Prosthetics Clinic (3rd June) and more

My prosthetist decided not to re-cast my leg this time. She's added some pressure pads onto the outside of the inner socket instead, which will deform it as it is inserted into the hard outer socket, to add support where it is needed. This method is used because the end of my stump is wider than the middle, and it would be impossible to get the socket on if it was sculpted to fit my leg precisely. She's also given me a more sticky suspension stocking. This goes on over the top of the prosthetic, and on up onto my thigh to keep the two together. The new one grips my leg a lot better and does not ride down as I am wearing it. This whole assembly prevents the natural tendency for the prosthetic to slide down when I swing my right leg forward when walking. I had been having the problem of it sliding as I was walking, and then the leg is a few millimetres longer than expected, and the foot catches the ground and causes me to stumble. It's amazing how much effect a few millimetres of slide has.

I went out for a walk in the afternoon; it was much more confidence inspiring, and I could walk at much more normal pace. Fabulous! And my hip wasn't affected quite so much. Now I need to build up my stamina, as I've kept saying, but I'll be able to do it by walking with more confidence, and without having to adapt my gait so much.

I also went to the opticians today. My eyesight hasn't changed much since two years ago, but I've ordered some nice new frames - a much better fit than the ones I have now.

I also looked at a new business account for my company, as Nat West are changing to flat-rate charging, which would be great for a big company, but for one the size of mine, it's just going to cost me. So I'm moving to Abbey, because, according to MoneySupermarket.com, they don't make any charges. I'm going to see the business manager tomorrow, to check out the services available. I prefer to use the Internet for banking, so I have to check that this is available, and that I can do everything I want to with it.