Advernture Rehab

Will I need to book a disabled hotel room?
No not necessarily — it will depend on your level of comfort and confidence — if you use a wheel chair then it may be more convenient and the hotel may have a policy of ground floor occupancy in case of fire evacuation etc but your strength and confidence will dictate if you can negotiate a hotel bathroom safely!

Will I slip in wet weather?
You will need to develop a new ‘feel’ through your prosthetic limbs and this will need to include slippery surfaces. Practice is the key and just take this slowly and plan your route carefully always considering “if I slip then where do I fall or what can I grab”, sometimes being prepared to fall or slip prevents injuries that can occur when things occur that are unexpected.

Will I be able to climb a ladder?
Climbing a ladder is possible if you need to, like anything you need to consider the skills, practice on the lower rungs and have someone help you, if you have some one to help, send them up the ladder and you hold the bottom!

Can I wear wellington boots?
Long boots for leg amputees can be a nuisance to get on and particularly off Wellies, Sailing, Rigging or riding boots etc all need to be selected carefully and make sure that you can get your foot in and out without undue difficulty. Sometimes a boot can be adjusted by a cobbler or by your limb centre —just ask. Another challenge will be ensuring that any heel’ on the boots sole is comfortable and that it doesn’t affect the comfort and alignment of your limb. See some advice from your Prosthetist.

Will I be able to carry the shopping?
Carrying shopping is a good indicator that your comfortable, balanced and strong!… so once you can your heading in the right direction. Start light and build up. View it as physical training! As a certain shop says “every little helps”!

Will I be able to push a buggy?
Yes- certainly – no excuses there I’m afraid. It will help to support you while your learning to get your confidence – be careful of downhill slopes as you will need to adapt your walking style to negotiate the slope!

Will I be able to clean my teeth?
This is a skill you will master with your other hand or you will adapt the use of your prosthesis to assist you. You Occupational Health advisor will be able to assist you

Will I be able to drive a manual car?
This will depend on a number of factors and should be discussed with you rehab team — in many cases should you wish to the answer will be yes but will depend on your strength, skill and confidence. Remember the DVLA and your insurers need to be notified of your change in circumstance and any adaption’s your vehicle receives.

Will I be able to wear flip-flops?
Thong style flip flops are a bit of a pain as a leg amputee, the don’t stay on very well! – Feet do exist to enable thong style flip flops to be worn but be cautious. Many type of sandal style footwear do exist that provide much more security and you wont trip over them – go to an outdoor shop or sports shop and try them on.

Can I wear a skirt?
Why not? – attitudes to prosthetic limbs are rapidly changing – we see absolutely why not and hope that by doing so you demonstrate your comfort and confidence – Go for it.

Will I be able to ride a motorbike?
Yes if you wish to there are a variety of organisations that can assist you to start with – speak to http://www.mtb-amputee.com/motorcycleam putee.htm

Will I be able to do a normal job?
You can almost certainly return to the job you did or a variation within that employment sector should you wish to – of indeed you may decide that this situation dictates a change in direction. Either way you can take control of it and move on as quickly as you feel able.

How will I go to the toilet in the night?
This along with many other daily tasks will need to be planned and you’ll adapt your routine to suit your circumstances. Consider if any adaptions to teh design of your house could help, or if simply reconfiguring a room or furniture could assist. Dont cut corners and the 30 seconds it takes to put your limb on saves a lot of frustration and embarrassment if you fall over the cat trying to hop in the dark!

I’m getting an artificial leg. Will I always have to be the pirate when I go to a fancy dress party?
Its compulsory- Send us your best photos!

Can you get fancy dress legs?
Speak nicely, and in plenty of time to your prosthetics team – there always up for a challenge!

Will I be able to squat?
Squatting is a dynamic movement that required significant muscle control and balance – like all physiological movements it requires practice and skill. You will be able to do it but you will need to master a new technique for doing it and depending on the application you use the movement for it may necessitate some adaptions to your limb to make trim lines comfortable or feet more stable. Practice, practice and practice – ask you physiotherapist for specific help and support with this one.

Will I be able to get double the wear out of a pair of socks?
Quite probably – but prosthetics can be pretty harsh on clothes, socks and footwear – so keep an eye on what’s wearing and getting damaged!

Will I be able to kneel?
Kneeling is also a very specific activity and may be essential for your job, if it is then speak to your prosthetics team about adaption’s that can be made to your limbs to make the practice easier and more comfortable — particularly if you kneel for long periods.

Will I be able to run in the parents’ race at the school sports day?
Go for it — send us the winning picture!