Amputee Coalition

Amputee Communicator Forum

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What is the Amputee Communicator Forum?

The Forum is a way for people with limb loss to connect up with each other. It is a forum the Amputee Coalition has set up just for the amputee community. It is a safe, confidential place to share thoughts, feelings, wisdom, fears and triumphs with each other. You can take advantage of this Forum from the comfort of your own home 24 hours a day and not need to worry about accessibility or transportation issues.  Once you are registered, you may go on-line and join the discussions or just hang back and observe unseen, learning from what others in the amputee community have to say.

How can I benefit?

Amputation is a significant, life-altering event. Adjustment can take a long time and, indeed, there is always opportunity to become even more empowered. Families, friends and professionals can be a great source of support, but no one can really understand your situation like another member of the amputee community. Such support, information and education can be invaluable, whether you are new to this community or a seasoned veteran. For some, just the chance to say one’s peace can do wonders. In the book, Coping With Limb Loss, Ellen Winchell states, "Expressing your feelings and sharing your concerns about what is going on can be like a safety valve on a pressure cooker. When you vent what is troubling you, you often feel better just for having gotten it out in the open."

What can I contribute?

Obviously, the longer you have been an amputee, the more knowledge and experience you may have to share, especially with others new to the amputee community. Being able to be of use to our peers furthers our own growth as well and is one of the powerful motivations for our volunteer peer visitors. In the words of one of them, the best thing about this opportunity is “…having the honor of supporting someone else, a complete stranger, through their toughest times.”   A few words of encouragement and support from a fellow amputee can go a long way.  And chances are you won’t feel like strangers for very long.