A Large Step In My Journey! - British Heart Fou...

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A Large Step In My Journey!

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star
33 Replies

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!

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MichaelJH
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33 Replies
SpiritoftheFloyd profile image
SpiritoftheFloyd

Hello Michael

Thanks for the update, sounds like a busy and full day and good progress is being made. Glad to hear that the wound issues now seem to be over. Just got to wait 2 weeks for the fitting. Onward and upward.

This sounds like great news. Congratulations!

080311 profile image
080311

That was such a great read, congratulations on such a productive day. You must be thrilled, it’s been a difficult few weeks but now things are really moving. Getting high scores on those Cognitive and memory tests are just another great pat on the back.

Another couple of weeks and you will have your made for you leg, and then your ready to get going.

Again fabulous news bet you will sleep well tonight.

Best wishes Pauline

Kazzie68 profile image
Kazzie68

So glad it’s going to plan Michael x

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day

'...technically challenged...', I'm going to be giggling about that one the rest of the evening, thank-you for that!

Sounds as though you are well on the way to getting your life back, well done!

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam

Sounds like it's going really well Michael.Very reassuring news about your cognitive and memory test too.With regards to the psychologist I think a lot of people need to consider the emotional impact an amputation has on them but if you feel fully reconciled that is good.Hope your recovery continues in the same good form.

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19

An interesting read Michael. Things are sounding a lot more positive now, great news. Looking forward to your next update.

Samanthauk profile image
Samanthauk

Great news!

stillaboveground profile image
stillaboveground

You sound so positive Michael, I am glad you had a good day, you must feel so reassured now you have been measured up for your new limb. The 2 weeks will soon pass. Take care, keep safe, Ruth

Shoshov profile image
Shoshov

great news michael ❤️

Ceo1 profile image
Ceo1

That was a great post Michael! Well done and looks like you are well on the road to full recovery... still think you should get a blade tho xx

Smileyian profile image
Smileyian

Very well done MichaelJH

Lovetheoutdoors profile image
Lovetheoutdoors

Well done! Reminds me of getting my spare part, albeit a breast prosthesis. It was all quite surreal. I had choices to make for a part that could make me look whole again. But it did! That was 32 years ago. I've been so lucky. Losing a part of me saved my life. I wish you all the best.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply toLovetheoutdoors

Thank you for sharing...

Plum53 profile image
Plum53

Great news glad things are moving ahead for you X

isobelhannah18 profile image
isobelhannah18

A wonderful, positive, witty post. Thank-you!

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

Excellent news. Did you get your name down for an electric scooter, or are you going to make do with roller skates?

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply toIanc2

Skateboard! 🤣🤣🤣

Healthyheart1 profile image
Healthyheart1

Your such a positive person Micheal, good luck with everything, I suspect you won't need it though x Sheena

jamesapjim profile image
jamesapjim

Thanks for update Michael. Glad you are making progress in what must be difficult and challenging circumstances. Sending you all best wishes . . .

HHH2017 profile image
HHH2017

Sounds like a positive & thorough appointment. Great for you to be able to see & hear some progress. Congrats on the high score too - perhaps you could aim to go on ‘The Chase’😉

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply toHHH2017

I have outdone a Chaser occasionally!

HHH2017 profile image
HHH2017 in reply toMichaelJH

Somehow that doesn’t surprise me, poss due to your very sharp wit 😁 A man of many talents 🧠💪🏾😂❤️

Rose54 profile image
Rose54

On wards and upwards

Your doing great

Surreychica_1 profile image
Surreychica_1

Good for you. Glad that all went well :)

Magicfairy profile image
Magicfairy

All positive, so pleased for you 😊x

Dollcollector profile image
Dollcollector

Lovely to read such a positive post from you after all the doom and gloom that is around mainly from people who have nothing to moan about. All the best, you deserve it. x

not2worry profile image
not2worry

Congratulation!

marypw profile image
marypw

I'm really glad you're doing so well Michael!

EmmyLaury12 profile image
EmmyLaury12

Glad you passed all the tests Michael you have come so far on your journey . So pleased everything turning out well for you x take care

Bassman65 profile image
Bassman65

Well done with all you have achieved so far Michael, i guess the next stage will be learning to walk all over again with the prosthetic leg

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply toBassman65

I have been told it is very different to the temporary leg which is heavier, stops you using your knee and at times gives a sinking feeling as it is pneumatic. In fact I think the movement caused some of my issues.

You are an inspiration Michael. Very pleased for you!

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