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Amputation & benefits etc

H

homer190376

Well-Known Member
Messages
69
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi All,

I will be having a left below knee amputation shortly, due to a number of complications, this is something that i have come to terms with, however wondered if anyone had any advice on the following.

1. what can i do to help the recovery, should i strengthen my upper body etc

2. what benefits can i apply for? if any, i hope to go back to work full time afterwards, would i be eligible for a blue badge for the car?

3. when i get fitted with a prosthetic leg is there anything specific i should be asking for?

if anything else you may advise me on, please do? i know this is a big challenge for me or anyone but hopefully i can have a positive out come.

thank you,

Jon
 

hi Homer, I don’t have any wisdom to offer you on your unfortunate predicament, but feel certain your positive attitude will help you a great deal.

Hopefully, your hospital stay and shorter term recovery can be a hiatus to more positive times.
 
Hi sorry to hear about your upcoming amputation, but let me say from the outset it’s definetly not the end of the world , firstly you seem to have what is needed a positive attitude and an acceptance which is one of the hardest things to overcome , I’ve had a prosthetic leg for 8 years
patience is something that is key in the beginning the saying don’t run before you can walk is definitely apt , but everything is achievable ,
in my experience the more you do the more help you will get , if you just want to sit in a chair you will get a “ basic” leg if you become more mobile you will get better legs ,
walking does take a bit of getting use to at first but it gets easier with time,
you Can apply for PIP my advice is use CAB to help you fill out the forms you should get it which then entitles you to a blue badge ,
With reguard to recovery just keeping fit will always help , and just keep that positive mental attitude ,
if you drive you will have to inform the DVLA as you may have to have adaptions done to your vehicle saying that you are due a left eg amputation so it just be automatic you can drive , I’m. Right be low knee amputee so I have to have a left foot accelerator adapter on mine ,
if you have any queries , questions or just want some moral support please feel free to PM. me at any time
good luck with the op
 
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Thank you very much for the informative advice, may well take you up on further advice.
 
This is a basic introduction to various types of disability benefits. Warning if you are near pension age get a PIP claim in ASAP because claiming afterwards only leaves Allowance Allowance, which does not include a mobility element.
PIP claimants can continue to claim the mobility element after retirement.
(I got a diagnosis for another condition just a few after I reached retirement age, so I never for any help for mobility issues.)

 
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