“Months before I was cast and fit with my test socket and took my first steps, I started attending amputee support group meetings.
At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much that would matter, but it made a real difference for me.
Listening to other amputees share their experiences helped me understand what to expect and what questions to ask.
When it came time for casting and fittings, I felt more prepared and more confident speaking up and participating in the process.
I truly believe that attending support groups soon after amputation helped set me up for a better experience.”
– Crystal P, Right BK – March 10, 2025
From my perspective as an Amputee Coach, I hope surgeons, prosthetic companies, and rehab teams consider how valuable it can be to share ALL amputee support group information with patients as early as possible, including before amputation when it’s a scheduled surgery.
Access to peer support and lived experience does not replace clinical care, but it can help amputees feel more prepared, less isolated, and better able to engage in their own care during a very overwhelming time.
I also encourage these healthcare teams, along with amputee support groups, to help ensure people are aware of all available support group options, so they can choose what feels right for them.
If you’re looking for peer support, I encourage exploring other amputee support groups.
Different groups offer different perspectives, and finding the right fit matters.
~ Lynn, Amputee Coach
Amputees Preparing Amputees 4 Life
Lifelong Prosthetics Amputee Coach
CPO/Technician | ISPO Member
Mental Health First Aider
Published Contributor, Thrive Magazine
Self-Study Review Committee Member
Director, Disability Achievement Center
Fund Administrator, Sonia Plotnick Health Fund
📧 Lynn@lifelongprosthetics.com
📞 727-415-4720
📅 Schedule a Coaching Session:
https://lifelongprosthetics.youcanbook.me/
🌐 www.linkedin.com/in/lynndecola
🌐 https://prosthetistfinder.org/prosthetist-detail.php?id=5322
Other ways that you have helped and been there for people just like myself was to have the knowledge that we need to know about how the socket should fit, and the right alignment that most of us do not know anything about. And to keep all Amputees aware of the things that should have been told to them from day one and things they forgot about.This in itself is one of the most important things that I think that you have been there for not only myself but for so many others to help educate Amputees on the way of taking care of themselves in so many ways. I think that with all your knowledge and experience you are a huge help not only to me but for so many others. I have learned so much on different types of sockets that I did not know about until I met you.You took the time to listen and try and help me through a great deal in this year alone. So, I would like to thank you for everything, I know that I only mentioned and few of the things that you have helped me with but I think this email would end up being really long if I keep going. I hope that you continue to go further on your quest in helping all Amputees in the future like you are doing in Lynn’s Amputee Chat Room and in other Zoom Meetings.Thank you,Mark
A few examples are recommending Vestibular Rehabilitation for balance, and suggesting I speak with my Prosthetist about getting a locking liner with a larger distal umbrella. I highly recommend Lynn for Amputees needing answers to Amputee and Prosthetic related question and/or peer support.CherylLynn has changed my life!
Her knowledge and communication skills are excellent.
I’ve always appreciated your approach to patient care and how you work with the interdisciplinary team.Bridgette OT
I didn’t have an appointment but when I told Lynn that I was an AKA and having problems with my artificial limb, she invited me in.I told Lynn that my leg man was terrible and I needed a new artificial limb. Lynn asked me questions about myself and my artificial limb and what was the problem. I explained that I was not making it to the toilet in time. I was having accidents. It was embarrassing. As we talked , Lynn realized that I had a belt around my waist holding my artificial limb on. Lynn told me her first artificial limb had a belt too. She suggested I put the artificial limb on first, then fasten the waist belt before getting dressed. Otherwise, I was just locking my underwear underneath the belt. Lynn said my artificial limb was fine and my leg man was good. She said I probably just forgot the instructions with all the new AKA stuff going on in my life.Thank you Lynn. Mary
For years my friends have compared me to other below knee (BK) amputees that can walk really good, like regular people with two real legs! I walk with a bit of a limp and a wide gait. Those comparisons would make me feel frustrated and depressed. I felt like I was less than. I remember calling Lynn and talking to her about it. She was the only person who understood ME!Because of the correlation between my diabetic neuropathy and being blind in my left eye, it’s basically walking with no feeling in my feet at all! I never thought of that, and I was so hard on myself because of comparing my amputation situation to others! Now, I have let go of trying to be like other amputees and I’m just myself. I thank Lynn for that. First as a Prosthetist and then as a friend!Chryl
Although she is not my prosthetist she is the one I go to when I am having issues with my leg or prosthetic. She is always there to give me advice and to be honest it’s nice to have a female who walks in my same shoes and understands.Thank-You Lynn for all you do! Sue
During the appointment Lynn explained to me that various socket configurations were available to me and what the advantages and disadvantages were. More importantly, Lynn encouraged me to understand that as the patient, I was in charge of selecting the type of socket I wanted, not just what the prosthetic company offered. That “I” was the boss, so to speak.As I was new to the amputee world, all these decisions and changes in my life were overwhelming. It was wonderful to have a fellow amputee in the prosthetic business to talk to without being one trying to sell me something or who used terminology I didn’t understand. Lynn also invited me to join some support groups for amputees. Over a short timeframe, Lynn became someone who I could call on for advice, encouragement, and help in many areas. Most recently I described to Lynn that I was discouraged about slow progress in my physical therapy. She offered to come to my next session to see if she could help. My therapist agreed to have Lynn join us. After a brief observation, Lynn suggested that it appeared I might not be fully seated in my socket and suggested we test that theory by placing some therapy doh in the bottom of the socket. Upon doing so, it was apparent that I wasn’t fully seated in the socket. This explains a lot about my lack of stability in prior therapy sessions.To me, what it does say is a lot about Lynn and her knowledge. More importantly, it says a lot about her willingness to help others, when they aren’t her client, nor is she being paid for her services. There have been other times when I’ve asked Lynn to help other amputees. These are people she doesn’t know and has never met. Yet, she has made time to contact them to determine if she can help in some way.Lynn is such a valuable resource in the amputee community and I am proud to be considered her friend.Patti