[AMP-L] Mobility post AKA with advancing age

[Dick Stevens]

Thank you, Mady, for speaking up.

It is too easy for some people to jump to conclusions and over-generalize.  I guess it is too tempting to shove people into pidgeon-holes.

OK, so I am overweight, as anyone who has seen me knows.  I'm working on that, but not too successfully.  BUT I wear my 2 prostheses every day.  I use a wheelchair at times, and walk with fore-arm crutches at other times.  

And, I am NOT a prisoner in my own home!  Just got back from a week's trip to Atlanta by plane, to attend the ACA Conference.  Planning a driving trip to New England later in the summer.  I am a pastor preaching in churches most Sundays.  I attend a synod conference each May and and another 3-day one each November - not to mention regular weekly and monthly meetings.  My wife and I make a point of getting out of the house virtually every day (I think we missed ONE day this winter due to blizzard-like conditions).

At the ACA I saw 100's of amputees of all descriptions.  Many walk without aids.  Others use canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters. (One woman using an ed-leg-sim that Wenz is so familiar with.)

So, we amputees come in all flavors, so please, PLEASE don't generalize.

Dick Stevens, DBKA in PA
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