SWANSON REGIONAL ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC CENTER

Testimonials - Don Dauer

"Their caring professionalism and commitment to quality and
“getting it right” are impressive"

I’m 44 years old [cir. 2002] and have been an amputee (right leg BK) since age 16. In those 28 years it seemed to me that prosthetic technology moved fairly slow. Although I had tried new things out periodically over the years, I was wearing, basically, the same type of prosthesis in 2002 that I had worn in 1974. The sockets and linings, wool sock, nylon sheaths, cuff straps and belts were all constant over the years. The biggest improvement that I had seen was the transition from the SACH foot to the energy storing (Carbon Copy) type.

I make my living as a barber, and being on my feet nine hours a day makes comfort my primary requirement in a prosthesis. The style I was wearing for years allowed for a lot of piston action, which would cause occasional blistering and soreness. Being unable to miss much work, I could take a lot of time to heal problem areas, since I was unable to get off my feet or the prosthesis off of me for very long, except at night.

Recently Vern Swanson told me about some newer technology, including some that he had developed, that might help me. My new prosthesis was completed in early December 2002 and the improvement in fit and comfort continues to amaze me. New materials that are lighter, yet stronger make my leg very easy to wear. Ohio Willow Wood’s Alpha Liners, combined with the pin and lock suspension keep the limb very snug yet very comfortable. The snugness eliminates piston action and the gel liners are just amazing at eliminating the friction that I was used to with wool socks. In 28 years this is, by far, the most comfortable prosthesis that I have ever worn. I no longer feel like there is something “attached” to me, it really feels like a part of me.

I’ve been a patient of Swanson O & P since its inception and with Vern Swanson since his first job with the former Friddle Prosthetics and I can recommend, with great confidence, Vern and all the staff at Swanson O & P. Their caring professionalism and commitment to quality and “getting it right” are impressive.