amyj
Female Member
Posts: 13
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Hello
Jan 18, 2017 18:05:25 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by amyj on Jan 18, 2017 18:05:25 GMT -7
My name is AmyJ. I am looking for support from folks who have already had an amputation. My loved ones support me and I have one friend who is an amputee. I would like to hear your experiences. Many thanks!
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Hello
Jan 19, 2017 7:55:46 GMT -7
Post by stonecutter on Jan 19, 2017 7:55:46 GMT -7
Hi AmyJ,
Welcome to the forum. This is the place to talk to other amputees about their experiences. Would you have anything specific you'd like to talk about?
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amyj
Female Member
Posts: 13
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Hello
Jan 19, 2017 10:25:01 GMT -7
Post by amyj on Jan 19, 2017 10:25:01 GMT -7
I do! Prior to my accident, I lived a very active lifestyle. My activity level has been greatly curtailed, and I am wondering how close to normal activity I might expect post surgery. I have a horse, and I need to know that I will still be able to ride him, as well as my motorcycle. I know not everyone has the same abilities, just looking for some 1st hand experiences. Will I be able to bear full weight on the prosthetic leg? My other leg can't bear full weight due to an accident 26 years ago. Thank you, AmyJ
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Hello
Jan 20, 2017 8:45:20 GMT -7
Post by stonecutter on Jan 20, 2017 8:45:20 GMT -7
Good morning,
I had my industrial accident in 1994 when I was a summer student at the age of 19. Before my accident, I can't say that I was all that athletic. I was the outdoorsy type. I would much rather head off to the river and fish all day in the rain than go golf / play baseball / hockey / etc... Instead of horses for us - it was atv's and snowmobiles. I was a hunter in the fall and worked hard with my dad in the bush as he was (and still is) an active trapper.
Post amputation - it took a couple of years of testing the limits, but I can say, with certainty that I am able to do all of the above with very little limitation. This is not to say that there aren't some limitations. My balance is a little off, so I don't stand in a boat anymore without holding onto something, for instance. Walking on uneven ground is usually uncomfortable. But all in all - I'm satisfied with the level of activity I am able to maintain.
In early winter - you'll find me pulling a sled across a frozen lake for a km or two to get to a good ice fishing spot. (Going out this Sunday!) I do this at least once a weekend from early December until the end of March at any temperature.
Bearing weight on my prosthesis. Yes. When I'm all assembled, it feels very natural and life has normalized. So - that's one thing to consider - everyone is different. Every situation is different. When I had my initial amputation my body had gone through a serious trauma in the weeks between the accident and ultimate amputation. I had lost an incredible amount of muscle mass and was very weak. It was frustrating and it took a lot of physical therapy to bring myself back to a condition where I felt strong again. So for me - it took a good 1.5-2yrs to feel normal again. I remember having the realization that I was nearing where I wanted to be when I was able to lift a quarter of a moose after a successful hunt when we were hanging it in a cold shop prior to butchering.
When I had a revision surgery, which was actually in reality an additional amputation since, due to the trauma / skin graft I had a very oddly shaped stump that presented a challenge to manage for the most skilled prosthetist. Recovery from that surgery was measured in weeks, rather than years.
I hope that helps... you can ask us anything!
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amyj
Female Member
Posts: 13
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Hello
Jan 20, 2017 9:21:34 GMT -7
Post by amyj on Jan 20, 2017 9:21:34 GMT -7
Thank you, Trevor! Very helpful!
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amyj
Female Member
Posts: 13
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Hello
Jan 20, 2017 17:17:04 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by amyj on Jan 20, 2017 17:17:04 GMT -7
What is the typical time frame for recovery from surgery? How long in rehab, and what does it entail? I've gotten a referral for ortho and vascular surgeons.
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Hello
Jan 23, 2017 8:06:24 GMT -7
Post by stonecutter on Jan 23, 2017 8:06:24 GMT -7
Everyone is different. Depends on the situation (existing physical condition, whether or not there are complications, etc...) You could expect, in a perfect world to be able to cast / start the process of walking again in 8-10 weeks.
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