Maybe your amputation happened within the last year. Maybe you have a congenital limb difference, and this was the year you decided that modern prostheses are just too cool and too functional to pass up. Whatever the reason, you’re celebrating Thanksgiving with a prosthesis this year. Let’s figure out how to tackle the holiday that’s all about meeting and eating!

Travel

Chances are that you’ll be traveling, either across town, across the state or across the country. Are you driving or flying? We have tips for people with upper limb prostheses when it comes to either option. The biggest tip: give yourself extra time. We understand that it can be frustrating to be a traveller during the busiest week of the year, but allowing an extra hour will make it easier for you to stay calm even while you navigate travel with your prosthesis. 

Gerry Kinney, a bilateral patient from the Kansas City Clinic, drives his car as a bilateral transradial amputee

Dealing with People

During your travels, and definitely once you arrive at your destination, you will have to interact with others. The spectrum of reactions is all over the place. Whether you’re wearing a body-powered Naked Prosthetics device, or a myoelectric TASKA hand, some of your fellow travelers may stare or whisper while others may want to tell you how cool your device is.

How much you want to tell people about your prosthesis or your limb difference is up to you. We’ve had several patients tell us that when they have time, they don’t mind talking about their injury or their device. Our patient Karen has noticed that when she wears her device, people don’t ask her as often if she needs help. But they do want to talk to her about how cool her bionic hand is. Karen often feels obligated to tell people about her prosthesis, but it’s also okay to decline talking to someone. It’s part of her body when it’s on her, and she doesn’t need to answer any questions. Some of our patients will just say, “Sorry, I’m in a hurry, but thanks for the nice comments.” Other patients have been so put off by the constant commenting, even when it’s positive, that they’ve opted for a custom silicone restoration when traveling or going out to eat (like Abe, pictured below).

Abe-Listing

As for family members who haven’t seen your prosthesis before, their reactions can run the gamut as well. Some relatives may be chill about it, while others may ignore it outright or make awkward comments (variations on the theme of “I could never go through what you went through”). Remember that the only reactions you can control are your own. Breathing exercises may help.

The Eating Part

The holiday may be about being thankful, but let’s not forget the food. Actually, cooking and eating can take some practice. We have lots of tips about both cooking and eating. For carving the turkey, if that’s your role, you may want to build up that knife/electric carver with some foam tubing to allow your prosthesis to have a better grip. If your fellow turkey eaters offer help, try to be gracious and accept. We know it’s not easy, but people really do enjoy feeling useful.

Speaking of being useful, you know who loves helping others? Our clinical teams! Our prosthetists and clinical therapy specialists enjoy learning about their patients and how they can fit them with a comfortable, functional prosthesis that looks just how their patient wants. If you are looking for holistic upper limb prosthetic care, please contact us.

If you are an experienced prosthesis user, what tips do you have for this or other upcoming holidays? Be sure to leave them in the comment section.

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