Do you know any effective exercises for a below-knee amputee

[obasji]

While pregnant, I lost my leg in a car accident in 2004 and weighed 207 lbs at the time of her birth. I gained quite a bit during the pregnancy (50 lbs or so) and haven't been able to lose the weight. Fast forward... I've gained another 26 lbs since I'm living a pretty sedentary lifestyle as a Software Engineer, filling my body with loads of caffeine and sugar, while coding away 10-12 hours a day. I have a prosthetic... sorta a catch 22 in the relm of fitness. I get a good rhythm for a couple weeks and end up with friction sores and down for the next 2 weeks. I lose focus. Motivation. If I lose or gain weight, I have to get adjustments to my leg.

Good news. I quit smoking nasty cigarettes nearly 6 months ago and the majority of my weight gain is from kicking the habit. I'm ready to get off my A** and start moving again! I figure, if I have to get adjustments with weight gain, why not get the adjustments for losing? So much more rewarding.

Does anyone have any words of encouragement or awesome exercises I need in my life? Anything will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Mylasmommy]

Just wanted to give you a shout out for getting on the bandwagon! I gained a ton of weight during my pregnancy as well and it has been hard to take it off. I don't know much about prosthetics and what the limitations are but the first thing that came to mind when I read your post was swimming because it is easy on the joints. I hope you are able to find something to help you achieve your goals. I know you can do it!!!

[rnfit]

congratulations on working to get healthier!

Have you tried seated exercise?  There are several "sit and be fit" DVD's,

and my favorite place to find them is on collagevideo.com.

You can view samples of the exercises and decide if you want to try.

I used these when recovering from knee surgery.

My other thought is to use some hiking poles: you actually burn more calories

b/c you are using your arms, but it feels easier, and takes some of the pressure

off your legs.

I am an RN who runs a weight management program, so my other best tip to you is

to be sure you are eating at LEAST 5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day, 

and more is better. You stay full, while eating the lowest calorie foods out there.

This helps to "crowd out" other calories, and 70% of weight loss comes from changing

what you eat.

Best wishes to you!

[Mary]

Good for you on the quit!  

I'm not sure if either of these exercise suggestions are possibilities, but can you swim without the prosthetic?  That would be one without friction sores, if so.  Also, can you walk slowly without getting sores?  A lot of coders use treadmill desks, especially when working from home.  There are some good instructions on the 'net for how to cheaply rig one up.  Obviously, you don't use it all the time, just for a span in the day to get some movement in without having to leave work.  It's easier to do your reading and easier stuff then than anything keyboard or mind intensive, I find.  

[obasji]

Thanks @Mylasmommy! LOVE swimming, the only issue is access to a swimming facility Then the time involved to get ready to swim, the act of swimming, and getting cleaned up. Thanks so much for your words of encouragement! I think i'll definitely add it to the list of possibilities. Maybe work it in on the weekends.

[obasji]

@rnfit Thank you!  I've never heard of seated exercises. These would be good to do while taking a short break, maybe every couple hours. Hiking poles?! Those sound like something to try. I've seen a lady in my neighborhood using one while walking. Hmm... I'll put these on my list too!  

[Trishness]

I know this is over a year since you made your post, but you may come back to this page.

I lost my leg 55 years ago, and have had 5 kids. I, like yourself, am a below knee amputee and have issues with working the steps without getting a sore stump or chaffing at the knee.

I have found the best way forward is to never walk over a set number of steps without taking the leg off giving the stump a wee quick wash and cleaning the socket. Once the stump feels cool and dry again I slip it back on and away we go! You do some times get people running over to see if they can help you, but take it as kindly meant and don't be embarrassed being seen legless - we have earned the right!!

I generally walk around the block until I have done my quota, then go into my house and sort myself out, but if I am out for a ramble with family then I stick to about 3000 steps and then wash the stump.

[Ronniem]

I'm a RBKA and use two hiking poles when I go shopping or just out for a walk.  Used them the other week-end while on vacation and at my son's wedding.  They have been a great bonus for me and would recommend them.  Just one word of advice on them, don't buy cheap ones buy the more expensive ones they are well worth the effort.  Your original message was in 2014 I believe and I want to reassure you that changes to your residual limb is normal add socks when your socket feels loose and remove when it feels tight.  I'm on a pin system and love it, have lost count on the new prosthesis I've had due to changes in residual limb size.  Only my latest leg was because I had worn the other one out.  Friction sores should be a thing of the past if not you need to have your socket checked and have the issues addressed.  I too am fairly sedentary being an accountant but walking is a great exercise as is gardening and don't forget house cleaning is also exercise for us. 

[Trishness]

Do whatever you can manage easily and build on it.
I lost my leg aged 5 and can swim, ride a bike, walk on stilts, roller skate and lead a full life - now 59 years old. Keep your stump clean and wash or change any liners as soon as you feel any discomfort during your workouts.

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