I didnt fall when first getting my prosthetic.I did fall years later when I slipped on some muddy ground though.I say take it slow and if you are scared ask if you can use a cane, walker, or crutches at first until you get more comfortable.Good luck.

Brandi has given you good advice.
I often use a walking stick (cane) especially if I am going to be in places where there are a lot of people. It helps with stability and acts like a tripod.
There is nothing worse than being on a narrow footpath(sidewalk), with a woman coming the opposite way with a double buggy(pram). She doesn't want to back up with her two kids, but if she sees that you have a walking stick, at least she will be more patient.
It is difficult for new amputees to back up, because the foot doesn't do what we want it to do. You will have to remember to lift far enough, to move your foot.
When you first get your leg you will get tired quickly. When using your stick it will allow you to stand anywhere. If you don't have a stick, you will have to stand against a wall or sit down.
Be patient, take your time.
Remember, don't try to run before you can walk!
We have snow and ice here at the moment, so I definitely take my stick with me and take things VERY slowly

I used a walker for the first two months, then a cane with 4 prongs. I was more afraid of falling when the leg was off. That happened a few times when I was healing. It took me quite some time till I was comfortable using a regular cane. Maybe I was lucky, I never fell many times like others have told you. Don't let them freak you out or destroy your confidence. Take it slow and easy. Stay positive !

I've fallen twice........ getting out of the bed!!!
I am a right BKA and sleep on the right hand side of the bed.
Getting out of the bed I have obviously forgotten, put my right leg out first, to stand on, and fallen. Fortunately I had seen the funny side of it and just lain there on my back laughing, which woke my wife up. No harm done I suppose, just my pride.

Hi phelan!
I just join the group. I had my prosthesis for almost three months, so far I have never fallen. At the begining I used a walker et now a cane. be careful, watch your steps and you will be ok.
The experience can be different for each of us. Don't worry in advance.

Your prosthetist will walk with you until you are comfortable as he has to make adjustments watching your gate. When alone avoid stares for a while as ankle will catch on linoleum strips or god knows as it remains at a right angle to leg. Handrails in baths is a must as is a chair and stairs (Dual Rails?). I have a cheap cane in every other room almost as well as a couple sets of crutches in case I remove with tv and do not want to put back on.
Bake
You will suprise yourself and forget you do not have a leg and then try to get out of bed mid sleep like mentioned.

I have had my prosthesis since the beginning of November and can manage pretty well with either a walker or a cane. So far no falls, but when I try to go too fast, I notice my balance is not as good. I have found out that if I just pay attention to what I am doing, I get there safe and sound. This site is good because you have members who tell you the positive side of the story and not all the horror stories. I know that I just take it a day at a time and when my day is bad I switch to an hour at a time to get by. YOU CAN AND WILL SUCCEED!

phelan

Fear Not. Get out and do. Yes, I have fallen, but I get up and go again. You may be embarrased, maybe even get a little hurt, but show the world that you are still the same "pre-loss" person. You can do it. Use canes, walkers, whatever it takes.

My therapist was right when she said that I would know when to leave a device behind and move on. I went from the walker, to the 4 prong cane to the single point cane in succession and never really thought about the transitions. I keep canes around now, but rarely use them.

It takes time, but you will progress at your own pace and be comfortable at one stage before moving along. Best of luck to you.

Mark

I have been an amputee for about a year and a half and thanks be to the Lord I have not fallen. I agree with Brandi take it slow I don't even think about walking I walk just as if I still have both of my legs after you walk a while you will get used to it. It will become normal again.
May God bless you and keep on walking.

Hi do not believe everything you hear! My husband recent LBKA is much more stable with his Prosthesis than he was on crutches, has not fallen with it he did before he got it. Good luck to you!