Advise and tips on prosthetic leg?

Karkarna

Hello, 
I'm a churches dependent due to a birth defect, which affect one of my leg after birth. Since then, I've used wheelchair for a bit as a kid, before moving to fulltime crutches user. Now, I've the opportunity to use a prosthetic leg extension to help me walk and be less dependent on crutches. However, I'm finding the transitioning extremely hard, as I've never put any weight on the leg before. I've started attending physiotherapy classes but it's a working progress. So, I want to ask if anyone in this community have a tip or advise for me on how to make this transitioning easier.

Thank you!

icarus

hi not sure what type of prosthetic extension you are transitioning to--- 7 years ago i got both feet  amputated after an accident  it is a below knee amputation. these are quite easy to manage if you still have a working knee joint. Keep repeating the physio exercises as if you are training for the olympics, they make a massive difference. Stumps change size during the day so keep adjusting by changing number of socks. Never have a loose prosthetic, it can create a massive lump called a bursar  which takes weeks to clear wearing compression socks. Dont do too much, sores stop prosthetic use for ages whilst they heal,   

Chloe_Scope

Hi @Karkarna and a very warm welcome to the community! It sounds like it's going to be a big change.

Has your physio said anything about the adjustment period? I don't use prosthetic so unfortunately can't offer any tips. However I hope other members will be able to help.

It would be great to hear how you get on with this. 

pollyanna1052

Karkarna said:

Hello, 
I'm a churches dependent due to a birth defect, which affect one of my leg after birth. Since then, I've used wheelchair for a bit as a kid, before moving to fulltime crutches user. Now, I've the opportunity to use a prosthetic leg extension to help me walk and be less dependent on crutches. However, I'm finding the transitioning extremely hard, as I've never put any weight on the leg before. I've started attending physiotherapy classes but it's a working progress. So, I want to ask if anyone in this community have a tip or advise for me on how to make this transitioning easier.

Thank you!

Hi, don't know about prosthetics but am a full time wheelchair user, so I just wanted to say I hope everything goes well for you. Icarus has given you some kind advice. xxx

Karkarna

icarus said:

hi not sure what type of prosthetic extension you are transitioning to--- 7 years ago i got both feet  amputated after an accident  it is a below knee amputation. these are quite easy to manage if you still have a working knee joint. Keep repeating the physio exercises as if you are training for the olympics, they make a massive difference. Stumps change size during the day so keep adjusting by changing number of socks. Never have a loose prosthetic, it can create a massive lump called a bursar  which takes weeks to clear wearing compression socks. Dont do too much, sores stop prosthetic use for ages whilst they heal,   

Thank you @icarus .
I'm not an amputee but i have understand what you mean. In my case, it's a leg deformity and my leg is shorter than the other one. So the prosthetic extensions aimed to help me walk (and assist the leg reach the ground) and be less dependent on two crutches.
The physio is going really well! And I'm getting the hang of it now, it challenge, but the physio helps. Now my leg only feel sore when i use it for a whole day or sat for too long. 

Chloe_Scope

Hi @Karkarna, I'm glad to hear physio is going well! How are things at the moment?

Karkarna

Hello @Chloe_Scope , Things are going well with the physio and i'm getting use to it. I have moved from cruches to using cane   

Chloe_Scope

Really glad to hear it @Karkarna! It sounds like you are doing amazing!

Karkarna

Thank you @Chloe_Scope . it's an amazing exprience!