Last post Thu, May 15 2008 1:36 PM by Daniel502. 3 replies.
Just got home from Doctor Hackenslash (obviously, NOT his real name). He says my healing is looking "real good" (that's a complicated medical term!), and he will be putting me in my first dhrinker sock in three weeks so we can start fitting me for a prosthesis. I am so chuffed, I can barely begin to say. It's almost like sex, only I'll be able to get up and walk away afterwards! Okay, now the questions begin: How long does it take to shrink the leg down to the proper size and shape for prosthetic fitting? I have read that the socks are graduated down to smaller sizes over a period of time, and I realize it may take longer with me than with some because I am slow to heal, but just looking to see what seems to be the average amount of time for folks.
I already have some idea of where to go for a prosthesis. There's a place not too far from me in Vandalia, Ohio that makes them. What's the best way to determine what style of leg is best for my needs? I've heard about different types of prosthetics, and would like one that is functional as well as looking somewhat like a normal leg, because I do like to wear skirts from time to time. Since I'm BK, do they usually attach through suction device, or are there other ways to secure them? (I ask this because I have circulation problems, and don't want one that will aggravate that) And, once the leg is fitted and functioning properly, how much therapy and practice does it take to be able to walk as normally as possible? (Again, I realize everyone's different, but on average).
Oh, so many questions! I didn't really want to ask before, because I wanted to wait until the doctor assured me that I would be able to heal well enough to use one. Guess you can tell, I don't like to count my chickens before they hatch, just in case I got the duck eggs instead. Okay, I'll be back in a bit - I think I am off to do a bit of happy dancing on my pogo stick leg and have a little personal celebration while it sinks in that I will have another leg.
huge, happy hugs from ducky
Thank you so much, Norma! I am very excited, as you can probably tell. I am always delighted with finding new ways and devices that help me live as independently as possible. I suppose I have childlike enthusiasm, since it's all so new to me. Then again, I had the same enthusiasm before I lost my leg, so I guess they can never amputate that! It's nice to have a place where people understand how happy things like this make me. My family is supportive, as are my friends, but I don't know if they really get it, because they don't face the same challenges. When I was first able to get up the two steps to the choir loft in church so I could sing again, the rest of the choir was more like "Great, she's back in the choir," and I was squealing like a kid on Christmas morning. It was a HUGE deal to me.
hugs from ducky
Congrats. I am glad to hear that the healing is going well. Please keep us updated.
