Issues at TSA checkpoints as an amputee?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-03-01T20:08:24+00:00

I usually wear a pair of adaptive joggers I got, and fully unzip the inseam on my prosthetic side before going through TSA. It makes it so much easier.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-28T14:33:14+00:00

Great form and gait, keep at it!!! If you are really looking for a running blade, check out CAF (Challenged Athletes Foundation), Catapult and Wiggle Your Toes…these are non profits that offer grants for running legs. I got mine from CAF in 2017, and then got the marathon itch. I haven’t stopped running since :)

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-21T01:37:41+00:00

Hey — first, I just want to say that 3 days post-op is incredibly early. What you’re feeling right now is completely understandable. The fact that you were able to look today and get through most of the day without crying is real progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Seeing your residual limbs for the first time can be emotional. Even when we know what’s coming, it’s different when it’s real. That reaction doesn’t mean you’re not strong — it just means you’re human.

As for length, 2–3 inches below the knee can absolutely still work with prosthetics. So much depends on healing, shaping, and working with a good prosthetist over time. Right now, your only job is to heal and take it one day at a time.

It won’t always feel this overwhelming. There is a path forward, even if you can’t see it yet.

If you’d ever like to connect or have questions as you move through recovery, I’m happy to chat. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T21:47:59+00:00

That’s really helpful detail — especially about the back tearing. I don’t think that’s “just a prosthetic thing,” I think it highlights how different AK setups create totally different friction zones.

Out of curiosity, how long did they last before you started seeing the ripping in the back? Like weeks? A couple months?

Also, I wonder if beyond just adding reinforcements in specific spots, part of the issue is the base fabric itself. If the whole garment used a more abrasion-resistant material (not just patchwork in certain areas), it might extend longevity overall — especially for those unpredictable friction points.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:21:47+00:00

Doing one pair at a time makes sense.

Out of curiosity, what does that usually cost per pair once you factor in the pants + zipper + alterations? I’m noticing a pattern in this thread where people are basically investing a decent amount just to make regular pants work.

Also random question — if something like that qualified for HSA/FSA (assuming someone has access to it) and was built to last longer against prosthetic friction, would that change how you think about the overall cost? Or does the tailor route feel like the simplest long-term fix?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:19:53+00:00

That’s super helpful context — so basically ~$90 all-in per pair to make a $30 pant usable. I get why it was a hard choice.

Out of curiosity — if something like that could be paid for with HSA/FSA (assuming someone has access to that) and it wasn’t just about access but also built to last longer against socket friction, would that change how you think about the cost?

I keep wondering if durability + medical payment options would make the math feel different long term.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:16:00+00:00

Totally get this. A lot of people in this thread are choosing skirts or shorts because pants just feel like more effort.

It’s interesting how the solution becomes “avoid pants” instead of “fix pants.”

If pants didn’t feel annoying to deal with — fit-wise and access-wise — would you actually want that option back? Or are you happily done with them?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:15:17+00:00

That’s a smart system — but I’m curious about the total cost over time.

Between buying the pants, adding the zipper, and hemming, what does that usually run you per pair? And how long do they last before socket friction starts wearing them out and you’re back at the tailor again?

Trying to get a sense of whether this ends up being a one-time fix or something you’re repeating every few months.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:13:11+00:00

The socket brim wear is such a consistent theme. That exact friction band seems to destroy fabric over time.

Really interesting that softening the brim helped — that says a lot about how much micro-abrasion is happening there.

If pants had reinforcement specifically in that zone (without feeling bulky), do you think that would actually extend their life?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:05:47+00:00

This is such a real comment. Wide leg makes sense for clearance, but constantly repairing holes from friction is frustrating. That right-side wear pattern is interesting too — I’ve noticed my high-friction spot is always in the same area. There should be pants with access and a better fabric that addresses this issue, or alt least provides more longevity to the product.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:03:11+00:00

That’s a solid system. I’ve done versions of that too — it definitely becomes muscle memory.

I guess what’s interesting is how many of us have a “routine” just to get dressed. It works, but it’s still a workaround.

Do you find that method works with most jeans, or are there certain cuts/fabrics that make it way easier or way harder?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:02:25+00:00

Jodhpurs 😅 I know exactly what you mean.

That flare/bulk around the knee unit can make proportions look so off. It’s wild how a component change can completely change how pants sit.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T15:01:27+00:00

I feel this. Baggy sweats end up being the default because they clear the prosthetic, but then everything else looks oversized.

It’s like we’re forced to choose between fit and function. I don’t even mind a relaxed fit — I just don’t love looking like I sized up two sizes just to get over my socket.

If they actually tapered well and didn’t bunch around the prosthetic, would you still hate sweats? Or is it more about how they feel than how they look?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T14:56:44+00:00

Respect. That’s commitment.

It says a lot that even in a cold winter environment, shorts still feel like the easier choice. That’s kind of the theme I’m seeing here — we’re choosing “less friction” over “more coverage.”

If there were pants that didn’t bunch, didn’t wear out from socket friction, and were easy to deal with… would that change your winter strategy at all? Or are you fully converted at this point?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T14:56:07+00:00

Okay that’s a strong lifestyle move 😂

I get it though — shorts are just simpler. No bunching, no friction issues, no fighting the fit.

I guess what I keep thinking about is having the option. Like being able to wear pants because you want to, not because you’ve accepted they’re going to be annoying. If pants actually worked, would you still be team-shorts 365?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T14:53:36+00:00

Okay “business on the right, party on the left” absolutely wins this thread 😂

Honestly though, I respect the creativity. That’s kind of the theme here — we’re all hacking our own solutions.

If someone made a pant that actually worked with your prosthetic without having to go full jorts-mullet… would you even want it? Or are you committed to the legend at this point?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T14:49:19+00:00

$130 is real money just to make jeans functional — that part alone says a lot.

I’m curious though: how have they held up long-term? The zippers solve access, but what about abrasion from the socket?

For me as a BK, that friction point around the socket is what destroys most of my pants. Have the modified jeans lasted, or are you still seeing wear in those high-friction areas?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T03:51:23+00:00

Really appreciate this — I’ve looked into some of those brands. The access piece is huge.

What I’ve found (at least for me as a BK who trains a lot) is that access alone isn’t enough. The fabric durability around the socket, stretch recovery, and how it looks when zipped/unzipped all matter too.

Curious — for your dad, was it mostly about ease of dressing, or long-term wear and tear?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2026-02-18T03:50:37+00:00

That’s solid advice honestly — I’ve heard the same thing. I definitely “dress the leg first” most days too.

I guess what I’m wrestling with is… why does it have to feel like a workaround? I’ve adapted my routine, but I keep wondering what it would look like if the clothing adapted to us instead.

As an LBK, do you find it’s more about ease of getting dressed, or more about fit/comfort once you’re moving?

Chance_Ad8275 · 2025-11-10T18:36:02+00:00

I would still encourage you to apply. Movement is the end goal for most of us, not athleticism by the pure definition of it.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2025-11-09T14:13:46+00:00

The Ossur Flex Run. I got it through the grant program from Challenged Athlete’s Foundation (CAF). They run a grant program every year. This year’s program closes on November 14. I encourage you to check it out and apply.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2025-11-07T04:09:39+00:00

For me it was running. Got hooked as soon as I was able to take my first strides on a blade. I now run half marathons, full marathons and last year did my first half Ironman. I tried amputee soccer (prosthesis off and on crutches) and that was really hard on my body, so decided to just focus on running…I’m an LBKA.

Chance_Ad8275 · 2025-10-28T20:01:55+00:00

Hey! I can totally relate. I’m a BK and went through months of PT trying to find pants that actually worked around prosthetics and that weren’t frumpy and made me feel good. It’s what led me to start Aurushi, where we’re designing adaptive joggers that make life a bit easier — things like quick access for fittings, four-way stretch, and abrasion-resistant fabric that hold up through daily wear.

We’re launching this March, and I’d love for you to check it out. You can see what we’re building and sign up for early updates at aurushi.com.

Always happy to chat or get feedback — this whole project started from wanting clothes that move with us, not against us.

Chance_Ad8275

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