Prosthetics

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ” Philippians 4:13


When Keenan was 6-months-old, we visited Shriner's Hospital to investigate what they had to offer.  Their team of specialists were a wealth of information.  They not only have prosthetics, they also have occupational therapists who work with children when they have difficulties.  We decided not to have Keenan fitted for a prosthesis because he was functioning so well without it, and the medical team was in total support of our decision.  They said when he gets older, if he ever decides he wants to try one, he can come back.  We were told that there are a few times in a person's life when they might consider a prosthesis:  starting school, becoming interested in girls/boys, certain sports, job interviews, etc. 

During our visit to Shriner's, we met a nice young boy named Chance who was 16-years-old.  His limb difference affected his right side, just below the elbow.  He shared with us that he was able to do most things better without the prosthesis, and only wore it about 15% of the time.  He showed us how to put it on and gave examples of when he thought it was most helpful. 

Because Keenan has about 1-inch below the elbow, he is able to grasp things with his left arm.  As of now, at age 2, there is not anything we've found that he cannot do.  He has hit all of his developmental milestones, and some were even earlier than expected.   It's funny because my husband and I will try to figure out how to do something with one hand and before we can even show him, he will do it another way.....usually much simpler..... and in a way we had never even thought of.   ha ha 

On the ABS website, Aaron Hill shares his life and the ways he and his family have adapted to and handled situations (including prosthetics).  If you have not read his story, we would encourage you to do so.  http://www.amnioticbandsyndrome.com/aarons-story-p-67.html