Amputee Life

If you have a lower-limb amputation or plan to get an elective amputation soon, you're probably thinking about getting a prosthetic leg. But before you do, here are some things you need to consider and discuss with your healthcare team.

You might be reading this article as you wait for your residual limb to heal to get your first prosthesis, or you may be researching about life after an elective amputation. No matter where you are in your amputee journey, getting a prosthetic device can be exciting, scary, and frustrating all at the same time.

Gary Miracle is a lifelong runner who lost his limbs below the elbows and knees after developing a blood infection. After spending 117 days in a hospital, Miracle returned home determined to learn how to run on prosthetic legs. And he has proven that a miracle is possible.

Even minor disappointments and frustrations have the power to derail your mood, leaving you grumpy and disinterested in the things you need to do. Although you know that a bit of pick-me-up can help you make it through the day, you’re not exactly sure what to do first.

Many prosthetic limb users would agree that one of the challenges they face is controlling their prosthetic device, so it moves the same way as a natural limb. Many upper limb prostheses are controlled using electromyography (EMG), which records electrical activity from the muscles. However, this approach allows only limited prosthetic limb control.