We are fairly new to this adventure (just a little over one year) but here is what I’ve learn so far or how I can encourage someone just starting on the prosthesis journey. 

Before the big day, there was so much apprehension of the unknown.

I knew shortly before she was discharged from the NICU that my daughter would have to be assess by a prosthetist to have the process started once she was about 1year old. 

The year leading up to it, I was always wondering about if and when she would be able to walk. But I guess as a parent you always worry about milestones; how will your child grow and be independent. I now know that independence means something different for each child at a different age. 

Appointment day… 

Bring a lot of snacks and entertainment. This appointment was quite long since there was a lot of talking by the specialist present. It was a lot about getting to know my daughter. In the room that day we had, a developmental pediatrician, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and the prosthetist. Each of them was involve in the conversation however, the prosthetist and physiotherapist were the one that were more relevant to me at that moment.  I got a run-down of all the steps and some of the expectations.

Bring a notepad with questions and space to write. I like to write on a piece of paper but if you prefer you can always use your phone. I did go in there with my list of questions. I had previously done an online research so I had some things that I needed clarity on. 

Don’t sweat it too much. Yes, it was a big day for us but I felt it was just another appointment in our list since my princess left the NICU. The “vibe” felt the same. It was a bunch of specialists giving us their input, asking questions about her etc… It was pretty straight forward, long and in all honesty quiet boring. 

Takeaways…

My biggest takeaways so far are that this journey is really a marathon not a sprint. There will be some expectations as with anything involving our kids. Looking back, I could have just gotten there with a blank slate and less expectation. Having a prosthesis doesn’t mean that your child will walk right away even with a few months. It’s still a process and it all depends on their readiness. 

In the beginning, my daughter could not even look at that leg. She was literally scared of it. But withing 3-4 days she was fine with. I just included in her little play area so she could see that it could be a “toy”. It did take some time for her to ask me to wear and see that this helped her stand on her feet. Toddler really have a mind of their own. 

Don’t forget, it’s really not a sprint, it’s a marathon.