Mudpuppy

We missed our pool time in August because of the unseasonably cool weather. Instead of basking in the sun we were cuddled up in front of the fire pit and under blankets in the evening. Now we are nearing the end of September, the temperatures are topping out in the 90's every day.  With the pool closed and the hoses and water toys packed away for the season, our outdoor fun has been significantly stymied.

I wish we could play in our yard, or through our woods and in the stream. The mosquitoes have been swarming in such force that I am reminded of the summer we visited the Everglades.  We cannot walk to our car without getting bitten numerous times and no repellent seems to be effective.
 
With our yard transformed to a mosquito nesting ground, we haven't been able to play at home. Yesterday morning, after dropping Robby off at school, I swung by the park to allow Timmy to run and play before the heat of the day forced us to retreat inside. He started squealing and giggling when he realized I had turned into the park and was practically jumping out of his seat when he saw other kids playing and sliding. He took off running as soon as he was released from his seat.
 
While I took my position on the Mom bench, Timmy ran and played with his new friends. The other moms obviously knew each other and weren't terribly inviting to an outsider. I smiled but when my attempts at small talk were brushed off, I moved into the shade and began to answer emails on my phone. 
 
I sat quietly by myself and listened to the twenty something spandex moms calling after their little cherubs to get out of the dirt. The moms were practically on top of their kids, hosing them down with sanitizer and wiping them down with wet wipes each time the child touched a piece of mulch or anything on the ground. If their hands were dusty from dirt, they were immediately scrubbed down. 
 
In the meantime, Timmy was digging and piling mulch into the back of his little Tonka truck, which he then proceeded to dump on his feet and legs. Just as the moms were talking about the dangers of getting dirty at the park because it was "filled with germs," Timmy laid down and made a snow angel in the mulch. If I didn't know better, I would swear he did it to prove a point. The other moms may have clean kids at the end of the park play date, but they are missing out on sticky and dusty hugs from a happy little mudpuppy.  

Prosthetic Encyclopedia!

Almost as soon as I became an amputee I discovered the need for a resource that aggregates all of the prosthetic options in a single location. I find surfing between manufacturer websites an exercise in frustration with each website presenting their devices in a different manner. I quickly become tab confused and often end up shutting off the computer entirely.

We live in the age of Google and quick information dissemination yet there hasn't been an easy way for the consumer (individuals with limb loss) to compare their prosthetic options. Instead of continuing to discuss our frustration over the lack of a resource, Dave and I decided it was time to just do it ourselves.  After months of work, I am thrilled to unveil the amp'd Prosthetic Product Encyclopedia.

Our Encyclopedia, divided by functional K-level, organizes all of the prosthetic options in an easy to compare format.  Each device photo is hyperlinked to the manufacturers website so the specific product is easy to locate, eliminating the tab confusion of the past.  We've included the manufacturer suggested reimbursement codes, as well as the average medicare allowable for each product. For the first time, the limb loss/ limb difference community has access to all of their prosthetic options, and the average price, for each device.

I have wanted to create a Prosthetic Encyclopedia for the past decide, and I'm thrilled that my dream has finally come to fruition. I'm hoping that it will help everybody window shop for devices. With the ability to compare products and financial implications, the community is more empowered in with their prosthetic care.  Let me know what you think of the resource!


I should disclose that, although we would like to include every manufacturer, we know that our encyclopedia is incomplete at this time. We feel that it is important to share the reimbursement recommendations and the financial implications of each product and some manufacturers do not publicly provide that information. When the coding recommendations are not public, the products were omitted from the encyclopedia.  (Of course, if the manufacturer is willing to share the coding recommendations for their products we will be delighted to include them in the resource.)

Tanks and Trucks

Happy Friday! 

This week I feel like we have finally settled into our school routine.  Hamlet doesn't meltdown when we drop off Robby at school, which is a welcome improvement. Hearing him sob each morning was heartbreaking, especially because I knew his reasons for feeling sad. He possesses an unbridled adoration for his big brother and loves it when he is home with him during the day. 

Settling into a routine has been good for me as well. I thrive off of routine and although we are busy, I'm feeling less stressed because I can anticipate our daily flow. The older and busier I become, the more I have come to appreciate my daily planner. Sometimes I miss the days where I would wake up without having to consult my calendar while sipping my coffee.  But then I remind myself that my boys are the reason behind the majority of our appointments, and I smile. 

This weekend will be busy with fun autumn activities.  On Saturday we are going to the Tank Farm for their open house event. Robby is excited to explore all of the artillery, and is especially anticipating watching the flame thrower in action.  On Sunday we are going to a Touch-a-Truck event for Timmy. I'm sure he will enjoy seeing and exploring all of the trucks on display. 

Exploring trucks, guns and tanks doesn't rank among my favorite activities, but I'm looking forward to the events because of the boys. I'm hopeful that we can tear Scott away from his football watching to accompany us on our adventures. The weather looks like it is going to cooperate, so it should be a fun weekend for everybody.

Ninja Fail

I have been having really bad luck with electronic devices lately.  Last week I was forced to buy a new television when a toddler thrown projectile cracked the screen of our existing television.  I know that Timmy didn't mean to break the television, but the end result was the same regardless of his motivation. 

The morning after we hung our new television I began to experience issues with my Ninja Coffee pot. After coveting the Ninja Coffee for months, Scott bought me the elaborate pot for my birthday in May. I was delighted with all of the bells and whistles, and until recently it made a great cup of coffee.

Unfortunately, the bells and whistles only worked for a few months.  Despite running the clean cycle numerous times, including twice with the cleaner sold by the company, the pesky clean light remains illuminated. The light is annoying, especially considering the expense of the Ninja system, but it is now interfering with the performance of the machine. Each morning I never really know the amount I am going to see in the carafe. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.  Playing roulette with my coffee is not advantageous!

I called the company a few days ago and discovered that the pricey pretty pot was not paired with helpful customer service. After checking the serial numbers and documenting the issues, the customer non-service representative agreed that the pot was under warranty. The company representative informed me that a lot of customers were experiencing issues with the clean light (a fact I already surmised after reading their Facebook page) and that they were prepared to offer me a remedy. For a mere $20 the company would mail me the replacement part necessary to repair the known issue with the machine. 

I was appalled that I was expected to pay $20 to cover "shipping and handling" for a repair piece for a machine under warranty.  After questioning the charge, I was automatically referred to the warranty agreement I "accepted when I purchased the machine."  I was insulted by the true lack of interest demonstrated by the company representatives and have vowed to never send them another cent.  I will not support a company that does not stand behind its products or its customers.

Last night I experienced a customer service exchange that was actually polite and helpful.  To my frustration, I went to turn on my new computer and discovered that it had malfunctioned.  Less than one month old, I was frustrated and immediately called Lenovo.  After answering a few questions, I was encouraged to return it to the store for an exchange.

I no longer had the receipt, but BJs Wholesale Club was able to look up the purchase and refunded my money without an issue.  After such a frustrating experience with Coffee Ninja to secure a simple replacement part, it was refreshing to interact with a company that values the customer service experience.  Because of this quick and courteous exchange, I will definitely be buying my next coffee pot (NOT a Coffee Ninja) at BJs!

New Liners

I decided to escalate my issue with my insurance adjuster by sending her a copy of yesterday's blog.  She never acknowledged receipt of the link, but I am happy to report that by mid afternoon my liners were finally approved. I can't definitely say that my blog influenced the approval, but it is certainly a strong causal relationship. Whatever the prompt, I'm happy that this battle is now over and I'm looking forward to receiving my new liners. My limb will be grateful when I finally throw away this tattered (and rather odoriferous) liner.  

My leg has been feeling "off" lately. I wouldn't say that I've been in pain, but rather I have been acutely aware of my prosthetic use. I'm optimistic that the new liners will help to correct the situation and I will return to normal.   

Robby's extra curricular schedule has kicked into overdrive.  Every day we are going to at least one, sometimes two, activities after I pick him up from school. Some days I feel like I am more of a taxi driver and waitress than anything else. I suppose this is typical of a parent of a tween.

Thankfully Timmy enjoys going on community trips, and has grown into a good little traveler. I've managed to locate all of the play areas in the vicinity of each of his brother's activities, which helps to stem his boredom and gives us a purpose while his brother is occupied with his class and/or lesson.   

With our growing calendar, trying to fit trips to Elliot (my prosthetist) would be overwhelming. Fingers crossed the new liners will fix my issues, because I really don't have time for major tweaks right now!

Keep Fighting

Living with a disability is exhausting. I'm not tired because I use a prosthesis, and I consider myself lucky not to battle constant phantom pain. Instead of physical causes, my fatigue stems from constantly being in a battle.  After more than a decade of fighting, I am becoming battle weary. I just wish that getting what I need to live a full life as an amputee wasn't so unnecessarily complicated.

Nearly a month ago I started the process for new liners. I visited my doctor and secured the proper prescription. I also made sure that the need was properly documented in my medical file. (In many ways I'm lucky because I know exactly how the notes need to read, and how the prescription should be worded.) The paperwork, along with my prosthetists notes and documentation, were submitted to my insurance adjuster.  Receipt of the request has been acknowledged in August, but I am still walking around on hole-riddled liners.  

Numerous calls to my adjuster have yielded only curtly worded justifications for the delay. At this time she is "evaluating" the request. The whole concept of "evaluating" my need for prosthetic liners baffles me. My amputee status is not going to change, and liners are considered standard for prosthetic use. The liners are off the shelf and are about as no-frills as you can get. I'm not asking for anything spectacular, out of the norm or groundbreaking. I'm just asking for the supplies I need to continue to live my ambulatory life.   

 In addition to my own insurance battle, I am actively lobbying against the Graham-Cassidy healthcare bill. This bill would remove Essential Health Benefit mandates, leaving every amputee at risk for the return of lifetime maximums and unattainable prosthetic coverage. The bill would also allow insurers to financially penalize those with pre-existing conditions by charging more for less coverage. Those who are living with a pre-existing condition, which incidentally is approximately 75% of all individuals between 45-54 and 84% of those age 55-64.  

If you are interested in learning more about the implications of the Graham-Cassidy Bill on the limb loss community, I encourage you to check out this week's podcast on amp'd. Dave and I broke down the complicated legislation and provided template letters to send to your Senators. I'm tired of dealing with insurance and healthcare, but until the battles stop I won't quit.  The stakes, my mobility and prosthetic coverage for my friends, are worth the fight. 

Throwing Clay

Friday evening Robby and I were able to cross another item off of our bucket list.  After years of talking about it and never quite getting around to making it happen, we finally took a pottery wheel class. (Thanks Groupon!) I had so much fun spending time learning a new activity with Robby.  

Despite having no experience with a pottery wheel, Robby was a natural. After watching the teacher, he was able to replicate the project, a bowl, with seemingly little effort. I was not nearly as adept with the clay, but I after some extra instruction (and a quick patch job from the teacher) I was able to create a quasi lopsided bowl.  In this family, Robby definitely has the artistic abilities.

On Saturday we packed up and headed to the parade and community street fair. Robby strutted down the route like a proud peacock, waving to everybody and enthusiastically demonstrating his Taekwondo skills. I cheered and followed him along the sidelines throughout the route so that we could walk back together. Towards the end of the route he was chosen to break a board, which was undoubtedly the highlight of the event. (He would like me to include the fact that he broke it on his first time, using an ax kick.)

After the parade we walked through the fair, visiting with the vendors and collecting bags of freebies and giveaways. By the time we reached the car I was loaded down like a pack mule with assorted branded junk. Robby had a great time unpacking all of our swag bags, carefully sorting everything in piles. He was smiling and unveiling each item like it was a trophy, but I couldn't help but think that the last thing I needed was more piles of crap on my kitchen table.  

All told it was a good weekend. I was able to take a much needed nap on Sunday, and I'm feeling stronger and more centered for the week ahead.  Hopefully it will be a good week.