How often is a new socket needed?

[aliddle]

I was fitted about 6 months ago while in the middle of chemotherapy rounds. Now that I am done, I have gained some weight back and I think my socket might be getting too tight.

How often have you all needed a new socket??

[cherylm]

Well, hi again...and I can actually offer advice here! During the first several months of amp-dom, you can go through MANY changes in your socket. It will vary according to any number of causes. Any time you have a major change in your residual limb volume you'll need to make adjustments in your socket. It's easier when you are getting smaller as post-op swelling goes down...then you can have additional padding inserted or increase your stump sox. But since you're gaining weight, you need to consult with your prosthetist to see if there is anything at all they can do to adjust your current socket or whether they'll need to make a new one.

Just for comparison's sake, I went through three different sockets in the course of my first year as an amputee. That was followed by several years where I needed a new socket annually...and for the past few years it's gone down to needed a new socket every two-three years. Mine have all been due to shrinkage, and you can take all of my previous sockets and nest them like a set of Russian dolls.