Life with a prosthetic limb: Amy’s amputee experience
Life as an amputee – what’s it really like?
By Amy · Originally published 17 May 2017
Original article
Hey everyone! I’m going to share some insight into my life as an amputee with you all today; I’ll talk about my own conditions, what I’ve struggled with and how I’ve overcome some of the difficulties that I’ve faced!
I’ll start by introducing myself – I’m Amy! A 20 year old amputee from Birmingham, England.
I was born with a congenital defect called PFFD (don’t worry – most people I encounter have never heard of it!) and I am also missing the pinky fingers on both of my hands. However, my hands don’t impact my everyday life the way that amputation does.
What is PFFD?
Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), also known as Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD), is a rare, non-hereditary birth defect that affects the pelvis, particularly the hip bone, and the proximal femur. The disorder may affect one side or both, with the hip being deformed and the leg shortened.
The femur bone I was born with was around the size of a fingernail; so my deformed limb was very tiny as you can imagine!
Because of this condition, I have had to wear a prosthetic leg my whole life and have undergone operations to fix the deformed leg, including having the foot amputated.
What has been your biggest struggle, and how have you overcome it?
My biggest struggle has definitely been with my own self confidence.
I always hated the body that I was born with because of my disability; I desperately wanted to be ‘normal’ and have perfect legs and hands like all the girls that I grew up around.
I’d avoid joining in activities out of fear it would draw attention to my leg; as much as I wanted to dance or play sports, I just couldn’t because of low self confidence and paranoia that people would ridicule me because of my disability. Sometimes I’d even avoid walking and just stay seated when I could because I didn’t want any one to notice my limp.
I overcame all of this when I started to think about younger disabled children and how I’d want them to feel – I didn’t feel ashamed of anyone else with a disability, so why was I so ashamed of myself? I realized that if I met a disabled child I would tell them to never let their disability affect them in a negative way; and that was the day I changed my outlook on everything.
I decided at that point to create a blog talking about my disability and sharing my experiences as a disabled person, covering topics that many could relate to; not just the disabled!
Since I started my blog I’ve received messages from parents of disabled children saying my blog has helped their child – and that is the reason I will never stop. it’s unbelievably rewarding to know what you’re doing is helping others; even if it’s just one person!
I can’t wait to try swimming and some sports this summer, something I’ve always avoided because of low self esteem. I cannot wait to see my confidence continue to grow.
[Clickability update, October 2026: Amy describes her own experience. Healthdirect prostheses guidance explains professional fitting and ongoing care. Seek individual advice about pain, skin changes or fit rather than treating them as problems you must tolerate.]
What is wearing a prosthesis like for you?
Imagine you’re constantly wearing a pair of shoes that just don’t feel quite right! Ha, this is the only way I can describe it!
I’m so much comfier without my prosthetic leg on; I get so excited to take it off and RELAX! It’s like there’s something foreign on my body that isn’t mean to be there.
My prosthesis does cause me pain sometimes – usually from wearing it for too long. I get sores, rashes and the strain of wearing a prosthetic leg my whole life has really taken a toll on my lower back.
To ease the strain on my body, I use my crutches and wheelchair – they really help and let me enjoy the feeling of being free without my prosthetic leg!
As much as I enjoy not wearing my prosthesis at home; I’m of course grateful for the freedom that it gives me. I am grateful to be able to walk (even when in pain) as it’s something that many people around the world aren’t able to do.
My prosthesis stays on with straps around my waist and they do have to be pulled pretty tight so can sometimes hurt and dig in; I need the straps as I’m unable to support my weight with my stump… my stump is exceptionally tiny! It’s tiny because as I explained above with PFFD, my deformed limb was so small!
The foot was amputated but the heel was saved and attached to the end of the deformed leg. This is called a Syme amputation and the heel is the strongest skin – this is why a Syme amputation works so well!)
I hope you all enjoyed this post, and if you’d like to know more please feel free to check out my blog/social media accounts below!
Tell your prosthetist or treating team when equipment is uncomfortable and which activities are difficult. Describe when the problem occurs and the effect on your routine. Prostheses guidance provides context for fitting and follow-up; the right approach depends on you.
You may use different mobility options for different situations. Needing a wheelchair, rest or assistance does not make a choice less valid. When arranging support, describe what helps you participate instead of accepting someone else’s idea of what successful mobility should look like.
Ask about the person’s routine before judging capability
Do not assume a prosthetic limb means someone can walk every distance or complete every task comfortably. Ask what assistance they want, how they prefer equipment to be handled and what they want you to do if a problem arises.
Respect the participant’s choices and work within your role. Commission rights standards apply to the way help is offered. Do not adjust a prosthesis or give clinical advice beyond your competence; support the person to contact the appropriate professional when needed.
Questions readers ask
Is Amy’s prosthesis experience a guide to everyone’s fit or recovery?
No. It is one person’s account.
Who can advise on prosthetic fitting and ongoing care?
A prosthetist works with the relevant clinical team. Official guidance
Find assistance that fits your everyday life
Tell Clickability about the activities and support that matter to you. Compare reviewed and rated providers and discuss your mobility preferences.
