DAY 8

The women again went for therapy in the morning.  Mitzi’s attitude had changed markedly with the change in the length of her legs.  Later she would admit that it had been easier to balance herself on the shorter legs but there was no way she was going to admit that to anyone else right now.  In a week she would allow them to cut off two inches and bring her back to her original height.  The psychologist noted that Mitzi had begun to take charge of her life, something that always brings increased motivation.  The previous day walking even with parallel bars or a walker to take as much weight as possible off her legs was very uncomfortable.  The pressure on her stumps was nasty because of a couple of tender spots.  Today it was better and she pushed herself till she was sweating profusely.  The therapist finally demanded she stop for a while to give her a rest.  She agreed to sit down but only if she could stay for another session.  He agreed to allow her a second session.  After a rest she tried again, each step was real work but each one was easier to make.  Judi and Jaci also had good sessions.  Judi managed to get all of her weight on her leg during a couple of steps.  Jaci was able to take somewhat normal steps with the flex knee.  Amy had her bring her pylon with her, she gave it to a tech when they came in and when the session was over she brought it back.  “Here is what you asked for, a peg leg that has a hinged knee.  You must lock it to walk but when you want to sit you unlock it so it falls down like a regular leg.  I have one made like this and I use it a lot.  I put a stiff foot with a hiking shoe on it instead of the crutch tip for a lot of outdoor walking.  I have a spare one I carry in my backpack in case I break one.  Try it today and see if you like it.  You can alternate it with the other leg to help you learn when you will want to use a particular leg.  Remember that you can change legs to match what you are doing.  And try taking it off and using the crutches alone.  I suggest you get a small backpack.  You’re the one out in front, the more you do to show the other two they can do it the better and the more options you will have.”