onearmedlady

[onearmedlady]

Christmas craft. Amps gotta keep busy too..!

#amputees #crafts #amplife #christmas #keepingbusy

[onearmedlady]

Amputee language

I personally find the word 'stump' to be horrendous and spine tingling. I would much prefer it to be 'residual limb' or ARM/LEG because that's what it fucking is. Just because some, or the majority of it is missing doesn't mean it stops being what it is!

#amputee #amputation #onehand #amplife

[onearmedlady]

Rehab

I have found rehab to be both an overwhelming and underwhelming experience. For me, my rehab consists of two sessions, one with an occupational therapist and one with a physio. Upon my release from hospital, I was under the impression that I would begin rehab immediately. However, it was almost three months after the accident before I heard anything. Finally, however, I arrived at my first session called 'amputee introduction' which involved 15 minutes each with an OT, physio, doctor and social worker (of which I have never seen again). It was a quick in and out 'meet n greet' with each before being hurried out the door and another patient rushed in. Whilst I hold no negative feelings toward the staff at the rehab clinic for losing track of my recovery plan, I was severely disappointed with the lack of information I (finally) received. Not only was rehab not the full time exercise I had been prepared for (including deferring uni studies), I would only be attending the clinic twice a week, usually on the same day.

My first 'proper' rehab session began with the OT the following week and turned out to be an extension of the meeting we had the previous meeting. She read out a list of possible 'benefits' that I would be able to receive before looking up and deciding that no, I would not be eligible for any of these as I am 'only' an upper- limb amp. Next I was sent to the physio room (where I was the youngest patient by a good 30 years) to lay on a bed in front of a mirror that reflected not only myself, but the 6 other patients in the room. Here I was instructed to do several muscle building exercises to build up strength in my 'residual limb'. The exercises were fine, but here in my modest age of 23, entering rehab for the first time, a scant less then 4 months since my amputation, I was asked to unveil my arm to several strangers and perform an exercise show. Logically I am aware that it was highly doubtful that anyone was actually paying the slightest hint of attention to me but in my fragile state I may as well have been on stage at the Sydney Opera House. 

Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited to be finally moving on with my treatment, but it is definitely a humbling experience to say the least. Next week I have to do my physio session in a hydro pool with several other patients. Did I mention the rather large age difference between me and the other patients? It's going to be saggy skin city!

#amputee #amplife #rehab #onearm

[onearmedlady]

I feel it 100% necessary to mention this wonderful blog and the lady who owns it. She is absolutely inspirational and a hero to upper- limb amps everywhere! Her 1 handed hair ties are genius and I cannot see myself living without them ever.

#amputees #amputation #one hand #aussieamps

[onearmedlady]

Hope for amputees : Brain controlled prosthetic arm / leg:

Allows to handle delicate objects with an unprecedented level of dexterity. The device is connected directly to the bone, nerves and muscles, giving the ability to control it with the thoughts.

more gadgets and tech gifs«   &   For more tech news«

#amplife #amputee #amputation

[onearmedlady]

Customary introduction...

Alright, hey I'm Rachel I'm 23 and three months ago I had the unfortunate (dis)pleasure of having a left above elbow amputation. I was involved in a major car accident where my tyres slid on the gravel road whilst it was raining and my car rolled several times, throwing me out in the process, before hitting a tree. I wasn't found until approx. 6am the next day, having waited, bleeding out, next to my car for 7 hours. I was on a gravel road in the country with no one for miles and a destroyed phone. Finally a car stopped and a man (luckily an off duty ambulance officer) called for help. Thus began the next 48 hours that would be the worst of my life. After being transported to the closest hospital, I was then flown to Royal Perth Hospital where surgeons worked for over 11 hours to save my arm. Unfortunately they could not. So I became that one armed girl. Before the accident, I was living the life I had dreamed of living all my life. I was one semester away from completing my psychology degree, I had a job I loved and I was close as could be to friends and family. I had recently returned from two months in North America where I travelled from the west coast to the east coast and everywhere in between. Now my life is on hold. I have had to give up work, defer my university studies, move away from my friends and lose my dignity and independence. I have rehabilitation appointments twice a week, psychologist appointments every monday and regular GP visits once a week. On top of that, I am on a heavy dose of several medications. I take 11 pills in the morning and 9 pills of an evening. I am tired, lethargic and frustrated! The one thing they rarely tell you about when talking of amputation is that amputees will suffer from something called Phantom Limb Syndrome where the amputee will still feel their missing limb, often in excruciating pain. The most common sensation I get is a burning feeling in my (missing) hand which radiates up my arm and makes me sweat profusely. As the condition is simply the brain sending messages to the nerve endings in my arm, only to find their destination is no longer there, it is difficult to provide relief. I would go into detail about the itching sensation and not being able to scratch it but I think the frustration is obvious. I am setting up this blog for several reasons, firstly being that it is theraputic for me to write about my experience and hopefully gain some closure and acceptance. Secondly, I would love to hear from others in similar situations or even others who have experienced a life changing event. Finally, I hope that this blog can provide some comfort and hope for someone else whom has had to experience the tragedy and grief of losing a limb. I should worn you all that I have an undying love for Harry Potter, always have, always will. Yes, I was one of those kids dressed up as a witch waiting outside K- Mart at 7am waiting for the store to open so I could get the latest book the second it came out. I make no apologies for this obsession. I have also found that craft has kept my mind and hand occupied while I try to adjust to my new life so I will be sharing some of my favourite DIY projects. But mostly I will be writing about my journey and how I am adjusting to my new life. Welcome to my life, I hope you find it as interesting as I do! :)

#lifeisntfair #amplife #honesty #sometimeslifejustsucks #introduction #welcome #onearmedgirl #amputee #amputation #harrypotter #losingalimb