 |
Bilateral Amputation Doesn’t Slow Biker Down
By Miki Fairley  Slime balls who take a handicap
parking space when theyre able-bodied had better not try it in
Omaha, Nebraska!
If they do, they might find themselves getting a ticket from a
6'3", 265-lb. guy on a motorcycle, who just happens to be sporting
prostheses on both legs.
James Flink, 40, is a CAD (Computer Aided Design) drafter for
the city of Omaha during the week and a police department volunteer
parking enforcement officer during evenings and weekends. Plus he
rides with the "Dirty Dozen" local motorcycle club.
James became a right below-knee amputee in 1995 due to a
construction accident. Then an infection in January 2003 cost him
his other leg below the knee. His insurance company was reluctant
to provide the prostheses he needed and implied he should simply
quit working and depend on Medicaid. "I would rather work!" James
says emphatically.
College Park Industries, Fraser, Michigan, stepped in to fill
the gap by supplying James with College Park Venture" feet. Since
James is a large, active bilateral amputee, College Park has asked
him to work with its engineering department to test new and
existing feet.
Putting Prostheses to the Test
And can James put prosthetic components to the test! "It's a
challenge keeping legs in one piece, because he's so active,"
chuckles his prosthetist Russ Burton, CPO, Burton Prosthetics,
Omaha. "James has challenged the weak link' theory more than once.
James will find the weak link in everything we make." Burton speaks
warmly of James, especially noting his friendliness and big,
infectious grin.
 |
Bernadette Flink |
|
James wears suction BK carbon fiber sockets with
Alpha® liners from Ohio Willow Wood and ALPS sleeves, and
various College Park feet.
Coping with Amputation
What has helped James cope with being a bilateral amputee? He
answers, "My wife of 18 years--and best friend, Bernadette." He
also credits his doctor, Dan Detrick, MD, and Russ Burton. Also,
"What really helped was when the Dirty Dozen Motorcycle Club showed
up at the hospital to visit and help my spirits," says James.
"Without them, I wouldn't have gotten on a motorcycle again and
probably not even done half the things that I'm doing today."
Besides his job, volunteer work with the police department,
motorcycle riding, and family activities, James has volunteered to
be a member of the Mayor's Commission for the Disabled, Toys for
Tots, and other organizations.
James' older son, Anthony, is still having some problems in
dealing with his father's amputations, says James. His younger son,
Patrick, thinks it is great that the tragedy hasn't kept his father
from being mobile. "He tells his friends that his dad is part
terminator," James says.
Other factors that keep James going is showing amputees and
others what can be done by someone who is missing limbs. He adds,
"The respect that comes with not letting other people take care of
me when I'm perfectly able to take care of myself. I can get out
there and ride as safely as the next person--with a handicap plate
on my motorcycle!"
James has been stopped several times by state patrol officers
asking how he can ride without feet. "I don't like the way my feet
look with the coverings, so I just tell people that I'm part
machine and laugh about it. I love the look of metal and carbon
fiber and the stares that the general public gives me!"
James' Advice to Amputees, Prosthetists
What advice does James have for other amputees? "Don't let
anyone tell you that you won't be doing the things you like to do.
It might take a little time to adjust, but don't sit there and pity
yourself. Get up and get going. It does take a lot of work and
determination. That is the first part of making you better. You
will always be working to achieve your goals throughout life; just
don't give up if you encounter an amputation.
"Ask your prosthetist many questions about various ways to make
you better," he continues. "That prosthetist is the person you will
need to be friends with for the rest of your life; be sure to treat
him or her right."
For prosthetists, James says, "You have more power than you
think in telling the amputee that he isn't going to be able to do
things. Just tell your patients that anything is possible;
encourage them; don't be negative. Sometimes by just listening to
patients, you can refer them to others who can provide the help
needed." 
Table Of Contents - December 2003
|
|
