r/amputee

I’m now 6 weeks into recovery after partial amputation of my middle, ring and little finger and honestly, it’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced — physically and emotionally.

I’ve always been an extremely active person, and one of the toughest parts has been slowing down and accepting that even simple, everyday tasks suddenly feel difficult. Things you never think twice about become challenges overnight.

Some days I feel positive and motivated. Other days it hits hard. The mental side of this recovery has been just as real as the physical side.

I decided to start documenting my recovery journey — the wins, setbacks, rehab, frustrations, and progress — partly for myself, but hopefully also to help anyone else going through something similar feel a little less alone.

If anyone here has gone through hand injuries, amputations, or long recoveries, I’d genuinely appreciate hearing your experiences, advice, or even just how you got through the difficult days.
Thanks for reading.

I have a tumor in my calcaneus (heel bone) that has gone from within the bone to larger than a tennis ball in a couple months. After multiple referrals finally got in at MD Anderson in Houston. Had a biopsy, MRI and more radiographs. The tumor grew 2 cm diameter in 4 weeks from my last CT. The biopsy was inconclusive that it’s benign but based on speed it’s growing they are worried. Surgeon called today and gave the green light for amputation. My knee is in really bad shape so they are going to do rads of my knee before surgery and if it’s bad enough will do an above knee amputation. If not bad enough they’ll do below knee amputation. Surgery date is tentatively for early June but they are confirming with the plastic surgeon as well that he’ll be available that day as well.

I've only been a RBK amputee for 5 months and I've had my prosthetic for a little under 10 weeks now. Last night, I had my first dream where I had my prosthetic and not my flesh leg. We'll see if it's like that in my next dream that I can recall, but I think my brain has fully integrated being an amputee!🦿 Which I think is pretty cool.😌

What are your guy's experiences with dreams and being an amputee?

The hardest part I’m seeing lately has been the small things. Buttons, typing, carrying things, opening packages or even just not being in pain and discomfort… things I used to do automatically now more thought and effort

As someone who’s always been active and independent, that loss of normality has been difficult to accept.

At the same time, I’m trying to focus on progress instead of perfection. Even tiny improvements matter right now. (Even when they don’t feel like it)

I wanted to continue sharing this journey because when I first got injured, reading other people’s stories helped me more than I can explain. I just didn’t have the confidence to post anything. But it’s so inspiring to read these posts. I don’t feel alone. I do feel scared but I guess time is the biggest healer?

Hi, I recently had the toes plus an inch or so removed from my left foot, my right foot remaining normal.

Now I'm going back int regular shoes and need socks.

I've seen the NeoTrek crew socks that come as a pair. One transmet sock and one regular sock. However, I can't find anyone who has them in stock in the UK I could order from the US but the delivery is long and the delivery cost doubles the price!

Does anyone know where I can get these or any other brand that I can buy in person or online.

Any suggestions welcome

Thanks.

Hello, I have a bit of a strange question for you. In recent months I have developed a phobia of constantly washing my hands with soap. I do this washing multiple times during the day, and in total it takes me about an hour/hour and a half to wash my hands. However, I only wash my hands with cold water, leaving the tap running while I scrub them well with soap (which takes me a few minutes) and the water becomes even colder. My question is, can my hands be amputated from such daily exposure to cold tap water?

I have been one of us for five months. I am aka. I think I am getting my leg. I am actually scared. Please tell me what comes next.

It works for a while but my doctor is thinking about putting me on lyrical

I cut the two center fingers on my non dominant hand off in a wood working accident over two years ago. About 10 to 12 months ago I went back to the surgeon because I was having a ton of pain and was told I’ve developed neuropathy. He gave me options, surgery, meds or more therapy. Well not being one that has surgery or takes meds unless I have exhausted all other avenues I’m still having a lot of pain to a point it affects my daily life, obviously therapy isn’t cutting it.

I would like to know how bad the dizziness, fatigue, brain fog and nausea. I totally understand everyone is different but looking for a consensus. Thanks you!

Edit: thank you all for your input, I have some thinking to do.

Curious for the motorheads or any left AK really what your experience and advice is for driving a stick shift? I know how and have owned multiple vehicles that were a manual but I haven’t tried since my amputation. Looking into buying a 60’s mustang and would love a stick but worry I’m gonna play hell trying to drive one. Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated!

Sorry I caught the spelling error in the title a little late. Voice to text failed me once again.

This weekend I was out of town for 4 days. I forgot my medicine. The main ones being an anti-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and my flomax. For some reason my stump decided to swell. After a day I took off my five ply stump sock and it was still too tight. Basically cost some sores. I did consume some alcohol but not a lot. I'm just curious if anybody else has had any issue with stump swelling.

Anyone know of a tailor that actively adds hidden zippers to pant legs? I got new pants and all my options had too small of a leg for me to roll up and access my leg to adjust socks.

Today I learned a valuable lesson. These prosthetics get hot, very hot, very quickly. 90°F today. Those liners are like the ring of fire. I could not wait to get it off and sit in on my AC apartment.

Hi All,

Could I please ask is there anyone in the group who started out as a through knee amputee and then chose to go above knee for whatever reason?

If yes, what has your experiance been like, was it in your opinion worth going from through knee to above?

I am based in the UK if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance.