Monday, August 22, 2011

Creating Ashlyn's 1st Myoelectric Arm

This is going to be a longer process than when we went to Shriner's for her mechanical arm. That arm required a harness and it never really fit "right" for her. It was very cumbersome and she got very little use of out it. It was done in 2 appointments. One for the casting...one for delivery. This time, we are making sure it's done so that she will use it by making it fit right and by teaching her to use it correctly.


We are going to Hanger Prosthetics and Orthodics in Independence, MO. Instead of 4 hours each way, it takes 15 minutes each way...in traffic. Super excited!


Day 1 - August 15, 2011

Today she was cast for her new arm. She did everything exactly the way he (Dr. Keith - her Prosthetist) asked. She could not have been better. Once that was complete, we headed to the mall for a quick carousel ride and then we went to lunch at Logan's Steak house. It was a good day for all.





Dr. Keith casting Ashlyn for her 1st Myoelectic Arm


Day 2 - August 17, 2011


Today we just went in to see if the mold fit her correctly. This is one of the most important parts because if the mold doesn't fit her like a glove then the measurements will be off, it won't stay in place when the weight of the prosthetic is added, it just won't work properly for her at all. Unfortunately, the first mold did not meet all of these criteria so adjustments will have to be made. It's okay though, because I know the end result will still be amazing!!



Waiting to see if the mold fits


Day 3 - August 22, 2011


Today we went back to see if the mold would fit correctly. Well, it certainly did. It fit perfectly. Dr. Keith added a weight to it to see if she had any strength or range of motion. Incredibly, she had both. She could move the weight around (it was long like an arm and weighed the same as the prosthetic device will when this is complete). She raised it up and touched his nose with the end of it, which means she has the range of motion as well as muscle control. Yay Ashlyn!




Just like Cinderella's glass slipper, the mold fits perfectly!


The next step will take a little longer as they will work with all the information they have as far as weight, length and range of motion. Now they will begin work on her new arm with everything except the actual electric part. Once we have the next step complete then we work on the electric part and then begin OT so she can learn to use it the way it was designed. :) Did I mention I'm super excited to see how this works for her when it's done. SOOO excited! Then we will get her swim arm done as well. Woo hoo!!

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