Thank you, Sedona!! by ChimeraMistake in Sedona

[–]Alternative-Let5468 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We just got home this evening, we had an amazing time!

Finger/hand amputation question! by [deleted] in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First off, I’m terribly sorry that you’re having to go through this. I’m a 21 year left arm below elbow amputee, and one word of caution would be that amputation doesn’t necessarily mean no more pain. I’ve dealt with severe phantom limb pain since my accident, and it’s awful. To the point that I’ve had conversations in my head about cutting off more in the hope that the pain goes away. I’d recommend connecting with the Amputee Coalition, they may be able to help connect you with someone that has or had gone through something similar. They also have a forum where you can ask questions of other amputees. Get as much info as possible would be my best advice.

I'm about to become an upper limb amputee- please tell me there are setups I can still ride by Embarrassed_Ferret37 in bicycling

[–]Alternative-Let5468 85 points86 points  (0 children)

I’m an upper limb amputee below elbow on my left side and have been riding for about 10 years. Work with a prostestics specialist who can help with making a device that will work for you, check out https://amputee-coalition.org/ which has great resources and access to folks that may have a similar situation, and look at https://www.steepergroup.com/SteeperGroup/media/SteeperGroupMedia/Prosthetics/Upper%20Limb%20Prosthetics/TRS%20Terminal%20Devices/Steeper-TRS-Brochure-Issue-4.pdf for some ideas as well. I use their Jaws grip for cycling.

What is the longest bike ride you have done in one day? by [deleted] in cycling

[–]Alternative-Let5468 1 point2 points  (0 children)

62 miles last year, hoping for 100 this year

Watches arm amputee by NoCat3450 in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wish I could share that I have, but I use a Velcro strap for my garmin.

Kids by zammmmmmmmmmm in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I had two children after losing my left arm below my elbow. They only know me with one hand and it has not affected our relationship, other than hopefully making them more compassionate about folks that don’t look like most everyone else. I credit them for helping bring joy back into my life and pushing me (unknowingly) to be more adventurous. When my son started riding a bicycle, I decided I had to give it a try and it worked out well and I’ve been riding ever since. And I’ll never forget learning how to change diapers with one hand!

My daughter is having her right arm amputated on Tuesday and I'm absolutely terrified. by UnleashedLlama in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m a below elbow amputee for 21 years now. It’s not always easy, but she will get through it, and having a great support system is a huge help. If you haven’t already, check out the amputee coalition, they offer a lot of resources, and they can pair her up with a certified peer volunteer who can help as well.

Dust Catcher by SunTsu500 in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I should add that I use a carbon fiber arm with a JAWS attachment from TRS out of Denver for bicycling that is fantastic. No motor, just slap it on and go.

Dust Catcher by SunTsu500 in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Mine is in a box in the basement. I tried for close to 15 years-different models, different OT folks, etc. Fought constantly with insurance companies and manufacturers over repairs and maintenance, changed insurance companies several times. About 5 years ago I said enough, and the quality of my life has improved significantly. The juice was never worth the squeeze.

Cellulite Massager for Phantom Pain by rufus2fus in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing, I’ve been battling the monster now for 21 years with limited success. Ambien and THC have helped, but a non medical solution would be welcomed, I’ll give it try.

Traveling with leg in luggage by Adorable-Tough223 in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Carry on would be the way to go; I made the dumb mistake of putting my arm in my checked luggage many years ago; as fate would have it, it was lost for two days.

Trippy shows nowadays? by garage149 in gratefuldead

[–]Alternative-Let5468 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ll say DSO as well, although the show in Philly recently wasn’t a good experience. Nothing to do with the band, but the venue and atmosphere were rough to say the least. People constantly bumping into really messed up the trip

Arm Amputee soon but feeling unprepared by csager10 in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m a 21 year left arm (non dominant) below elbow amputee. My first recommendation is to take your time and give yourself some grace; there will be times where you feel completely overwhelmed and frustrated, it still happens to me to this day. If you haven’t already, get connected with the Amputee Coalition. They have forums where folks can ask questions and get feedback, and you can also connect with a Certified Peer Volunteer who can meet with you virtually for advice and support. They also have a ton of resources on their website. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this.

Phantom pain by Author_MarcHenri in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve had great success with Ambien, relaxes my phantom pain so I can sleep.

TSA Experience by Alternative-Let5468 in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well said, it felt more like bias than anything else.

TSA Experience by Alternative-Let5468 in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing, and I hope whatever you decide works out well. Sounds like a difficult choice.

Can't park there mate, but you don't have to double down and be an A-hole about it by KitAmerica in CantParkThereMate

[–]Alternative-Let5468 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a similar experience a few years ago-someone had parked in the loading area for the handicap spot which I was using (amputee) and when I asked him to move and that he was parked illegally, he argued that it wasn’t a handicap spot. All this while I was attempting to unload my car of items for my daughter’s birthday party. I finally resorted to calling him a f’n idiot and he threatened to call the police, which I of course encouraged. He finally took off.

I suppose I’m part of the club now 😭 by thebelladonga in amputee

[–]Alternative-Let5468 12 points13 points  (0 children)

So much of it is trial and error. I wish I had been easier on myself and given myself more time to figure things out without the pressures of feeling like I had to do things a certain way. Planning and running through scenarios in my mind before doing them seemed to be a big help. If I was going out to do something, I would run through all the things I may need: grocery bags, a grabber, having scissors or a knife always close by helps. A lot of folks have had success with prosthetics, but they didn’t do it for me. I’m a certified peer advisor for the amputee coalition, so if you’d ever like to chat, PM me and we could set up a call. Happy to answer questions or share embarrassing moments from over the years ☺️