As a new amputee, you likely have many emotions and thoughts about getting your first prosthesis. You might be picturing your new normal and are excited to have more independence. You may be anxious about what is needed to be more mobile. You are likely eager and nervous.

Regardless of your feelings, your Human Technology prosthetist will select a prosthesis to best fit you. While waiting on your prosthesis, the following are suggestions on how to get prepared.

• After your amputation, you were likely instructed on exercises to assist in your recovery. It’s necessary to continue completing the exercises. Stretching keeps your muscles from becoming
  tight, allowing them to remain flexible and strong. Your residual limb and undamaged limb need to be in shape to assist you in moving effectively with your prosthesis.
• If you underwent a lower extremity amputation, keeping your knee and hip straight while resting is another way to avert contracture. When sitting, support the residual limb so it does
  not hang. Consider lifting it with an amputee board, a flat board that carries the weight of your limb, rather than using pillows or blankets to prop it up. If your amputation is above the knee,
  keep your residual limb as close to your other leg as possible. Permitting your residual limb to drift outward can make walking in a prosthesis more difficult.
• Don’t be frightened to touch your residual limb’s skin. After the amputation, the skin of your residual limb will be fragile. Try lightly tapping, massaging, or rubbing the end of the limb. As
  it becomes more comfortable, increase the pressure.
• Even when the residual limb is completely healed, there will be swelling. A shrinker will help it fit into the socket. As a new amputee, wear the shrinker at all times, except when bathing or
  washing the residual limb.
• It’s necessary to wash your residual limb and shrinker daily with water and mild soap. Use a washcloth and scrub the limb softly. Give extra care to the back of your knees and the bottom
  of your limb. After rinsing, dry your limb completely. After rinsing the shrinker thoroughly, air dry before putting it back on.

To be fitted for a prosthesis or to learn more about our prosthetics design and fitting process, visit https://humantechpando.com/.