FAQ About Your Prosthesis

Your prosthesis should fit snugly but not leave a permanent mark on your body. Your device should not hurt you. Wearing a prosthesis will be an adjustment, but it should never cause pain. If you have any pain, contact your prosthetist. From time to time, it will be necessary to adjust your prosthesis to accommodate changes to the shape of your body and residual limb.

Everyone is different. Some people walk immediately, others may take longer. Your physical therapist will probably have you progress through a series of assistive devices as your strength, balance, endurance, confidence, and motivation improve.

Most amputees experience a sensation coming from the part of their body that is no longer there, the missing limb. The feeling is absolutely real. It can start immediately following surgery and come and go throughout your life. It generally gets better over time and the symptoms can be managed. The sensation is usually felt in missing toes and is often described as the tingling “pins and needles” experienced when your foot has “fallen asleep”. Phantom limb sensation can also feel like your foot or toes are swollen, itchy, or burning. How long the sensation lasts is different for everyone – from minutes to days.

Phantom sensation is being researched – there is a lot to learn. It is believed that the brain is misinterpreting signals from the spinal cord and central nervous system. Certain activities can trigger phantom sensations. It’s different for everyone. For some people it’s a change in the weather, having a cigarette, or becoming constipated or depressed. It is important to note what triggers your phantom limb sensation. Tell your doctor and prosthetist about when it happens and what you think might have caused it. We can work together to figure out the triggers and come up with strategies to avoid them.

There are several different treatment options available for phantom pain. Medications like muscle relaxers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and anti-depressants can all be used.

Alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, mirror therapy, and virtual reality are used to successfully “rewire” the brain. A combination of treatments often provides the most help.

It is believed that the longer a prosthetic limb is worn on a daily basis the less likely you are to experience phantom limb sensation.

Every day. Use a mirror to see the back and bottom of your limb. If you have vision problems, ask for help. Call your prosthetist or physician if you notice a blister, or signs of infection. Stop wearing your prosthesis until you have been checked out. Go to your doctor or have your prosthetist examine and make adjustments to your prosthesis. Listen to what they have to say.

It depends on your amputation and your home. Most hospitals and rehabilitation facilities will arrange for a home evaluation. They will make recommendations as to what type of equipment or modifications you might require. Swim legs and devices specifically for showering are available. Shower chairs and grab rails are a good idea. Make sure they are installed correctly. Stools and bathtub seats are also cost-effective solution.

It depends on your general health and what kind of work you do. Many amputees have jobs and are able to continue in their professions. Some people switch to a different area in the same field while some folks need to be trained for something new. Your local Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can give you an evaluation. This may be a good time to further your education and look into a different career. Most schools have programs for disabled students and encourage attendance.

Absolutely! You should plan ahead and do your homework. Security at airports is challenging for everyone. Before you get in the security line make sure you have all of your documents in hand. You should know in advance how you are going to get around large airports and if you will require a wheelchair. Most trains, hotels, and cruise ships have handicap accessible accommodations. If you are traveling out of the country make sure you know what you are getting into before you get there. Developing countries will have a lot less to offer amputees and people with mobility issues than industrialized destinations.

You name the sport, there is probably an amputee participating in it. Sports, exercise, and recreation should be an important part of your life. Tell your prosthetist what you like to do! Your leg can be built or modified to accommodate your lifestyle. Fishing, golf, swimming, jogging, bowling, skiing, basketball…you can do it all. There are organized leagues and groups available for amputees for most activities. Go play and enjoy your life.

Yes, if you were driving before your amputation. In some cases you might need adaptive equipment installed in your car. If your left leg has been amputated and you have an automatic transmission you should not need any modifications whatsoever. Hand controls can be installed on the steering wheel if you are a double (bilateral) amputee – and the gas pedal can be moved if you lost your right leg. Ask your prosthetist about how and where your car can be modified.

You should not have to buy a new car, but, if you are thinking about it, most major automobile manufacturers offer rebates on conversions. Be sure to ask when you are car shopping.

Yes, you should qualify for handicapped parking. The Department of Motor Vehicles will have all the information. If you don’t drive and will be a passenger, you can still get a handicapped parking permit that can be used in any car.

Being concerned about the appearance of your body is normal. Will your partner still find you attractive? Being positive and avoiding feeling sorry for yourself will play an important role. As you become more comfortable with the ‘new you’, you will begin to feel more like yourself. Be courageous and talk to your partner or psychologist about what you are feeling.

A “devotee” is a person who is sexually attracted to the disabled. Be wary of anyone that shows unusual interest in the fact that you’re an amputee or asks for pictures of your residual limb. Devotees regularly troll the internet looking for new amputees. Please pay attention when you are online and especially when using social media. Be careful of what you share and with whom. Please feel free to talk to us about this. The Amputee Coalition and support groups are great resources for learning more.

There is a lot of helpful, informative, and fascinating prosthetic information online and on social media. However, there is also a great deal of misinformation. Keep in mind there are prosthetic manufacturers, patient care facilities, and durable medical equipment suppliers fighting for your clicks and attention. Not every amputee is an expert in prosthetics and wound care. Be careful of what you share and with whom. It is important to remember: Just because it is online does not make it true.

You bet there are. There are several wonderful organizations nationwide that run community-based support group programs. The Amputee Coalition of America is a great place to start looking for information.

You should absolutely get involved with a support group. They are a great place to meet with other people going through the same life changing event as you. It’s a great opportunity to learn from your peers and share your challenges and successes.