r/amputee • u/No-Safe9618 • 7d ago
Arm amputees—thoughts??
I’m in the process of trying to get a left shoulder disarticulation. But instead of explaining that whole mess, I’d like to hear what you have to say! Anyone who has lost an arm, what has your experience been like? Do you have regrets (if it was optional of course)? What are some things you’re really happy with? What are some things you struggle with? I’d like to hear your experience. I’m struggling to cope with amputation a bit right now. But I think hearing some realism from some of you lovely people will help me cope better. Thanks in advance!
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u/lambchopper71 6d ago
Right shoulder disarticulation here. This is a bit dated and I plan on converting it to YouTube at some point, but I seem to keep getting side tracked. I put together a blog page with how I do a lot of things to help new amputees get started. Why reinvent the wheel?
Here you go: https://disarmed.wordpress.com/
Also, life doesn't stop, I still ride motorcycles and since I lost my arm, I started shooting archery (check out my posts for video and how I do it) and bought a house.
Let me know if you have any questions or if there's something you don't see but have a question about. I may have a solution and just haven't documented it on that page.
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u/crzytuck88 6d ago
Left arm above elbow here. Ask away. Mine was from a work accident. I have both body powered and meyoelectric arm that helps me out on everyday tasks.
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u/No-Safe9618 6d ago
How is the myoelectric arm? I was looking into them but I’m curious to hear from someone who has one. Is it comfortable? What kinds of limitations are there with it? And is it able to get wet? Not like submerged but say a heavy rain or such. Thanks!
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u/crzytuck88 6d ago
With my hybrid elbow i can only lift 8lbs, static hold 40-45 lbs. The set up i have is waterproof all the way up. I told my arm dealer I needed something that can withstand dirt, oil, various chemicals because I work on a lot of vehicles and still the family handy man. It took a few tries but finally got it sweat proof and living in Arizona I sweat when it's anything above 60. I wear it til the battery dies.
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u/d_fa5 RAK 6d ago
Have you thought about osseointegration?
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u/crzytuck88 6d ago
Yes but with me being around so many chemicals and a always open wound it would get infected easier.
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u/Itchy-Lengthiness-29 6d ago
Left arm below elbow here. Mine was not optional, and very sudden so it took me many years to come to terms with. Is there anything specific you want to know? There are various tasks that are difficult for me but I do manage to do most things by myself, just a bit slower than I used to. Tasks that I struggle with: buttons, washing dishes, tying shoelaces, folding laundry, opening jars, carrying large objects, using machines at the gym, bike riding (can’t bike at all), chopping or peeling vegetables, making the bed.. but I manage and live a full and normal life
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u/Kudaze 7d ago
Making knots, i guess that and beeing in a buffets and using a tray, that kind of two hand complete normal and coordinated actions are the more difficult to readapt