My iLimb Hand and Socket
I picked up my final socket for my i-Limb hand a week back, from Rich at Diablo O&P . He had lovingly created a carbon fiber socket with a blue fleck running through it based on the test socket he had made earlier.
We decided to move the electrodes up higher to try to resolve the issue, where, previously the holes in the liner were too low and let air in and so didn’t keep the socket secure on my stump. It was a bit tricky trying to work out where the holes should be cut in the liner (the liner costs $500 a pop, so don’t want to make a mistake), but we guesstimated as best we could and it seems to be working for now!
The Socket
I’m starting to wear my new arm a little at a time, I have pretty good control of opening and closing the hand, although rotation is going to require a bit more work to master. It’s amazing how easy it is to control, I just contract the muscles I would normally use to open/close my hand, just in a more exaggerated motion. Rich did a great job creating the socket and dealing with the bulky battery. If I wear a long-sleeved top you really don’t notice it, the length and angle of the socket is perfect…I bet you’d probably not even notice my hand wasn’t real at first glance!
The socket is a little lighter than my test socket, but the overall prosthesis still weighs just under 3lbs, which will take a bit of getting use to. Also, the weight of the hand causes the socket to move around a little on my stump, since it isn’t secured above my elbow as would normally be the case for this type of device. This caused a blister the other day where the electrode touches the skin on one side…so still some teething issues to iron out.
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This is a very good blog for me. Thanks for that…! I lost my right (dominant) hand on April 15th due to severe pain and recurrent tumorous tissue growth. I am slowly healing – and eager to find out more. I also play(ed) the guitar. If we’d be any closer I’d bring some snacks and invite myself over for a beer but this is Switzerland. At the moment – slow healing, I am being as patient as I can.
Is the “iLimb” “worth” it?
hey i am glad that ur making progress!!!
my mother is also an Amputee, she lost her left arm in 2005, (2 inches above the elbow) in a car accident.
i was wondering if u could give me some info on the arm, how much did it cost you, were they willing to let u pay the amount in payments, does it work at?
thank u again,
i am asking because u have been throught this and we can not get a clear answer from the Dr.s
thank u and be strong
Alexz
Alexz_chan@yahoo.com