Jacky

Middletown, NY

TechnologY

Transtibial socket with vacuum via WillowWood LimbLogic elevated vacuum, and College Park Soleus Foot

Patient Since

2021

The User Perspective

In 2018, Jaclyn “Jacky” Skubic was an active 29-year-old paid ski patroller when she lost her left leg below the knee after a motor vehicle accident. In three years, Jacky had gone through a couple of prostheses and about 30 total replacement sockets that would initially fit well but would ultimately result in residual limb pain, discomfort, and numbness.

What Stands Out

After witnessing the difficulties that Jacky was experiencing with her socket fit, her cousin recommended Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates to her. Jacky came to POA in January 2021 as a strong and experienced prosthesis user with concerns about her vascular health. Over the course of three months, Jacky was fit with three diagnostic sockets but continued to experience worsening vascular and circulation challenges that affected her ability to successfully use her prosthesis.

In April 2021, Jacky was referred to vascular specialists in New York City and was eventually diagnosed with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. She consulted many surgeons for treatment options, and in August 2021, she successfully had a popliteal entrapment release surgery in both legs. Jacky returned to POA at the end of September to begin the process for a new replacement socket. Despite all of the uncertainty and challenges that Jacky faced since losing her leg in 2018, she continued advocating for herself in all aspects of her healthcare.

Our Success is Your Success.

Four months after her popliteal entrapment release surgery, Jacky finally found herself comfortable and functional in a socket after months of working with the clinical team at POA. With her new socket, Jacky is excited to begin working on her strength and endurance to get back to skiing, biking, running, and horseback riding. However, Jacky seems to be the most excited about getting back to more mundane activities and tasks, such as returning to a day job, returning to taking care of her horses and completing barn chores, and regaining her independence in tasks like doing laundry or carrying in the groceries.

Jacky’s persistence and realistic expectations have played a huge role in her success story today. One piece of advice that she hopes to impart on new or veteran prosthesis users is “Everyone’s story and journey is different and unique. Do not compare your journey to anyone else’s.”

We are so excited to be a part of Jacky’s journey and helping her get back to the activities that give her meaning and purpose