Exhausted amputee?

Question:

I had my right leg amputated in Jan. because of bone infection. Im a 390 lb. diabetic, with a prostetic leg, who wants to lose weight. My doctor took me off of avandia, saying it may make me gain weight. I have tried walking with my wife, but find that I get winded very easily. Im very determined to lose the weight. Now my question. I was told that Im winded now because my body doesnt function as well because of my below knee amputation. Is that true? If so, besides diet, what can I do to lose the weight? Im only 45 and got a lot of living to still do!

Answers:
sorry to hear about your leg but it is great you are doing well on your artificial leg. i too lost my left leg because of bone infection.i lost mine three years ago. i too gained a lot of weight but it is due to my anti-rejection medicine and steroids.i talked to the lady who take cares of of my artificial leg. she told me to work up to walking to help me loss weight i also try to eat healthy.i have only lost 10 pounds of the 50 that i have gained.i have just got up on my artificial leg again. i have been off of it for 8 months due to a blister my leg had rubbed on my stump. so now i am going full force again trying to loss weight. i have never heard that you will get winded because of your amputee. i knew diabetes is hard on all your body and the functions they do. i would say that exercise will help you get to where you are not winded.good luck to you.

I advise you to seek the help of a physical therapist who is trained in post-amputation rehabilitation in diabetes and obesity.

Since you're weight is so high, what you may be feeling is congestive heart failure (common with obesity). Your lungs could be filling with fluid, making it difficult for your organs to be properly oxygenated. Also, just the sheer weight of your body can put additional strain on your lungs, leaving you feeling short of breath.

I hope you can get on the right track and lose the weight. You're right...at only 45, you still have a lot of living to do. Don't let the amputation slow you down. Just seek the proper help. Good luck!

EMT

What kind of prosthesis do you use? Does it fit properly? If you are having problems with that, talk to whoever you got it from...some adjustments may be needed (this is common).

EDIT: About the person who said to ignore me because I mentioned congestive heart failure...didn't that person see the word "may" in there?? I didn't say you had it...I said it was a possibility..BIG DIFFERENCE.

*sigh*

please ignore the person mentioning congestive heart failure.What the problem for you is your weight and you are deconditioned..yes indeed go to a physio and get some specific exercise and activity plans.If your prosthesis fits well and your stump has healed properly theres no reason why you shouldnt be getting around...just do a little more each day.Watch the diet and dont fret...youve been through a lot and sound like you are doing just fine...it takes time...little more each day..remember...and dont overdo it...

I'd go to the physical therapist.

Also, is swimming an option if you have problems walking a lot because of the prosthetic?

Let hunger be your friend. Eat salads and beans.

Exhausted amputee?

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