Below you will find various resources I have found helpful thus far. I will add additional resources throughout my journey!
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN ONCOLOGY:
Both surgeons are some of the best in Florida if not in the nation. They are constantly updating their techniques as technology advances and It is thanks to both of them that I am doing to well today!
PROTECTIVE AND COSMETIC COVERS FOR PROSTHESIS:
UNYQ offers fully customizable protective covers that can be created in most any pattern and color you can dream up! These are a great option if you want to flaunt your individuality while keeping your prosthesis shielded from the elements.
Alleles is a competitor of unyq. They also offer customizable prosthetic covers in endless designs that are gaining popularity in part due to their affordability.
Skintones Systems, run by A Step Ahead Prosthetics offers realistic, silicone covers that can be purchased "off the rack" via their website without compromising quality or can be made to match your sound leg in a "hyper-realistic" style. Freckles? Birthmarks? Unique skin tone? Spend a few days watching them make a silicone cover that is virtually identical to your sound leg!
INSURANCE TIPS:
I highly recommend you contact your insurance provider prior to surgery if possible to confirm what your out of pocket maximum and deductible are for both in and out of network providers as well as what their policy is on prosthetics as well as "medical durable equipment" You will likely need some if not all of the following items post-surgery:
wheelchair
walker
crutches
commode
Some policies will only provide you one item of medical durable equipment for mobility purposes. If this is the case with your policy, you will want to make sure that you request the most expensive of these which is typically a wheelchair. Crutches and walkers are available on Amazon for very reasonable prices. Check out the pink walker I purchased for only $49.37!
You can also purchase padded hand grip covers which can be used for both walkers and crutches and help A TON with the soreness you will likely experience if you use then more then a short distance.
PROSTHETISTS:
PROSTHETIC & ORTHOTICS ASSOCIATES ( MY CLINIC) One of the leading clinics in the nation, known for its work with several Paralympic athletes as well as custom prosthetics using patented technology in a fully equipped gym. They have expended to several locations in the states should you not be local to the Orlando, FL area.
This prosthetic and orthotics clinic is located in Hicksville, NY and are the makers of Skintones Systems. They were incredibly helpful with answering my questions not only in regards to cosmetic covers but also prosthetics and how to prep for them. I highly recommend you visit them if you are in the area.
Practical Pain Management:
This link was sent to me by my Aunt who is a practicing Anesthesiologist and who I nag constantly for information on how best to treat my phantom limb pain and manage my medications. If you are experiencing this, you may find this information worth reading. It compares the short term vs. long term effects of medication compared to mirror therapy.
Last but certainly not least, SOCIAL MEDIA is by the far the easiest way I have found to connect with other amputees. Don't know where to start? Search for hashtags like #amputee, #amputeestrong, #amputeelife and you will find countless, fellow warriors, most of which would love to chat with you, answer your questions and build relationships! You may have a great support system at home, but there is nothing quite like talking about your successes and failures with someone who really understands what it's like.
Additional websites with useful info for amputees:
After extensive research done while stuck in a hospital bed and then the sofa, I have compiled a list of the websites I found most helpful as a new amputee. If there are others that helped you along the way, feel free to email them to me as I am always looking to grow the list of resources I provide my readers!
Amputee Coalition: This non-profit focuses on raising awareness around limb loss and provide amputees and their families pre and post support in the form of national events as well as assistance with finding local support groups.
Otto bock: Not only are they responsible for "the world's most advanced lower limb prosthetic" to date. But they offer some great videos of exercises for new amputees which can all be done at home to increase your strength and prepare your residual limb for walking on a prosthetic.
UNYQ covers website also hosts a blog which features an article on the "21 things amputees can't live without"
These tips come directly from actual amputees and sound like the holy grail of tools creams and devices for any and every situation we may run into.