Monday, July 29, 2013

How Prosthetics Can Change Your Life

Prosthetics are devices that are designed to replace a missing body part with an artificial one. The body part is replaced through amputation surgery. The surgery itself affects people differently depending on their age, activity level and the actual reason for the surgery. For many people who get an amputation, they cannot help but wonder how they will live the rest of their life with an artificial body part. For people who have suffered from infection of the limbs, they often come to the conclusion that an artificial body part is a better option than trying to treat the infection and feel more pain in the process. After months go by, the decision to amputate can represent a return to a better quality of life. While it is natural for a person to feel inferior about their body, once they realize that prosthetics can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle, those fears tend to diminish.

If you are considering a prosthesis, you should set some realistic goals about how you want to live your life after the surgery and be willing to modify them accordingly. If you're an active person who enjoys running a biking, it is certainly realistic to return to these activities with a prosthesis, but there needs to be an adjustment period. You'll find that the device will give you solid mobility and comfort, but you may need to modify how you live your active life. If you're willing to adapt to life's new challenges, you'll do well with any kind of prosthetics.

The good news is that you can be fitted around a week after the amputation for a prosthesis. During the adjustment period, you'll have to learn how to balance yourself with the new device. If you were a person with high level of activity prior to the surgery, you may find that adjusting to the device is a little easier. However, if that is not the case, see if you have family members who are willing to help. Ask them to make the effort to attend appointments with you and understand how the device is placed on and off the body. If they bring an optimistic attitude to the experience, it can go a long way to adjusting to the new challenge while understanding that you can still have a wonderful, fulfilling life.

Remember, just because you have needed to have a limb replaced, there is no reason to feel inferior. It is possible to return to the normal function of moving around, and once the person sees first hand that it can be done, the fear evaporates. Soon, you can return to your work and leisure environments and succeed just like before. Over time, the prosthesis will begin to feel normal and the period of acceptance begins. Just knowing that you can maintain such a high quality of life with the device will eliminate any hint of feeling inferior to everyone else. The opportunity to live a regular life exists with prosthetics, so don't hesitate to take the next step.

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