"Gotta Have a C Leg"

Wow! What a day. Jim was liberated for a few shorts hours today. Compliments to Charles Dankmeyer and his staff and John Smith and his staff from Otto Bock. They provided me with a “C Leg“. The “C Leg” allowed me for the first time since my amputation to walk again without the assistance of damn crutches. It was an emotional experience that only an amputee could relish in . As you know I have been without a leg since May 2006. Remember I had my leg amputated on a Monday and went to work on a Friday, on Saturday I rode a three wheeler on the “Boardwalk” and never looked back. Although , I have been frustrated and questioned by even strangers why I elect not where a leg. Well if I had a “C Leg” by Otto Bock I would be walking now . My health insurance company claimed a “C Leg” was a “ Luxury - Deluxe item “. What in the hell is a “Deluxe Leg” when it is man made , that is crazy, just nuts to think. Oh the decision makers of Blue Cross know what a “Deluxe Item” is , the knees you come into the world with … oh yea , not some “man made” contraption. Therefore I had to accept under protest a less than efficient and inferior product. The leg I had to accept in lieu of a “C Leg” was not what I needed but got. The leg I got is like a lamp post compared to what the C Leg offered in walking. The “C Leg” for lack the of a another word “ the bomb “


What I did today was test walk a “C Leg“. A “C Leg” has a micro processor that allows so much. One, I was able to wear the “C Leg” longer today than I had worn my previous leg since I had received the “ LAMP POST “ 18 months ago. In trying to get my point across look at this way, a Rolls Royce compared to Fred Flintstones buggy. I hope you can get the point. The “C Leg” was forgiving in a missed step and not as rigid in the attempt to walk. The C leg made you feel like you were lighter on your feet. I was able to walk different grades and steps with ease. I feel in a month or so with the C Leg I could share a game of golf with my sons. Now that will be the day !!!!


It is a disservice to the human spirit that the “C- Leg” is not available to all leg amputees. Flat out it is outrageous with no excuse. I cannot convey to you what it is like as an amputee, but believe me…… a “C Leg” gets it done , gets it done, feel me. The decision maker with a health insurance company that denies a “C Leg” as a “Luxury or Deluxe item” should be fired. They are “Sell Outs“. I wish I had time to continue with sharing my excitement of the “C Leg” . The time has come for me to devote my energy’s on the
“C Leg” and hopefully my time will not be wasted in that I will be able to obtain one like yesterday. The effort might also allow future and current amputees the experiences of walking in comfort as close to humanly possible in today’s world.

Dankmeyer and Otto Bock you don’t know how great an experience today was for me. Thanks for sharing in a life altering experience. You all are a great asset to all amputees. Please keep up the good work.