You have a very real fear - I mean no one likes to fall. So, maybe just plan your fall - fall on purpose - and have it over with! I know that sounds crazy, but at least that way you'll know it's coming and you can react better. And sorry, but what's a beginner knee? I guess I've heard from many new amputees and even my own prosthetist, that these days new amputees are starting out on the c-leg right away, it's not something they have to work up to. Maybe I'm wrong....

Trucker:

On the surface it sounds like you have not had any gait training, services, generally offered by physical therapists. Part of a good training program is learning how to fall. Choose your therapist very carefully, assuring yourself that the person has performed extensive work with AK amps. A therapist without experience working with an amp is probably not worth the money. Your leg man ought to be able to refer you to a therapist. You will need a doctors RX to proceed further.

BillF

Well Papertrucker
Trust is earned ....go work with your leg...
Let your leg earn that trust...until You can trust it...you will be held back from all that you can do...I dont have ak....but same principal still applies...Go push your leg...when your ready for a fall......use say a grass lawn....or use crutchs...so if it gives out your ready for it...test it....make it earn its keep...then when your some where...where u need to trust your leg...you will be able too...

Good luck...
Frosty

I am a BK so not really fair to comment but I trip over everything and learned to laugh at it. My daughter loves to Joke "How was your trip?" I did find after a recent more serious accident where I broke the ankle on my good leg, that I was back to square one. Walking was learning all over. It really helped me to use that "crutch" that fit that day. If it was a walker (hated that) but it got me to the john and back. Next day - three legged cane helped. Then a single cane and so on. I no nothing about knees but I do know no technology will solve this. It has to be you. Keep is simple - practice on very flat very smooth surface - a school gym, a concrete basement floor, whatever. Build up to slopes, rough floors, etc. It will happen and the fear will slowly, every so slowly, begin to fade. I think the best help has to come from other AKs but just to tell you been there done that, we all learn and it is slow - building confidence takes a lot of time.

John

I fell in the hospital, in the bathroom, trying to transfer, WITH A NURSE HOLDING ON TO ME!!! I got real confident about pivioting on my one leg, and it just so happend, my one leg decided it didnt want to hold me up any more right in the middle of a pivot to the toilet, and down I went, and of course, tried to stop my fall instintually, with my 2 wwek old amputated stump. I came right down on the stump, split it open but managed notto rip stiches or staples. It bled like a mother, and getting me up on the toilet,(i still had to go!) took 3 nurses, cause I'm a big gal, 250lbs. It bled for hours after, and finally settled down, but What the doctor had to say was"Well, at least you got that over with. (falling he ment)" I have fallen a couple of times and still it is my greatest fear, even with the practicing. I think i feel like people are laughing at the "fat" lady falling. It's very embaressing for me. I wish you the best and get with a PT and see if they can help. They helped me a litle. Love to all.

I, too, wonder what a "beginner knee" is (do you know the name of it?). In my opinion, you should have a talk with your prosthetist about your fears. I know many people who became amputees as an adult (I was a child) who have had those fears, and once they started learning to walk with a knee equipped with stumble control, like the C-leg (microprocessor knee), they were able to trust more and worry less. If it's not possible for you to get a microprocessor knee at this time, I'd suggest using one crutch or a cane. Have you had any gait training at all? Walking with a prosthesis is not "natural", you need to learn how to use it correctly or you will pick up some bad habits which will be hard to break. And the suggestions others have made about learning to fall, or planning your fall are EXCELLENT advice. Even us "seasoned amps" take a tumble every now and again. :-) Let me know if I can help you with anything.

I understand what your fear is I have been an amputee for 1.5 years and there are two things I fear most one being not able to get to a tolite and the other is falling. I have fell 3 times and it is scary. I can't tell you how to deal with it but I want you to know I understand completely. I will say a prayer for you so maybe you can find some peace with the fear.

I HAVE THE FEAR OF FALLING ALSO,BUT I DO NOT LET THAT STOP ME...WILL NOT BE THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE FALLEN,I WAS GOOD AT THAT BEFORE I LOST MY LEGS...LOL..THATS WHAT I DO JUST LAUGH AND PICK MYSELF UP AND GO AGAIN...I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT KINDA LEGS THAT YOU HAVE...LIKE WHAT ARE THE BEGINNER KNEES??? I HAVE THE C-LEG AND THE KNEE BENDS REALLY SLOW AND JUST KINDA LETS YOU DOWN AS YOU SIT...I DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE ...MAYBE I NEEDED THE BEGINNER LEGS...LOL...I HAVE A WONDERFUL DOCTOR WHO HAS BEENN RIGHT THERE WITH ME AND WILL BE IN THEREPY WITH ME FOR A WHILE ALSO,MAYBE YOU NEED A NEW DR...LET US NO HOW THINGS GO...
KAT

Hey All
Good point raised....even ables....fall...

lol watch my hockey vid...I take a nice fall....or trip...any way..down goes the snowman....

Stay Frosty all
Frosty