Prosthetic Limbs: What Happens When You Get a New Prosthesis?
Prosthetic limbs make living a more normal life possible for amputees. Although there are still challenges, a prosthetic limb can help you get back to the things you used to do after an amputation. For most people we fit for prosthetic limbs at Tierney Orthotics and Prosthetics, the ensuing process after amputation is as follows.
- It typically takes three to four weeks after amputation to fully prepare for a prosthetic limb. Continue the rehabilitation process, take proper care of your wound, and go to all of your follow-up appointments.
- As you reach the end of the healing process, your first appointment with us will take place to talk about prosthetic limbs. We’ll start the fitting process, and then around three weeks after this appointment, you’ll receive your temporary prosthesis.
- Until your residual limb becomes a stable, consistent size, you will use your preparatory prosthesis, which can take anywhere from two to six months. After this stage is over, you will receive your permanent prosthesis. Once you receive your final prosthesis, you will learn how to take it off and on, walk without an aid, prevent falls, care for your prothesis, and increase how long you wear it every day.
While amazing, prosthetic limbs can take time and patience to get used to. After an amputation, be patient with yourself and know that it can take several months until using your prosthesis becomes a routine part of your daily life.
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Since 2014, Tierney Orthotics and Prosthetics has become the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area’s preferred source for orthotics, prosthetics, diabetic footwear, mastectomy prosthetics, and shoe inserts.