Feedback

 In the past two days both Robby and Timmy have received unsolicited compliments from their teachers. Both boys were beaming with pride as they relayed the sentiments to us. I loved seeing the pride on their faces as they excitedly showed shared their stories with Scott and I. I'm glad that they value academic feedback so highly! Being back in the schools has provided me with an updated appreciation for the respect for education that my boys hold. I cannot imagine battling each day to simply go to school. 

Timmy absolutely adores his new school. Although the teachers and many of the students remained the same, the format and many of the programs have been adjusted for new platforms. I haven't seen him this enthusiastic about school and learning. He happily logs in each morning, excited to see his friends and continue the projects from the previous day.  It is hard to remember that this is the same kid who, just a few years ago, had me hiding in bathroom so that I could privately cry while stuffing my face with the contraband DoubleStuff Oreos.  

So far, everybody seems to be adjusting well to my new job.  Now if I could only figure out how to not be so exhausted at the end of each day... 

Walking Woman

 Work is going well. Yesterday I logged nearly 19,000 steps with my students. Although I was definitely tired by the end of the day, I also felt incredibly grateful that my leg is strong enough to keep me moving. I do not take the absence of sores and blisters for granted! Yesterday I impressed myself by going up and down now fewer than 10 flights of stairs with my students. 

Impressive feat for any 51 year old. As an amputee, I'm very proud of this accomplishment. Of course, I had to celebrate privately because my amputation is not visible at work. I really want the kids and my coworkers to get to know me and my abilities before they see 'what is missing.' Eventually I'll wear shorter pants or a skirt, but right now I'm sticking with pants. I know far too well how my prosthesis becomes my defining feature when people don't get to know me first.  

Although I'm busy, I find myself enjoying the drives between schools. It offers an opportunity to jam out to some music and unwind. Because I cover a total of 13 schools, I am driving across the county on a regular basis. I've discovered the cutest little shops and businesses along the routes. I can't wait to actually stop in sometime, but right now I'm far too busy playing catch up. Because I was hired 6 weeks into the school year, I'm pressed trying to provide all of the students with their promised time. It is definitely a challenge, but thankfully I'm up to it!

RISE UP

 

For every amputee who has ever felt like a number. This is for you. 

 

The government just announced an investigation that could lead to massive tariffs on prosthetics.

 

Let me translate what that really means for us.  What happens when the leg you walk on suddenly costs your prosthetist more to acquire than insurance will ever pay them?

 

Clinics close. Innovation STOPS. And we get left behind, fighting for outdated tech or facing impossible bills. As if battling insurance wasn't already a full-time job. 

 

So where is the outrage from the big patient organizations? Silence. 

Here’s the hard truth I’ve learned after two decades: The system isn't broken; it was built to work exactly this way.They don't tell you your 'local' clinic is secretly owned by a giant manufacturer. Why? Because you're not supposed to know who's really profiting from your body.  And the advocacy groups that claim to represent us? Their silence is deafening, bought and paid for by the same manufacturers writing their donation checks. 

 

To them, we're not people; we're purchase orders and patient quotas. Because of the incestuous relationship created when the manufacturer owns the clinician, the needs of the patient become secondary. They don't see our fight.

 

I'm done asking for a seat at their table. It’s time we build our own. 

I am creating a new channel for patient-led advocacy. No corporate cash. No hidden agendas. Just our voices, our power, our fight. We will share the information they hide and organize to protect our access to care.

Want in? Message me and follow this blog. I'll make sure you're on the list when we launch.

It’s time to rise up because we need to protect and empower ourselves. 

 

If you have read this far, thank you. I have heard this new venture described as AmputeeMommy gone Menopausal. Fairly apt description if it means I'm done dealing with the establishments.