Originally posted by SLAYER69
Originally posted by beezzer
reply to post by SLAYER69
The tech I'm really interested in is the perforated chip implanted in existing tissue. Nerve stimmuli is recorded through the chip and directly sent
to the prostethsis. Micro actuators drive the missing limb in a real life fashion.
We're on the cusp of seeing some great advances!
I wonder how this tech would be developed affordable?
It's one thing to create it it's another for wide use among those who are in real need
Right now it's no where near affordable to everyday people, and I don't see it becoming so for 20 yers probably more.
I can tell you from personal experience right now. the state of healthcare in the US is HORRIBLE. I am an above the knee amputee lost my right leg in
an accident in Sept of 2000 (and in the last 12 years not much has changed as far as availability of prostectics or affordability, it's the same now
as it was in 2000), and without insurance (I had medicaid and disability till 07, but then it was taken away) I'm not getting a new prostetic (old one
does not workanymore, liner is also ripped to shreds so it's also worn out basically). New liner around $500.00 which I don't have. Even if I did, I
have gained probably 15 lbs since I havent been able to wear my prostetic so it won't fit anyway. Need an entire new mold taken.
The problem being with medicaid is you can't just get or apply for medicaid; well at least not in the State I live. You must get/apply for Disability
and if approved you'll get Medicaid with it. You basically cannot have one without the other. and it's standard practice here in my State to deny all
applicant's the first time, no matter what. and usually an 80% and higher denial on the appeal. You got to get your third appeal then get a lawyer,
and they make the hoops and maze of paperwork so hard ,especially for someone who IS disabled, many people give up.
It's a shame too because I really just want medicaid so I can have a new prostesis made so I can get a job. I am young and do not wan't to sit home
all day collecting Disability.
These amazing legs and arms you see. Take the "C-Leg"which use computer communications between the prostesis and your good limb and actually make for
climbing steps one over the next possible for someone who is AKA,they are extremely expensive talking and only go to those with the best insurace, or
those who lost limbs in War. Even then there's no guarantee, I know plenty of vets struggling to get help with prostetics.
Hopefully in the future things will be cheaper as the tech evolves, but it's very slow going, and I don't see any major changes happening for me in my
life-time.
Losing a limb is a real life changer, not only physically, but mentally. My advice is be as safe as you can, and try not to engage in dangerous
activities, or work a dangerous job. Point being if you do lose a limb, don't expect to magically and easily get a prostesis and have it do any good
for you. We are no where near that point.
It's just baffling when the Dep. of disability tells you your not disabled when your missing 85% of your leg. That just because you can manage to take
a shower by yourself (which is a project) that your fit to be out in the work-force, even when your entire work history is filled with jobs that
include manual labor that require tons of walking/lifting heavy objects/bending/squatting/climbing/operating heavy machinery and being on your feet
(foot in my case now) all day long. But the money care seems to go to people who are physically fine, they just know how to abuse the system.
Sorry if I sound bitter, but at this point I am
edit on 27-11-2012 by Nola213 because: (no reason given)
