Following surgery, you will need time to recover. It is also a time to set goals about your journey ahead. Here, we help to guide you through the process to navigate your pathways forward.
People are often concerned about the costs involved in getting a prosthesis. In Australia, there are a number of different funding schemes and it can be easy to get confused and to know what you are eligible for.
Communication is important and the time you spend with your prosthetic provider is valuable, so use the time wisely.
It’s important to have a good working relationship with your prosthetist. During your appointments, speak openly and honestly to ensure you get the answers you need.
A great way to make the most of this time is to write down any questions you have prior to your appointment so that you don’t get distracted and forget to ask. Take the time to explain your current situation and what you need to achieve your goals.
Questions your prosthetist should be asking you.
To ensure that your prosthetic provider can best meet your needs there are a number of questions that they will ask you. These usually include:
What brings you here today? (what is the purpose of your visit?)
What are some of the things that you would like to do that you currently cannot do?
What does a successful prosthetic outcome look like for you and how can I help you to get that outcome?
What are your current interests? (what do you like to do and why? – lifestyle and goal related)
What (prosthetic product/s) do you current use and what prosthetic products have you used in the past? Of these products – what worked and what did not work?
Do you work with other therapists to ensure that you can achieve the best outcome? (For example if you are a lower limb amputee, have you worked with a physiotherapist to improve your gait? If you are an upper limb amputee have you worked with an occupational therapist to get the most out of our upper limb prosthesis?)
As a consumer of prosthetic services, it’s important that you play an active role in getting the most out of your prosthesis and the time you spend with your prosthetist.
Never leave an appointment with your prosthetist without asking yourself these 3 questions!
Did I ask the questions that I planned to ask?
Did I receive all of the answers I need?
Do I feel comfortable and confident on my prosthesis?
