Research (Amputation)

celticroots

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My MC is an above-elbow amputee. The internet has been a good source of information so far. I found a company that specializes in prosthetic arms.

I want to talk to an occupational therapist about extensive rehab for upper limb amputees. (Other than what I found online.)

But I don't know any locally and I can't drive to a medical center because I can't drive. So I've been thinking about e-mailing an occupational therapist through the company with my questions.

Specifically how a teen would handle amputation.

Would that be a bad thing to do? They're busy. And I feel weird at the thought of interviewing an amputee ( if I knew one.) I want to talk with as many people as possible because I want to portray this sensitively.
 

WriterBN

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If you don't find a good resource, read the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (aka J K Rowling). The main character is an amputee (although not upper-arm), and the issues are integral to the plot in one of the books.
 

AW Admin

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I'm moving this to our Research forum, where it's likely one of our members who can help you out will see your post.
 

celticroots

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Then they won't answer your e-mail.

But if they have time to do so, and the inclination, then they will. Direct contact and conversation is going to be the best way to get what you want.

>_>

A face to face meeting may not be possible for some people due to circumstances. Some of which are outside their control.
 

frimble3

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I know you're in the U.S., but there's a Canadian organization 'The War Amps' http://www.waramps.ca/home/
that's been around since WWI, and helps not only adult, veteran, amputees but also does a lot with child amputees. You might e-mail them for information - look at their website, they seem to want to help people, I imagine they'd like an accurate portrayal of amputees. (The 'Keytag' thing on their home page is one of their best known fund-raisers.)
 

WeaselFire

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Call the nearest school that offers physical therapy and rehab as a curriculum. Professors love to help.

Jeff
 

celticroots

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I think I will. And thank you Frimble for your suggestion. I will take a look at that! In regards to calling to a school, is it OK if you conduct an interview over the phone if you have your questions prepared? Meeting them face to face may not be an option for me.
 

lonestarlibrarian

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In my part of the world, there's an event that used to be called the One-Arm Dove Hunt, but now is called the Olney Amputee Dove Hunt after the passing of their founders. A number of upper-body amputees come every fall to shoot dove, play golf, and socialize with other upper-body amputees.

You might try contacting the current organizers and seeing if they can give you an introduction to some upper-body amputees. "Hey, I heard that you do great work for upper-body amputees. I'm an author who would like to ask some amputees a few questions so I can depict my character with realism and sensitivity, and I didn't know if you knew of anyone who wouldn't mind being interviewed?"