I need help with something, if you’re interested…

I’ve put off writing this post, because (believe it or not) I really hate blegs. But I’m running into an issue there’s no local way out of.

A bit more than two years ago, a Generous Reader turned me on to these things…

They’re called Gelsocks, and they’re the cat’s pajamas for making an old prosthetic leg fit well again. I’m quite thoroughly addicted to them. But they have two problems: They’re expensive, and they’re not at all durable.

This is what most of mine look like now…

That’s not even the most extreme example. Some are falling to pieces.

These things are literally to me the difference between mobility and spending my days sitting in a chair and re-reading old books. When I didn’t have these, the dogs didn’t get their walkies. I’m totally serious. The difference they’ve made is revolutionary. And now they’re worn out.

Trouble is, they’re not sold on Amazon. And as I’ve mentioned, they’re expensive. Like 35-45 bucks a pop. So I’m not asking for anybody to send me a dozen – though that would solve the problem neatly for another couple of years. I’m asking a dozen people to go to some trouble to track down one or two. And I can only give hints as to how you’d go about that. (I’ve never bought one of these. Didn’t know they existed until a couple of readers sent me some. So if anyone has better ideas than those below, please do share them in comments.)

They’re at least allegedly available on line. Here’s one purported source. It’s a different brand than the ones I’m used to, but it’s the same thing.

The big dog in prosthetic and orthotic stuff is Hanger Inc. They’ve got branches and clinics everywhere. If the one near you doesn’t stock gelsocks they can probably be persuaded to get them. Warning: They may look at you strangely if you show them cash. Medical people are weird about cash deals, I dunno.

Here’s more information about the product:

The ones I have now that work best are 5-ply, 14-inch.

To contact me, go up to the tab marked Send Joel Stuff. Email me at the address there, and I’ll send you my maildrop address.

Nobody owes me anything, and this is asking a lot. But you’d be doing a big favor for an old guy who’s kind of getting into a spot.

ETA: I have it on good authority (Coloradohermit told me) that if you order two from the source hightecrebel linked to in comments, it’s free shipping. Otherwise they’ll soak you for an extra $8. Just saying.