Hi, I'm a new R AKA. Just got my prosthetic.

[Gary P.]

Hi All,

I'm a new R AKA.  I'm hoping to learn from all of you more experienced than I.  I've had my new prosthetic a few weeks now. I'm trying to practice as often as I can, but having trouble getting it on fitted correctly.  My foot keeps turning in toward my real foot.

I'm also having a real issue with my stump sweating. any ideas ?
Gary

[snowyh]

Hey, Gary. I'm a non-prosthetic-wearing arm amputee, so I'm of no help to you, but welcome to the forum. I'm sure someone will chime in soon with some sage advice for you!

Helen

[lisa1967]

Thank you so much Helen. I'm not really computer savvy, but my step daughter Lisa is helping me. In fact, she is typing for me now... not sure I'll navigate through this site well at first. But there seems to be a lot of great information and support on this site. I'm glad she's introduced this to me.

This is Lisa speaking now, and I'm not sure how to reply correctly.  Below is a button saying Create post... I'm guessing that's how he replies.... not so computer smart either. Just trying to find positive avenues for us all to learn from.

I just registered to this site also under the name Lisa- Gary's family.  Just thought I could help him in learning this site if I could participate.  Anxious to learn more.

 
Lisa and Gary

[cherylm]

Hi, Gary...I just finished replying to Lisa! Just a heads-up...getting fitted for your first prosthesis can be a real time-consuming process with a LOT of adjustments. Just getting your prosthetic to stay on straight can be a challenge if your residual limb/stump is still fleshy and basically circular. A limb with more angles and visible boniness gives the prosthetic more to grab on to and help keep your foot in place. So, if you foot is turning inward when you try walking, talk to your prosthetist about adding a suspension sleeve to help stop the turning...at least until your limb gets a little more definition to it.

I'm a below-knee amputee, myself, so I'll have to leave it to other above-knee amps to advise you on dealing with a prosthetic knee...but I know A-Ks who hike, swim, SCUBA dive, bike, and live regular active lives. It just takes some time, determination, and willingness to experiment with "new" ways to tackle "old" tasks.

My one word of warning...DO NOT set arbitrary timelines to meet goals. As long as you're progressing, it's good...you may master some tasks quickly, and others may take much longer than you might expect. Just keep plugging (and DON'T push yourself to go faster than your body is ready for) and you will eventually get where you want to go.

Welcome to our little "family!" Feel free to read the posts, and ask any and all questions that come to mind. This is a lifestyle that folks generally know nothing about, so there is no such thing as a "dumb" question!

[texas9red]

Hi Gary, I am a year long R AKA as of 9/1/2016. I ate too much and no longer fit into my leg. But in my defense I was measured for a permanent prosthetic right after the hospital when I only weighed 120 pounds. I have always been a heavy girl so I should not have them measure me that soon. So be careful not to eat to much. My advice is to do your exercises daily and put your leg on each day even if you can't walk with it so that you know it fits correctly. But don't put it on if you get blisters or blemishes of any kind on your limb because you don't want to hurt yourself and then not be able to use your leg for a long time. Have fun! It is fun learning to walk. Don't give up. Don't be devastated if you do fall down. Falling scared the heck out of me because I wiped out completely. It was very painful and I had to get up with my leg on. When I told my physical therapist about my fall, she simulated many different falls and many different ways for me to get up. It made me feel more independent and less afraid overall about everything. You can do this! I am a chicken, and I made it fine! Good luck!