My new waterproof prosthetic leg made its debut at the pool today, and it was a fascinating experience. Watching the bubbles rise from my prosthetic limb to the surface reminded me of an aquarium.
Although I’ve had the “wet leg” for a couple of weeks, this was the first time I’d actually used it in the water. My initial hesitation about using the prosthetic stemmed from knowing its significant cost and worrying about damaging it or causing it to rust.
Previously, getting into the pool involved removing my regular prosthetic, awkwardly maneuvering myself across the floor on my bottom, and then finally entering the water. Now, I can simply walk in wearing the new prosthetic. I can even shower with it, although I prefer to remove it to properly clean my residual limb.
Walking into the pool with the wet leg felt great, although I was initially a little apprehensive. Unlike my everyday prosthetic, this one has limited ankle flexibility, making my entry a bit flat-footed. I held onto the railing for support until I was fully submerged. Once in the water, I was finally able to perform the exercises my physiotherapist and I had discussed. Instead of just splashing around, I could walk forwards, backwards, and sideways, do squats and leg stretches, utilizing the water’s support and resistance.
After my hydrotherapy session, I briefly tested the showers. I waited until I was alone to take a few quick photos, realizing that showering with the prosthetic will be a real possibility going forward.
Proper care of the wet leg is essential. It’s important to drain the water from the foot through the drainage holes and allow it to dry thoroughly. I dried it off at the pool and then let it air dry further in the sun and again when I got home.
Looking ahead, I plan to take it with me to Lismore. I’m excited about the possibility of walking on the beach, but I’ll need to be diligent about rinsing it thoroughly and drying it afterward to counteract the corrosive effects of saltwater. This new prosthetic is a significant milestone, opening up new possibilities and making each day a little more exciting.
Being in water is so freeing…
I suppose you have to sit down in a shower but with the wet leg, you can stand? But then you have to wash your leg where it was amputated. Complicated. The beach visits will be great, I’m sure.
Yes I can stand in the shower now, but I prefer to take it off, sit down, and give my leg a proper wash.
Post script – Carl my prosthetist says it’s probably okay to dry the socket in the sun, but should probably only dry the liner in the shade.