Starting physical therapy… four years post amputation

I just started physical therapy for the first time four years after having my right leg amputated above the knee, and It has me wondering why the heck I waited so long. The short answer is I was told most physical therapists don't have experience with amputees, so it wouldn't be much help - and I listened to that without questioning it or pushing back the way I have every other time. I pushed back for surgery coverage and device coverage. I pushed back for biopsies and new doctors. When dermatologists told me I would have to deal with skin rashes forever and there was nothing that would help, I did my own research. But honestly, it was all exhausting, and since I was up and walking on my leg and able to care for myself without many issues I didn't push back on this one thing. I was grateful to even be able to walk after everything I had been through.

Then- four years later, I got sick and tired of my atrophied muscles giving up after short walks. I wanted more, so I picked up the phone and called the very first Physical Therapist on my insurance coverage list. How is it possible that a six-minute drive from my home, on a street I drive down almost daily, there is a physical therapist who SPECIALIZES IN HELPING AMPUTEES?! I felt equal parts relieved and dumb. I should have looked into it myself before taking a prosthetist's word as the final end-all. I could have been stronger and more active years ago. Maybe I would even be using a running blade by now. But beating myself up over it isn't going to do me any good. What will do me good is the twice-weekly physical therapy sessions I just started with someone who understands how to modify workouts and which muscles to target for amputees.

I'm so sore right now that I'm sitting sideways on my desk chair, yet it's the best feeling ever because I know I'm waking up my deep sleeping muscles, and I'm getting stronger little by little. I didn't choose to start now because I was no longer grateful. Instead, I did it because I was so grateful for the ability I had that I felt I should be doing more with it. So, here goes nothing!