New Amputee(Dec 06)

Libbyj

USA
4 Posts
 
Posted - 05/20/2007 :  09:31:47  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
My question is: I just started walking with my temporary prosthetic the first week of April 07. I go to PT Mon/Wed/Fri
I get really tired and worn out. How long does it take (estimated) to learn how to walk again. I get very frustrated. I'm on a cane at PT but back to 2 crutches when not in PT. I am not walking at home as I am afraid of falling and hubby is working. We live in the woods with no one close by. I do walk some at work on Tues and Thursdays as I'm working from home Mon/Wed/Fri. I know I need to practice more but would like an estimate on how long this takes.

Libbyj
No.VA

grpt

15 Posts
 
Posted - 05/21/2007 :  21:49:04  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Hi Libby,
The best way to get that answer is to ask your therapist that is working with you. Your therapist will know what you need to work on in order to have more normal gait. Once you get your permanent prostheis you will have to relearn to walk with that as well. Other underlying medical conditions, your ability to heal, weight, and your prior physical condition are just some factors that come to my mind which can affect your progress with obtaining normal gait. Practice and proper rehab are definitely the keys to a more speedy obtainment of function. Keep working hard and it will payoff!

pam l

10 Posts
 
Posted - 05/22/2007 :  15:05:03  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Libby J-
I agree with grpt. There are many factors that play a role in the duratino of your recovery. If you are receiving skilled Physical Therapy and also doing exercieses at home, you are on the right track. You do have to remember that safety is #1. As you should practice walking, it is important that you are safe and do not fall or injure yourself. Your Physical Therapist should be able to help guide you on your timelines, and when you can progress your walking at home. Walking with a prosthetic does expend a great deal of energy, so you may tire quickly. Be sure to follow the guidelines your PT gives you. You may be able to do small amounts of walking throughout the day, versus a long episode of walking. This will give you more frequent rest breaks. In regards to a timeline, there is no exact timeline for rehabilitation. Every patient is different. So you just focus on your health and safety, keep working with your PT, and progress as you are able to tolerate.

Libbyj

USA
4 Posts
 
Posted - 05/26/2007 :  19:22:44  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I totally understand that safety is #1. Thats why I'm not doing it at home alone. My friends at work are great support.
I have an excellent therapist and he knows my limits and works with me to make sure I don't push beyond my limits. He hasn't given me a timeline and I actually haven't asked. I know I can walk with a cane there during therapy but he doesn't want me doing it outside of therapy yet. We have walke outside 2 times which is very difficult and much harder than walking inside.
I know I need to give it time but I have always pushed my self and want to be up and walking fast. I totally thought I would put that leg on and walk away. Just didn't happen.

Libbyj
No.VA