inMotion Magazine

Living Informed 11 first prosthesis had no mobility and would break off while I was walking. This was very challenging, and I did not feel optimistic about my future mobility. I thought that was all there was for me at that time. I was always at my prosthetist’s office for repairs. Unfortunately, a poorly fitted prosthesis damaged my limb leading to another surgery and revision of my right leg (losing another eight inches!) in August of 2013. Following this second amputation, I felt like my life would forever be upside down and inside out. I could not get a prosthesis to fit correctly. For almost two years, I suffered a lot of pain, bruising, and blistering, that forced me to remain in a wheelchair and completely inactive. I was in despair. For twenty-five years I had trusted and was treated by the same prosthetist. During this time, he continued to use the same limited technology and was not able to improve the fit of my prosthesis. He also never informed me about amputee support groups. I felt alone. When I asked him about the Amputee Coalition and their National Conference, he told me he didn’t know anything about it. Amid my deep despair and depression, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital informed and sponsored me to attend the Amputee Coalition Conference in 2016. This was the first time in my life that I felt like I was not alone. This experience opened my eyes and provided me with a significant amount of education, resources, peers and their support. I learned that there was a tremendous amount of technology available that could potentially help me. When I returned home from the National Conference, I felt educated, hopeful and empowered. I was no longer in despair or depressed. I researched and learned about other prosthetic clinics in my area. Finally, after twenty-five years, I selected a new prosthetic clinic — one that made me feel comfortable and assured me that they could help me and would do a great job making my new prosthesis. My new prosthesis was designed for me and completely changed my life. I was no longer in terrible pain and felt free to live my life on my terms. All of this is thanks to the Amputee Coalition and the National Conference, which opened my eyes to numerous new things. I met many wonderful amputees, with stories similar to my own. This Conference not only provided me with opportunities for support from other amputees but also education about new advancements and developments in the world of prosthetics. Technology has evolved over the years from a totally immobile foot to a hydraulic foot with a vacuum sealed socket providing mobility and a corrected fit that allows me to walk without pain and difficulty and makes the prosthesis feel more like it is part of me. This lower limb technology advancement has improved my mobility, strength, health and well-being. But most importantly, I now have confidence that I can walk and do things without any pain or damage to my limb, which has given me my life back. My struggles have taught me many things, like time management, and appreciation for the little things that others might take for granted. Having a physical impairment has taught me to be strong, hard‑working and persistent. I think being an amputee means that I have to work twice as hard as anyone else and never give up, despite any challenges that may arise physically and emotionally. I am very compassionate, empathetic, and know how to cope with things in spite of setbacks. I want to continue to be strong and motivated, and I desire to live as normally as someone with my condition can. The continued education and knowledge I have received at the Amputee Coalition National Conferences for the past four years has saved me from feelings of depression and insecurity. The conferences help me to feel positive, hopeful and strong. They also introduce me to new ideas and activities. I am now very involved in the amputee community. I have grown to dedicate my life to the patient experiences and to improve life as an amputee with disabilities and challenges. My goals in life are now to advocate and support other amputees. I like to establish relationships and introduce them to the amputee community, so they do not feel alone. I also would like to help them to overcome their challenges. Life can be very challenging, but we are strong. We are capable. We can inspire others and make a difference in this world. Without the help of the Amputee Coalition National Conference, I wouldn’t be as emotionally and physically strong as I am today.