Professional Amputee

A few days ago I heard a phrase that I had never before heard and it has created a whirlwind of thoughts. A friend referred to an acquaintance as a "professional amputee" and it was not meant to be a compliment. Confused, I asked for the definition of a professional amputee. According to my friend, a professional amputee is an individual who has been drawn into the Orthotics and Prosthetics profession as a direct result of their amputation. 

I was taken aback because I know so many people, including myself, who fit this definition. I never considered myself a professional amputee but, according to this definition, I am one. Unlike my friend, I don't consider the label to be negative.  Why is being drawn to a profession because of a personal experience a bad thing?

My discussion with my friend led me down a bit of a rabbit hole with other friends in the profession. I was shocked to learn that there is an undercurrent of resentment within the O&P community towards amputees who enter the profession later in their career as a result of a personal experience. I am saddened to learn about this divide.

So many people in O&P entered the field after a close personal experience. Honestly, most people don't even know about prosthetics until they need one! In my opinion, anytime you can get people who have a personal connection and investment in the profession to work towards a common goal, everybody wins.

Zapping

 I spent yesterday on my feet, ferrying things between rooms and working in the kitchen. It was one of those days where I was busy from the moment I slipped my leg on until I finally pulled it off at night. Even though I was moving all day, I was certainly not comfortable. My socket no longer resembles something that fits and I am reminded of the volume loss with every single step. Walking down the hallway last night I distinctively thought to myself that each step is miserable. Prosthetic issues stink!

I've started the process for approval for a new socket, but I know that it will take awhile to inch through the system. In the meantime I am forced to pad my limb so that it fills the socket. My fixes are not long term nor are they particularly comfortable. However, I am able to function and walk without crutches, so I suppose that I am successful. 

Not only is walking difficult, exhausting and painful, but I am also paying for efforts at night in the form of nerve pain. The shooting bolts of electricity that course through my limb and into my phantom foot are nearly intolerable. Last night I was forced to compress the nerve so tightly that I was worried I was going to cut off circulation to my remaining limb.  

Needless to say, I overdid it yesterday. Sigh. Have I mentioned that prosthetic issues stink?

Flexy Weekend

I spent the majority of my weekend at flea markets, chatting up new friends and selling FlexyFriends. It was hotter than I anticipated, especially on Sunday, but it was still more comfortable than our weekend in Gettysburg. (That experience has become our family yardstick for misery.) I am glad that flea markets are primarily morning activities. I am required to wake early (again), but at least I am home by 2 to salvage the rest of the day.

On Saturday Robby went to sell with me, allowing Scott to sleep in with Timmy. I have to admit that it was really nice to spend some quality alone time with my Koopa. He is growing up so quickly and soon he will be leaving for college. I really want to focus on spending as much time as possible- or as much as he will tolerate- before he leaves. After spending a few hours selling, Robby and I packed up early and headed to his favorite restaurant (which happened to be very close by) for lunch. We probably could have made a little more money if we had stayed, but I was glad to pack up and retreat to the joys of air conditioning and milkshakes. 

Sunday was Scott's turn to rise early to sell with me. Robby stayed home to work on a school project and to take care of Timmy, allowing Scott and I the ability to just sell without worrying about the kids. Scott, who just realized the true cost of college, was not nearly as eager to pack up to leave for fear of missing a sale. 

Today everybody is returning to school. It will begin the second week, which means that everything should start to settle soon. I am craving normalcy right now!

Flea Markets

In a few hours we will have survived the first week back at school. Yesterday it was a tinge more difficult to motivate the boys to wake and login, but all things considered I consider the week to be a success. The tears have been minimal and were on par with what I would expect under 'normal' circumstances. Even though the kids have had a successful week, I'm looking forward to the weekend. I need time to reorganize and reset.

In addition to continuing to organize our back-to-school life, this weekend we are resuming sales of FlexyFriends. We are scheduled to sell at two different flea markets in the area. Thankfully the weather is supposed to be gorgeous. Not only will it be nice to sit in the sunshine without scorching temperatures, but I'm hoping that the advantageous weather will drive people to the markets.  

Have a great weekend!

Making the call

 Day two of school is in the books for the boys and, so far, I would rate it as a success. We haven't encountered any great technical issues. Nor have we faced any emotional breakdowns or crises. My back-to-school anxiety is beginning to wane, allowing me to relax without my mind spinning. Talk about a luxury!

With the boys settling into their routines, I'm slowly transitioning my schedule. Sleeping beyond 5 left me feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. While my summer early rise schedule is functional and necessary when everybody is home, it is most certainly exhausting. It is nice to resume a more normal routine.

At some point (soon) I need to start the process for a new leg, which I am dreading. I've lost considerable weight over the past few months (unintentionally) and my prosthesis isn't fitting. I hate everything about getting a new leg except the comfort that it provides at the end of the process. I have been delaying calling for an appointment but my leg is becoming more difficult to manage. I suppose today will be a great day to make the call to start the dreaded process.

Great First Days

 Compared to last year and the possibilities that I have conjured in my mind, yesterday was a resounding success. Both boys were able to sign into their classes without an issue and neither encountered technical (or other) issues. I fully anticipate a few bumps along the road but so far I am pleased. 

Last year both Timmy and I dissolved into tears throughout the first week. When I say that the first week last year was horrible I am not doing justice to the stress and anxiety that we both felt. Yesterday morning Timmy's eyes began to swell before he had to login for class. When I asked him to talk to me about it, he admitted that he "just wasn't craving school." I totally understood his heartbreak! I certainly wasn't craving going to work either. 

I'm optimistic that today we will continue our good school day streak. At least, that's the plan.

School Year 2023-2024

 My new school year anxiety has reached a fever pitch. I was unable to sleep last night because my mind was spinning with all of the possibilities of the upcoming school year. Outwardly I look excited and optimistic about the coming year. Inside I feel like I am in a war with memories that have sadistically morphed with time. 

This morning Timmy begins Third grade and Robby begins his Senior year. Gulp! I look at Robby and I can't believe that he is a Senior. In a few months he will be 18 and legally a man. When I think of that I begin to panic because, to be completely honest, I don't think he will be ready to be a legal adult. I suppose that rabbit hole is a topic to explore in a different post.

I spent the majority of the weekend preparing Timmy's room for the school year. A new desk has been assembled and installed, and all of his supplies have been replenished and organized. Cleaning out his room created a domino effect which forced me to also clean out my hall closet and my dining room shelves. It was a lot of work, but he will start this school year organized and ready to go.

Ready or not, school is about to begin. Wish us luck!