inMotion Magazine

Finding Answers 3 “I’m a new amputee. I don’t know where to start. What do I do now?” “I can’t afford a prosthesis. Where can I go for help?” “I don’t like using my prosthesis. Are there any other options?” “My dad has diabetes. Do you have any information on foot care for him?” Where can you turn when you have questions about limb loss? We all have different situations, needs and desires. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. While it can be overwhelming to face so many unknowns, there are many resources that can help you make informed decisions. Although there may be no single place to find the answers to all of your questions, tapping into the knowledge of your healthcare team and other resources, such as the Amputee Coalition National Limb Loss Resource Center, can go a long way to help you achieve your goals. The National Limb Loss Resource Center is the nation’s leading source of information about limb loss and limb difference. The Center provides comprehensive information and resources free of charge to people with limb loss and their families, friends, caregivers, healthcare professionals and educators. Think of us as friends who can find and provide information on virtually anything related to limb loss, such as how to donate an unused shoe, how to prevent additional amputations, or how to battle with your insurance company. Another important information resource can be found in peer support. In many cases, only a peer visitor, as another amputee who has had similar questions, experienced similar situations and faced similar decisions, can provide the answers a new amputee needs. Although peer support is especially critical for new amputees, this is actually only the beginning of a lifelong process. A conversation with another amputee can ease fears that you may have, and can lead to a wealth of information about living well with limb loss. When you meet with other amputees who are living full and satisfying lives, you’re more likely to believe you can do the same. Helping others furthers your own growth as well. Being there for others going through hard times not only allows you to recognize how far you’ve come in your own recovery, it reaffirms your own worth in having something of value to share with others. Never give up on someone. Sometimes the answers you are looking for are the same answers another person is looking for. Two people searching together are always better than one person alone. ~ Shannon L. Alder, author Editor’s Message FINDING ANSWERS ~ Bill Dupes, Editor-in-Chief The search for knowledge is a two-way street YOU ARE NOT ALONE