Skip to main content

5 Essential Tips To Know as A New Amputee

Have you lost a limb and are now a new amputee? 

I bet you feel alone, don't you? 

Losing a limb is devastating and trust me you are not alone!

Having support and making sure you don't go through this stage of your life alone is crucial. There are many avenues to look into and different places for advice and information but what I want to do is give you real-world information from someone who is in the same boat as you. 

Yes, I'm a  new amputee and I lost my leg below the knee in December 2017. So, I know what you are feeling. I know the struggles and they are real.  I'm going through it right with you! What I want to do is shed some light on a subject that is hard to talk about for most. 

Most people avoid it because it is difficult to put into words the feelings you are having. I get it! I've learned that seeking advice and help is healthy. There is nothing wrong with it at all. 

Here are five essential first-hand tips on getting adjusted to your new life as an amputee. 

  1. Being Confident in and on your new prosthetic- Once you start getting out into the world again with your new prosthetic, having confidence in yourself is the first step in recovery. Trusting in your prosthetic to walk, climb stairs or even run is essential. Being able to stand upright, walk, run goes a long way toward helping you recover mentally from your loss. Throw away your worries and doubts about others. Yes, it might take a while to get back up to speed and you may limp a little while. That is okay! You are up on two feet! Learning how to walk and use your new prosthetic doesn't happen overnight. It takes patience and it takes time. You will do it!
  2. Get used to Stares! I admit I would get angry when people looked at me. I felt they were making fun of me. Honestly, what I've realized is that most people are just curious.  I felt like I  was being judged and made fun of. I hated it!  But now, I think my new leg looks pretty damn cool! It is Black and chrome and I've realized that most people just don't see things like my shiny black leg every day. As I talk to some of them, they think its cool. And I'm sure yours is too! So, if someone is looking at you, get used to it. They are probably just curious and maybe even admire you! So, walk proud! 
  3. Be Prepared. Always take with you and have in your car the different supplies you will need during the day. Do you need an extra leg sock, prosthetic ointment or lotion? Whatever the need, make it an essential thing to have on hand at ALL TIMES. Make a prosthetic emergency bag for your laptop case, vehicles and for travel. I've even needed an Allen wrench to put my new foot back on. Yes, it fell off in the middle of the street! So, trust me its worth its weight in gold to have one on hand when this happens. So be prepared. 
  4. Educate yourself-Learning all that you can by studying books, reading articles such as this, podcasts and even talking with your prosthetist is essential to adapting to your new life. There is always someone out there in the same situation, or maybe worse, that can help you cope and make your life easier.
  5. Seek support from family and friends. Know that you are loved and seeking support from friends and family is the most important aspect of it all. Your family needs you around and trust me they would rather have part of you than none of you.  Help them help you by being patient, humble and allow them to help you with your needs. Even if that need is a hug on those bad days.  That's ok. Ask for it. Your friends and family want to see you get well and back up and moving.  Don't be shy and reach out with your concerns and expectations. It is healthy and most of all wise!  

Written by Jeffrey A. Mangus CEO 
WRITING PRO USA 
B2B Prosthetic Industry Copywriting Specialist.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Smalls Secrets to SEO Success and Beyond in the Prosthetic Business World!

Let’s get down to it! You’ve seen it all. Everybody claiming they have the SECRET SEO STRATEGY that will solve your prosthetic businesses’ entire search engine ranking problem. Sadly…most don’t know the real secrets or even have a clue. SEO strategies are real, intense and include many fascinating methods to rank higher in search engine results. Truth be told, there are a few easy secrets to SEO success and other marketing wins for your prosthetic company’s website. But, they are not as hard as you think. Here are a few secrets to easy and affordable stellar rankings in organic search results: MAKE YOUR WEBSITE CLEAN . Having a website is like building a house. You have to have a solid foundation. Having a solid foundation of easy and navigable paths for customers to find what they are looking for is the best way to start. Give them the "yellow brick road" and show them the way to find your product as quick and painless as possible.  WRITE FOR PEOPLE - Quit
2 comments
Read more

SMARTEST WAYS TO MARKET YOUR PROSTHETIC BUSINESS

Smartest ways to Market your Prosthetic and Orthotic Limbs Business In today’s fast-paced world, especially in business, you have to be faster and ahead of the game. Getting ahead of the competition is a long and steady race. The good news… It can be won! Promoting a prosthetic and orthotic limbs business is challenging for many reasons. Climbing to the top to stand out is tough…but not impossible. You must get a plan. A strong definitive and strategic marketing strategy must be put into place. Marketing is simply communicating with a targeted audience and customer base. In this prosthetic industry arena, your customers are diverse professionals who already directly serve their customer's specific needs by offering products and services that solve their customer’s problems. In the prosthetic world, the needs are apparent, so how can you show your product is the best over the rest?   So, let’s talk about ways to communicate your special service
Post a Comment
Read more