Facing Setbacks

Setbacks to Comebacks Life is full of ups and downs and as an amputee we must realize that we will face many more challenges, past the amputation itself, years later. For one, our sound side becomes extremely important to us. Taking care of our good joints while still trying to live a full and healthy life yet protecting what we have left becomes a balancing act and can be very scaring when things go wrong. We also struggle with pain in our residual limb when our socket doesn’t fit correctly or a neuroma decides to show up. My current situation is a strained lower back because I work so hard with balance and bending over to pick things off the floor, all on my sound leg which puts undo pressure and tension on my lower back on the opposite side. That is my current setback, and it is not only painful, it’s frustrating! I have 2 weeks until I take off for Boston to go through extensive reconstructive surgery on my residual limb, plus a unique procedure created by MIT and my doctor. My goal 2 weeks ago was to eat well, cut our alcohol and get back to the gym daily to get in the best shape for this surgery. Literally the first week into that plan I tweaked my back! Now I am trying to be patient and waiting for the slow healing process my back is going through. 1 year after my amputation I found a neuroma in my hamstring and had to go thru another surgery! Stayed positive but at times it was hard, starting over with healing is hard! Not being able to wear the prosthesis while healing can break you but setting goals and looking to the future helps. Stay positive! What I have learned through all the setbacks since becoming an amputee: -This too shall pass -Stay positive -Set goals -Use this time to do what you CAN do at this moment. -Setbacks tend to be moments that are setting you up for a comeback. Be ready! Look to the future. Dream! Stay focused on your goals and objectives! If you are going through a setback now, don’t get discouraged just keep focused on the positive and the future. It is not the end, it’s just a moment for your mind and body to be prepared for something more. This week I challenge you to be still and focus your attention to what you CAN do and positive thoughts during a setback or a rough patch. Try these steps out: -Realize that this moment won’t last forever. -Use this time to stop and listen to your body and realize what it needs to heal, usually it is telling you to give it a break and let it heal. -Set goals for yourself to do once your setback fades away. -Visualize yourself being successful and accomplishing your goals. Visualize positivity! -Remember your “Why”. What are you doing this all for? Yourself? Your mental health? Your family? Your job? What is it that drives you forward? Your “Why’s” should be clear because they are what will help you in hard times and when you feel like you are all alone. The Why’s are your motivation to keep moving forward. Of all the setbacks I have endured since becoming an amputee, one thing has been certain, the hard times end and the comebacks win! You are a warrior! Believe it! See yourself as the strong individual I know you are. Have an amazing week ahead. Get after this Call to Action and reach out to me if you have questions or want to give me an update on how you’re doing. And as always, Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!!! Much love,