Amputees Support Group

Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. Many have undergone amputation or have been living with a missing limb since birth. In either case, life as an amputee can be challenging. This is the place to find others going through the same experiences as an amputee. Share your thoughts, troubles, and solutions with the community.

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peterk 04/24/2008

Has anyone ever heard of Farabloc. It is a fabric made with woven stainless steel threads. My prosthetist recommended that I try it out on my residual limb, which is only 4 weeks old. It's kind of like a sock and I wear it over my shrinker sock. I've had this thing on for only about 24 hours but I have not had any pain, or phantom pain since I put the thing on. Before that I was having enough pain to still be taking meds and some pretty impressive phantom pains and sensations. My prosthetist says that if it works for me it can be intergrated into whatever liner or socket I end up with. So far, this is too good to be real.
Peter

deleted_user 04/24/2008

I've never used it, but here's some more info if anyone is interested....

http://www.farabloc.com/mfara.html

deleted_user 04/24/2008

I have heard very good things about Farabloc. It has been researched at the University of British Columbia and is made in BC, Canada....

deleted_user 04/24/2008

Thanks for the link Kinzy. That just amazes me. I'm glad it's helping Peter. :)

peterk 04/24/2008

thanks for the web site, Kinzy.

HopAlong 04/25/2008

There's also another fabric called umbrellum that is also supposed to be effective. Here's an article:

http://www.oandp.org/AcademyTODAY/2005Apr/9b.asp

deleted_user 04/25/2008

Hopalong: That artical looks very interesting and helpful. I myself do not have phantom pain anymore and the sensations that I have all the time, I live with. I guess I'm just use to it after all these years that I don't feel that I need to find any intervention for it. But when I was a new amputee I had terrible phantom pain and later sensations... I guess over the years they fade away and disappeared for me. It would be interesting to see those here who experience intense phantom pain or sensation try these two products to see if they are any relief for them like Peter says it's helped him.

peterk 04/25/2008

Good one Hop.
Seems to be the same electromagnetic field idea with a different name. The more the merrier, the price will come down and the uses will multiply

deleted_user 08/18/2008

Hi Peter, I am thinking about ordering the farabloc, now that you have had it for awhile, how is it working for you? My stump feels like it has a vice on it most of the time plus the sharp pains that shoot down. I would really like to hear from you and how it works. Thanks

peterk 08/18/2008

Hi there, blessed62. My new socket has it built in and all I can report is that I have no phantom pain while I am wearing it. Sometimes, after a very active day, when I take everything off the phantom pain starts. I put on the farablock sock and after a few minutes the pains go away. I doubt that it could be coincidence because it always goes away. When I am wearing farablock I sometimes do get phantom sensations but I think I can easily live with that. Good luck to you, by the way, Medicare paid for it after a little push and shove contest. You have to wear the bas***ds down
Peter

deleted_user 08/25/2008

hi, I m relly intrested in this farabloc. When I read this I thought it has to be a blessing from heaven. I asked the prosthetic about it today and hes going to look into it further. But I to would really like to try this . Glad its working for you and thanks for sharing the imformation.

deleted_user 08/26/2008

It may be anec dotal but would love to hear if you do try it and what results you get. Assume you must have a doctor's prescription in order for the Prosthetist to order this???

peterk 08/26/2008

No M.D. required for payment by Medicare

deleted_user 08/26/2008

Thanks for sending me this info. I will ask my prothetestic about it when i see him. I don't have phanton pains but I do suffer from sensations some to be so irritating I can't let the covers touch my stub. Sandy

deleted_user 08/28/2008

where did you get it and what is the name please, I have never used it , but it sounds nice, I have been amputee for 8 months, would love this. Please let me know. Thank you

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