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Merry MaibergerMerry Maiberger lives in Rockville, Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C. She lost her leg above-knee as the result of a car accident, although there were many years in between the accident and amputation. When her doctors determined that amputation was going to be necessary, Merry found a gifted surgeon who specialized in plastic surgery of limbs and treatment of wounds. The use of his technique resulted in a residual limb that was perfectly suited for a prosthesis.
"After the December 2006 surgery," remembered Merry, "I thought that the next step of being fitted for a leg would be simple. We did not know that all sockets are not equal! Through an incredible coincidence, my daughter, who is an opthamologist, was in her clinic seeing patients when one of those patients, Jack Farley, came in. He asked if her father was Das Maiberger because he had gone to college with him. As they talked, Jack revealed he had been an above-knee amputee for 40+ years, and my daughter began to ask a thousand questions." During that conversation, Jack explained all the different types of sockets he had worn over the years, including the socket that he currently wore, Stan Patterson's NPS system. He said it was the best socket he had ever worn.
Merry and her husband, Das, flew to POA six weeks after her surgery. "I was Stan's first patient who came to him directly after surgery. Stan greeted me and my husband on that Sunday in February 2007 with his customary enthusiasm, caring ways and genius! He said to me, 'Merry, I will have you walking a mile this week!' And so he did. Three days after being fitted with my new socket and C-Leg, I walked a mile."
Since then, Merry's life has continued to be full and active. "After the car accident I had limited function of my leg," she recalls. "I never realized that as an AK I could return to functioning as I had prior to my car accident."
Merry puts her leg on at 7:00 AM and takes it off around 11:00 PM or later. "I have no bruising or discomfort. My life is incredibly rich and full. I am a teacher, school administrator, swimmer, gardener, and 'nanny' two days a week to my little granddaughters, ages four and one! I am busy with my husband and three children and their spouses and children. My socket is so comfortable. Stan and his team have taught me how to manage the care of the socket, which is minimal. What they have also taught me is how to walk well on my new leg. Stan is a perfectionist, for which I am so grateful. From the beginning when I had to learn how to walk again on my new leg, he coached me in proper gait and I practiced and practiced. My prosthetic leg is one with me because of the unique nature of the vacuum fit. My residual limb has healthy tissue and good muscle tone. Because of Stan and his system I walk well. My brother-in-law said to me at our forty-first wedding anniversary party this past July, 'if you didn't know, you wouldn't know!' I mention this anniversary party because two years ago, when we made the decision to amputate my leg, I wondered only briefly, how my life would change. With the support of my wonderful husband, children, family and friends, I knew I would have a good life. However, what I did not realize then is that without Stan Patterson's revolutionary socket, his fabulous team and their unending commitment to making AK's lives whole and full again, my life would not be back. Well, Merry is back!"
Merry has since learned that not all amputees have had the same success that she has. "What I have learned is that many AK's do not walk easily, are limited because of uncomfortable sockets and many do not know about this great NPS system. I hope my story will help to change that and prosthetists throughout our nation will begin to share with their patients that there are multiple systems and choices offered which will enable all AK's to walk smoothly and effortlessly.
In February 2007 the stars were aligned for Merry, and she will be forever grateful to Stan and the POA team. "Thank you, thank you!" said Merry, "with all my heart." |
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