Mentoring a Key to Prosthetic Success

Experiencing an amputation and considering a prosthesis can be an emotionally draining and financially confusing experience.

While prosthetic devices help to get back to life, it helps to have someone to talk to every step of the way.

That’s why Powell offers a mentoring program for both orthotic and prosthetic patients to understand the process from someone who has already worked with Powell.

“We feel education plays a vital role to facilitate positive patient outcomes and progress patients toward community re-entry and independence,” says Joe Sullivan, owner of Powell Orthotics and Prosthetics and himself an amputee. “Our first meeting with the patient could be one of the most important. That meeting should be personable and informative and help to contribute to a more positive outcome.”

Powell’s mentoring program also coordinates an introduction between two similar patients based on ability, disability or disease to help them understand and more quickly adapt to their new situation.

“I encourage physicians to consider early intervention, even pre-surgical, to prepare the patient for what to expect,” Joe says. “Some patients may have an amputation and sit there for three weeks until they’re ready for the prosthetic device. It’s incredibly helpful to be able to have someone to talk to about different levels of amputation, about activities and even what it’s like to deal with insurance.”

Knowing another amputee to talk to is essential, he adds.

“A lot of amputees go through the stages of denial at first,” Joe says. “We help them through that. It’s going to occur. It’s normal to go through that. Having someone to ask questions like how to drive, how to shower and the best way to sleep is so important. Once they get their device they’ll have questions.”

Joe himself offers a treasure trove of advice. He’s the only amputee Certified Prosthetist in Richmond offering mentoring to amputees using his life experiences coupled with over 20 years of experience in the prosthetics field.

He became an amputee at the age of six months due to cancer. He can explain to kids what it’s like to grow up with a prosthetic device. As a retired Paralympian, he can offer advice on how to train and remain active.

“With the mentoring program you get a little of everything depending on your activity and goals,” Joe says. “It’s all about helping people maximize their abilities and putting them on an equal playing field.”

Along with Joe, all of Powell’s mentors are certified through the Amputee Coalition of America.

If you are a new patient interested in being connected to a mentor, or you are an existing patient who would like to join our mentoring, please contact us and ask for, or email our Community Liaison.

Stay dry and clean this summer

The summer heat and humidity – not to mention the lure of the beach – can wreak havoc for amputees.

“Sweating is the biggest thing, especially in a hot and humid area like Richmond and particularly when you’re active or in the sand and salt water,” says Joe Sullivan, owner of Powell Orthotics and Prosthetics and himself an amputee and Paralympic volleyball champion. “So staying dry and clean is especially important.”

While gel liners typically help to protect your skin from friction, a little extra TLC is needed to keep prosthetics – and yourself -- clean in the sweltering summer. Joe offers some tips:

• When cleaning your liner, stay away from anti-bacterial soaps or those with dyes or perfumes. Use mild soap instead to combat bacteria that builds up on the gel liners, especially when the gel gets wet. Gel liners take the brunt of sweat, sealing off skin pores. Gel liners take the brunt of sweat, sealing off skin pores. Be sure to clean you liner daily.

• Wipe gel liner with rubbing alcohol once a week. While soap takes care of the effects of perspiration on your liner, wiping gel liners will reduce bacteria to keep your skin healthier.

• Wear the right socks. In the summer most people retain fluids due to humidity, which can lead to reduction of socks. However, those who are active in the summer may need more socks because your leg or arm can shrink. See what's best for you.

• Going into the ocean is OK as long as you take precautions afterward. Carbon-fiber and titanium devices do fine in salt water but salt will corrode aluminum. Be sure to rinse well after a dip in the ocean, preferably soaking your device in a pool or bathtub shortly after.

• Clean your device daily and lay it down to dry, using your second prosthetic in the meantime.

"Amputees are going to live their lives and they don't slow down for the heat of the summer," Joe says. "Just know how to care for your prosthetic so it lasts longer."