The First 3 Years

Finding Hope after Amputation No one really tells you what to expect after amputation, and quite frankly, even if they did, each journey is different. The reality is that the first couple of years are filled with bumps, bruises, ups and downs. You will have highs and some of your lowest lows. There will be enormous changes, in your life, and in your body. And even when you finally get through the healing process, post-amputation, the challenges are just beginning. But with all that said, you can and will survive. You spend A LOT of time in your prosthetist’s office the first 2 years My very 1st prosthetic, one of many. Had no idea what was to come. All I knew was that I would be walking again! Yet another socket! Randy at The Limb Center in Phoenix, making my mold, for ( you guessed it) ANOTHER socket! You will learn how your body adjusts, how it heals, what kind of strength (both physically and emotionally) you have, and you will build character…. oh boy, will you build character. These are all the sockets (minus 3) that I have gone through, because of changes to my limb, in just 3 years!!! The process is long and can be stressful if you don’t have patience. You will find yourself doing well one moment, only to feel like you’ve taken a step back in the blink of the eye. But don’t you give up! And don’t you worry. This is all part of the learning process and the changes you are going through, physically. Becoming an amputee and traversing the first 1-3 years is all about adaptability and change. If you can go into it knowing it is a process that could take that long, and that you will have positive moments of moving forward, riddled with backward steps, then you will be ready and able to handle what gets thrown at you. You are a warrior, built for adversity. Be strong. Stay positive and active. This is the to fight for what you want out of life. We are in this journey together! This week I want you to decide what it is that you really want out of your new life. You will want to start building your own toolbox for those moments that become hard and emotionally draining. I have so many hobbies, and things I do to pass the time, and to distract myself on the harder days, the days where phantom pains want to destroy me and my resolve. What do you do when you get upset? Tired and frustrated? Or when you are hurting? Most of us have a coping mechanism to help through those moments in life. This time is no different. Be prepared to redirect your thoughts so you can get through and come out stronger on the other side. Prepare yourself for battle; the internal battles that seek to bring chaos into y9ur life, making you doubt yourself and trying to destroy every dream you have. You are a WARRIOR! Believe it! You will succeed and be stronger for it. Be prepared. And as always, Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!! Much love,