Should one sing Happy Birthday to an inanimate object? Well, yes, if the inanimate object happens to be a prosthetic leg, and is one you like very much. You see, I recently celebrated the tool that has enabled me to continue being a member of this fantastic world and helped me immensely in continuing my status as a working member of society.

The tool I'm referring to, of course, is my prosthetic leg – or my "pata de palo," as I jokingly refer to it. It's not made out of wood, of course, but you get the idea. Remember in the book, "Moby Dick" how Captain Ahab wore a prosthesis because a great white whale crushed his leg – well, actually, they called it a peg leg in those days. Well, that prosthesis was made out of wood and goodness only knows how he managed to keep it from falling off.

Today's prosthetic legs are made of titanium steel. They contain a liner so the user can slip the liner onto a socket for a secure grab. Yes, today's legs are much better than they used to be. They are better made, they fit almost perfectly, and they are easy to put on and take off. But, believe me, it takes time to learn all these things about prosthetics. It's almost like learning to walk all over again.

Getting Comfortable, Expanding Mobility
It took me almost a year before I felt completely comfortable with my leg. But this handy tool helped me maintain my job. And that's where it becomes doubly important. Not only does the leg allow me to stand up to my full height of 6 feet 2 inches, but also it allows me the freedom of mobility. I use a wheelchair when I'm at home but I am lucky enough to have the option to walk outside if I want.

And, it does take some getting used to. I was fortunate in that my CEO allowed me to take my computer home and work from there during my recovery period. I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't given me that freedom. I envisioned myself using my walker to go to work, because there's no way I could've survived without my job. I was scared because I was still wearing my rather large cast, and using a walker would cause me to lose my balance and almost fall down.

Healing with the Experts
But, working from home while my leg healed gave me peace of mind. However, I would have to eventually return to work at my office. How was I going to do that? Well, thanks to Hanger Orthopedics and Prosthetics on El Paso's Eastside, and thanks to a great expert named Dave, my problem was solved. At first, it was extremely painful anytime I put on the leg.

The liner, which fits very tightly so that it holds the prosthesis in place, would pull at the hairs on my skin. Once I would start walking, it was okay. But, it was that initial getting up to walk when I would experience new adventures in pain. I wondered if it would ever get better. I was almost ready to give up. It was just too painful. However, when I explained to Dave how the prosthesis was pulling on my skin and making my life miserable, he suggested that I cover the stump with heavy cream or with petroleum jelly.

So, there. That's the trick, that's the stuff from which miracles are made. I tried on some Jergen's Lotion, and lo and behold, the pain was gone. See, the liner was no longer pulling on my leg, which meant that I could wear it for longer periods of time without feeling undue pain. Of course, it was still uncomfortable, but it was bearable. As time passed, I realized that it wouldn't be long before I had to return to work. I received my leg in May 2005. I came back to work on June 1, only a month later.

Becoming Tall Again
Therefore, June 1 becomes the official day in which my leg was born. It not only helped me become tall again, but it helped me hold on to my job. Not an easy matter in these tenuous times when unemployment is such a major issue in the United States. Can you blame me, then, if I tell you that my prosthetic leg has helped me to continue on my trek through life? As for other people who might be undergoing the same angst about wearing a prosthesis, my advice is don't worry about it.

Sure, it's tough when you first start out. Remember the pain I told you about? Every prosthetic specialist will tell you that it will be painful. They don't make any bones about it. They tell it like it is, because it is painful. But, nothing is greater than having a leg amputated, but then you replace your limb with a leg that's made out of space-age materials. And, from what I hear, my prosthesis is rather mundane. I understand there are other legs that are even more high technology than mine.