We are with you every step of the way!
Receiving your new prosthesis is only the beginning of your exciting journey back to an independent and fulfilling life. If you are a new amputee, it is recommended that you work with a physical therapy team to help you master the basics of safely using your prosthesis. We will be in constant communication with the rest of your medical team in order to ensure that your needs are being satisfied. Once you have mastered the basics of using a prosthesis, we will continue to follow up with you to make sure that you are constantly making progress toward your goals.
Fighting Change With Communication:
One of the most important factors in whether or not you will be able to comfortably use your prosthesis is how well it fits your residual limb. At the time of delivery your prosthetist will check to make sure your new device fits perfectly. You will also be instructed on how to use and take care of your prosthesis, as well as any additional supplies specific to the system you are given. As time passes and your residual limb continues to mature it will gradually decrease in size and volume. This is perfectly normal and due, in part, to the decreased usage of certain muscle groups in your residual limb. If you are a new amputee you may experience a more dramatic decrease in the size of your residual limb as your body heals from the recent surgical procedure.
You may start to notice your prosthesis feels roomier and less stable than it did when you initially received it. For newer amputees this can begin to happen as soon as several weeks after you receive it. As soon as you notice the prosthesis fitting differently it is urgent that you contact us so that we may make the necessary adjustments to keep a perfect fit. If you have lost a considerable amount of volume, your prosthetist may decide to create an entirely new socket for you. As your residual limb continues to mature, it will gradually stabilize in volume and you will need adjustments to the fit less frequently.
Empowering You With Knowledge:
Becoming an amputee and receiving a new prosthesis opens an entirely different world than you may be accustomed to. Throughout the process of getting your first prosthesis from us, you will be provided with a wide variety of educational materials. They cover a broad range of subjects related to taking care of your new prosthesis and adjusting to your new definition of a normal life. We want you to have access to the information that you need in order to make the transition back to living your life as comfortably and efficiently as possible. If you have caregivers or family that will be helping you during this transition it is recommended that you share these materials with them as well.
Your journey back to a normal life will NOT be an easy one. It will take hard work and dedication on your part to reach the goals you have set for yourself. It is our hope that by providing you with information and staying connected, we can work together with you and the your healthcare team to make sure you are constantly making progress. We are committed to being beside you every step of the way as you gain more confidence in your abilities and eventually return to your normal life.