An Arm and a Leg

Today was a most momentous day. I had my first occupational therapy appointment, putting me one step closer to using my right arm. Granted, we didn't do much, but it still brought me great joy knowing I am on the path to getting it mobile and strong.

And I got my leg. It's pretty snazzy. Since I won't actually be doing any real walking on it for quite some time I have not downloaded its app. But... it's got an app! And it has a plug-in charger. I can see how much it's charged by turning it upside down and counting beeps. Five beeps fully charged, and so on.

I just had to order some running shorts because all of my shorts are too long and they run into the socket. I will need the shorts once I start physical therapy in another week. Until then I will wear the liner, which is pretty tight, and put the prosthesis on a couple times a day to get comfortable with it, both physically and psychologically. I need to learn to shift weight onto my residual leg while wearing it and holding onto the walker with one hand. I did this today in the prosthetist's office and it went okay, but I really need to get more comfortable with it.

There are several physical therapists in the Hopkins system who work with amputees and I am hoping to make appointments with a few of them. I've discovered with occupational therapy, different therapists have different strengths and my guess is the same thing will be true with the PTs. There are two women who work with amputees and I really want to spend time with them. This is not going to be an overnight process and I want to be as comfortable and confident as possible.

At PT I will be wearing shorts, but as I get more physically comfortable with the prosthesis I would like to wear it more, which could mean wearing it out, even if I am in my wheelchair. Skirts will, of course, work, but at this point I am not sure my jeans will fit over it. I plan on taking measurements and seeing if my seamster, that is, Jerry, can make me a pair of trousers that will work with it.

As I write this it all sounds very matter of fact, but in reality, I know it is huge. I will be in a sling for another four weeks and won't be weight-bearing on my right arm for several more, but I am getting so close!

I have a lot of work, both physically and mentally ahead of me. And I know I will experience my share of disappointment and frustration. I just need to keep in mind how far I have come and how close I am. I can do this.