EXPECTATIONS
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BE REALISTIC IN YOUR EXPECTATIONS! |
To the new amputees: Even with a prosthesis, we HP’s and HD’s will not walk with a normal gait, nor will walking be the same as before your amputation. Don’t compare yourself with other levels of amputation, the AK’s or BK’s. Loosing the hip joint and any residual leg to activate a prosthetic is the major and most significant difference in comparison with the lower levels. Although we share this in common, HP’s should not compare themselves with HD’s, since lack of a pelvis for weight bearing is a major factor for the hemipelvectomies. For both, stairs will need to be taken one at a time, not step over step, and most will walk with a slow fixed gait. Although in general hip-disarticulations will have a more normal gait, both hips and hemi’s will walk with some degree of hiking or limp. Keep in mind, these are matters of appearance, NOT function.
Some have chosen not to use a prosthesis at all, and continue to live active, fulfilling lives on their own terms. Others wear their legs daily, however, NO ONE wears a leg 24 hours a day, (although the author has done this on many occasions, it’s very uncomfortable and not recommended). The majority of prosthetic users wear their legs for a variable period of time each day, and then crutch walk. Each person will determine how many hours of prosthetic use are comfortable on an individual basis. A "full time" prosthetic user is generally in a leg for 8-16 hr/day. We all remove our legs to shower and sleep, and most will agree, the best time of day is when you take the leg off.
A few prosthetic users are able to walk without aids, but many will use a cane, crutches or one forearm crutch for a little extra balance, safety and security when out in public, or walking long distances, or uneven terrain. You will find that there are certain tasks and activities that are easier to do with the leg on, and some without the leg, such as various sports and hobbies. It becomes a matter of personal preference. Certain adaptations and adjustments in activities in daily living will need to be made.
At first your new leg will feel incredibly alien, bulky, awkward and impossible to control. One HP has described it as "strapping a bar stool around my waist and dragging it around." The author thinks it feels more akin to walking on a collapsible lawn chaise lounge. However, with time and practice you will learn how to control it, stand, sit and walk. It will literally become a part of you, and you’ll be amazed at what you can do with your "lawn chair".
You will not run a marathon or ice skate, but having an active "normal" life is definitely possible. Getting up each day, going to school, work or shopping, taking care of your home, children and family is possible. Going out with friends and family, to church, theaters, recreation, participating in sports, and traveling is possible. It will be different than before, perhaps with the aid of a crutch or cane, perhaps wheelchair, with a leg or without, but definitely possible. Only you can determine how to do this and what works best for you.
