When you have a child, your top priority is protecting them and keeping them safe from harm. When they experience health and medical issues that are outside of your control, you feel powerless. You wish you could take away their pain, discomfort, and struggles; you’d trade places with them in a second. This isn’t possible, of course, but you can help them adjust to their orthopedic brace or prosthetic device, overcome challenges, and live a full, happy life.
There is no doubt that adjusting to life with an artificial limb is challenging: in fact, it may be the biggest challenge you’ve faced yet. And that means it can also be your biggest triumph. Regaining mobility and functionality with help from a prosthetic device can allow you to participate in and enjoy activities, to engage in meaningful work, to achieve your goals, and to live a full, satisfying life. But there is also a learning curve. What are the keys to navigating this often complex process?
Born without a right leg, it was apparent from day one that nothing was going to stop me. I’ve always needed a prosthesis that could keep up with me, not limit me. But convincing insurance companies has been my biggest challenge. Just getting by isn’t good enough. Being an example – now that’s important to me. It’s what I’ve always tried to be. Access to quality prosthetic care for people with limb loss and limb difference is essential to life. Speak up for yourself. Speak out for others. No is not an answer. - Sean Donnelly
If you are navigating the process of returning to life after an amputation, you are facing numerous challenges. Whether you are going back to work or school, your daily routine will be significantly affected by your new reality. However, you are not alone. Increased awareness regarding accessibility has led to a beneficial increase in the number and quality of resources available for those using prosthetic devices.
We want to help you identify your resources and how to get started recovering and enjoying life with your prosthetic device. Here are five places and people who will help you through the process: