and rehabilitation journals.  I've never heard an amputee say it.

Stump - Everyone who has one calls it this, but most people who don't have one get freaked out when I say 'stump'.  I've seen people act like I just dropped the F-bomb when I say it.  It's like it is a reminder that it could happen to them, and they just don't like to think about their own fragility and mortality. 

So, I could see where you might feel like "residual limb" is insensitive and depersonalizing, because, well, that's kind of why they say it.  Kind of like on the "well-meanies" thread, the whole thing just makes them uncomfortable.  

anyway... my 2 cents. 

Posted on: Sat, Oct 13 2007 11:57 PM

Posted by: Debbie Posts: 3,874

hi tens pro, nice to meet you. are you just designing a foot or a leg also for ak? i wore my prostetic only one time, and it was the day i bought it because the people where i got it from helped me put it on. i am also paralyzed and it is so difficult to put it on, i don't bother with it. the knee sticks out a little too far and it's too high. i was just wondering if you had an easy ak leg. thanks

Posted on: Sun, Oct 14 2007 2:22 PM

Posted by: TensPro Posts: 9

Hi Debbie, right now it's just a foot.  i've got plans for a knee, but first things first.  I need to get a product to market so I can stop eating tuna and ramen noodles every meal.  My cat doesn't complain, but I'm a little tired of it.  ;-)

Still, the foot does have a lot to do with a how an AK limb works.  If the foot is too stiff, then you have to put in a lot of effort to make the limb walk.  Without a working knee, you've only got a short lever (aka stump) to use to make it bend.  The AKs who've tried it with the knee on their old proshtetsis and they liked it better than their other feet for walking.

I can understand wny you'd find putting the leg on difficult.  I've seen it done by people who weren't paralyzed and it was still a real hassle for them.  Still, some systems are easier to use than others though.  It may be worth a visit to a prosthetist and asking them if you've got the easiest system to use.  Also, if it is too tall, they should be able to fix that.  A leg that is too talk can be hard to use and damaging to your spine.  And you gotta be careful with what you've got left...