Daily Life With a Prosthetic Leg: My Routine From Morning to Night

Nov 19

Morning routine

I use a pin & lock suspension system. I very rarely wear sock plys. So that means i slide on my liner and step into my leg! pretty simple.
I do like to check my skin, fit, and comfort first thing. I usually wear my leg all day so i want to stay ahead of any potential issues. If i have a sore i may put a Band-Aid there or some ointment.

From the moment I wake up I am reminded of my amputation. I have to assemble myself to start my day. I reach for my prosthesis roll on that cold liner and click into my leg. This has been my reality for 30 years though so honestly it has jut become second nature.

Getting dressed

Unless it is absolutely freezing outside I typically like to wear clothes that allow me to access my leg. I can rarely go a day without needing to adjust it.
I always choose comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes. Though i have always wondered what it would be like to wear heels, i’m more of a practical gal. I wear tennis shoes or boots (without a heel).

Working or daily tasks

I am very lucky to work from home! My “commute” is the home office down the hall. That being said, the job that i have is a desk job so it’s lots of sitting. Believe it or not sitting for long periods is painful as an amputee. So oftentimes i will take my leg off at my desk (keeping the liner on).
Some days i just wear my iwalk in order to give my “little leg” the day off. Let it breathe and recover.

What the heck is an iwalk?

Outside of work I spend my time gardening, hiking, biking, grabbing dinner with friends, you know just your typical human behavior! I walk my dog multiple times a day.

Movement and exercise

I walk about 3 miles a day rain or shine! I really prioritize getting my step count; it offers numerous physical and mental health benefits.
I weight-lift 3X a week. It builds muscle strength, which improves metabolism, and enhances overall health by strengthening bones and reducing the risk of chronic diseases and injuries. As an amutee it makes regular everyday life a whole lot easier. For example: grocery shopping, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house - all mundane tasks that take balance, strength and coordination that we have to work for!
When I do leave my house I always carry a 3 way hex-wrench (this one is collapsible) and oftentimes even a tiny tube of blue loctite (red is permanent - don’t use red!).

Evening winddown

I asked on Facebook how many hours you all wear your prosthetic. The majority said ALL DAY! Honestly I take mine off as early as I can. When we’re watching tv or reading in the evening I have mine off for “couch time”. I wear my iWalk around the house to give my leg a break. I also don’t always put my leg on first thing in the morning. Around the house I’m usually in my iWalk. Just a matter of preference/comfort.
Before bed I do clean my liner with soap & water so it’s ready to go the next day. once a week I will use isopropyl alcohol. I do skin checks again, and oftentimes I will wear a shrinker to bed. My leg has not fluctuated much since i am 30 years post-op. But i am hard on it from walking daily, cycling a lot and lifting. So i do experience swelling and i notice on nights I wear it my leg fits a whole lot better the next day.

Closing thought
Living with a prosthesis is full of both routine and resilience, and neither needs to be dramatic to matter. I wish people understood how much conscious effort went into amputee life. I am always checking my “equipment” my leg, liner, suspension system for wear & tear. I am checking my residual limb for skin breakdown and sores. I am considering how much I use my leg and what that means for my next day.

Many people wear their prosthetic all day, but comfort varies. I personally take mine off in the evening to give my residual limb a break and switch to my iWalk around the house.
I use a pin and lock system. My routine is quick: slide on the liner, step into the socket, and click in. I rarely need sock plys which keeps my mornings simple.
Not exactly, but it can be uncomfortable. Pressure, swelling, or sensitive skin spots can show up after long days. Adjustments, breaks, and strength training all make a big difference.