So yesterday was my first appointment at the Limb Fitting Service. I was up with the lark and washed, dressed and breakfasted before 7:00 when we had been told the transport might arrive from. It arrived just before 8:30! Fortunately it gave me time to check my packed lunch. I decided it was technically challenging as it contained a yogurt but no spoon 🤣 so I sourced one before I masked up and went on my way.
Whilst I was late it was quite a relaxed atmosphere. The rules about masks were rigidly enforced and chairs wiped after people went to the relevant clinic.
Initially I saw the nurse who took my temperature and went over medical history. As it is part of the same Trust that did the amputation I always find this going back to year dot a bit weird. There were also questions about one's education and career. She then took off the dressing, declared herself happy with the way things were healing and said she didn't think it needed a dressing. However, when I got back to rehab it was sterilised and redressed, and in all honesty I prefer that after a week of IV antibiotics and no showers!
Next was an OT. She talked about aims and goals. TBH one's aims are to resume one's normal life. There might be pictures of people snowboarding but I am sure their hair isn't greying! There was also a "Cognitive and Memory" test. At the end she said "You know what I think you have got the highest score ever"! The purpose of this test apparently is to ensure the person is capable of putting on and taking off the leg correctly, and of caring for the stump and prosthesis. Obviously a partner or carer can be involved in this.
Then onto the physio. This was quite hard going. The hardest was standing on one leg holding one parallel bar and touching the physio's gloved hand as they moved it up, down, left, right, etc. When she led it as high as she could I just reached higher (to show off).
There was an offer of seeing a psychologist but I declined this.
It wa agreed I had passed all the tests to get a prothesis so it was off to the casting room. Here they take various measurements before talking a plaster cast of the stump to make the socket for the top of the prothesis that fits your leg.
I go back for a fitting in just over two weeks and all being well take it "home"!
Then an hours wait for transport and back for a few socially distanced high fives!
Discharge from hospital ..... the journey starts here
Storm in a teacup.
