What to Know as

an Amputee

By Matthew Garibaldi

Confidence goes a long way

• Confidence throws away the worries and doubts about what other people think!

• This doesn’t come overnight, but over time

Staring people are only curious • Most people who stare

aren’t judging you, they’re only curious !

• A lot of prosthetics look unique, so keep that in mind when somebody is staring

There are weirdos out there

• A lot of people, particularly on social media, fetishize amputees!• The best way to deal with this is locking down your social

media so only people you personally know can see what you post

Prosthetists make a huge

difference

• A great prosthetist is priceless, but a bad one can ruin the entire experience.

Peer support is huge

• There are events you can attend where you can meet fellow amputees who can relate to you, share stories and offer helpful tips

Be careful with inspirational stories

• Inspirational stories and pictures about adaptive athletes can also make you feel inadequate!

• This is ultimately about you, and it’s unhealthy to spend too much time comparing yourself to others

You can always be active

• You don’t have to be an athlete to be active!

• You can walk around, dance, move around and get your blood pumping

Carry extra

supplies• Carry liquid or lotion-

type items around with you for when you need to take off and put back on your limb