Published 8/18/2015 –
In this first video of the series, Danielle Melton, MD, director of the Amputee Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital in Houston, Texas and chair of the Amputee Coalition’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee, provides an overview of the rehabilitation process following the amputation of a limb. Dr. Melton provides an expert opinion on each topic addressed in the other videos in this series – the role of peer support, the importance of goal-setting during rehabilitation, prosthetic options, living life with limb loss, and managing other health issues related to being an amputee.

Published 8/18/2015 –
Setting goals is an important part of the rehabilitation process following the loss of a limb. Jack Richmond, Amputee Coalition board member, talks about his rehabilitation experience following the amputation of his right leg below the knee due to a workplace accident. Setting goals and working with his rehabilitation team enabled Jack to achieve a new normal after his accident. Having never been a runner, the lessons learned during his rehabilitation led Jack to become an avid runner, completing several marathons – including the 2001 Boston Marathon. You can hear more of Jack’s story on the StoryCorps Website.

Published 8/18/2015 –
Talking with and being around other individuals with limb loss helps to normalize your experience and reassure you that a full life is possible after the loss of a limb. Fred Samuelson, an Amputee Coalition-certified peer visitor, reflects on how a peer visit impacted him after the loss of his leg and the role that certified peer visitors play in the recovery process. Receiving a peer visit helped Fred find hope after the amputation of his right leg below the knee due to complications from vascular disease.

Published 8/18/2015 –
For many, living with limb loss involves the use of a prosthesis to walk or do everyday tasks. Sam Hale, MSOP, CPO/L, director of prosthetics at Fillauer Companies, Inc., offers some advice on how to choose a prosthetist who is right for you and how to work with your prosthetist to achieve your goals.

Published 8/18/2015 –
After the loss of a limb, many individuals experience discomfort in social settings or develop anxiety about being in public. Regaining a sense of comfort with your new body represents an important part of living a full life with limb loss. Laurie Richmond talks about her experience in growing up with a congenital limb difference and how she has gained confidence in being a person with limb loss/difference.

Published 8/18/2015 –
Living with limb loss will require ongoing awareness and management of health and medical conditions related to the amputation of a limb. These include a range of issues, including pain management, residual limb care and overuse of the remaining limb(s), which can lead to joint pain and other issues. Harleen Chhabra-Gupt examines her experience as a busy mother who developed overuse syndrome after 30 years of living with limb loss. Working alongside her healthcare team and talking with other amputees helped her develop a plan to help her manage this secondary condition and resume her life as a busy mother and professional.