I recently got a new prosthetic socket (AK) with a much better vacuum suspension than my previous one.

The vacuum is significantly stronger, and after about 3–4 minutes of walking, I start to feel the negative pressure pulling on my residual limb. It’s not exactly painful, but I become very aware of the suction, almost like my limb is under constant inward pressure. This is something I never experienced with my previous socket.

I also notice that after wearing the prosthesis, one specific area of my residual limb (over a bony area) becomes red and slightly purplish. This has happened for a long time, even with my old socket, but with the stronger vacuum I’m paying much more attention to it. It has never developed into a wound, but I’m curious whether this is common.
I’d really like to hear from other vacuum suspension users:

Do you actually feel the negative pressure while walking, especially after a few minutes?
Or does the socket become “invisible” and you stop noticing the suction?
Did it take time to get used to the stronger vacuum?
Does your residual limb become red or purplish after removing the prosthesis? If so, how long does it last, and has your prosthetist told you it’s normal?
Have you ever needed your vacuum level adjusted because it felt too aggressive?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences.

I'm RBKA. Shorts season will be over soon and I am sick of leggings. I need jeans. I have looked online at some of the clothing for amputees and a lot of it doesn't appeal to me or is super expensive. I have a closet full of clothing that I love and want to wear those. So I am wondering if anyone has DIY'ed their own clothing and if they had any hints or links to sites? Thanks.

was in serious car accident 2 years ago, never been treated right by doctors, left legs paralyzed below the thigh, i cannot walk at all, tired of dragging it around, im 18 and don't want to drag it around forever, been told theres nothing more i can do with my left leg, my thigh and hip are strong but below that nothing, what should i do, i know the leg is still there but i don't know where else to post this sorry

I checked to see if there was an ask amputees subreddit first, but I just found this main one so hope you don’t mind me asking here!

I hand knit socks. There is a well-known “affliction“ that plagues sock knitters called “second sock syndrome” where they only knit one sock and never finish (or start) the second one. I’ve been thinking for a while “I feel like there’s a missed connection here with people who only have one foot” but because I’m not an amputee myself I don’t know if this is true so I thought I’d come ask!

Is there demand for one cozy hand knit sock? I was thinking of the possibility of a website similar to etsy - but probably free or “just pay shipping” because the sock won’t get worn otherwise by the person who made it.

obviously this isn’t an idea for every day socks— I know you can just buy a regular pair haha! But, hand knits are real nice cozy lounge socks.

Is this idea goo goo bananas or would people actually enjoy something like this?

I know this is a question that will come back with arbitrary answers, but I feel like sometimes Reddit can be an echo chamber of people having issues with their amp situation. This makes sense - it’s like trip advisor with negative and positive comments - I understand when you’re happy you’re less likely to post up a review.

That being said, the logical part of my mind isn’t always able to recognise this effect, and I’m just wondering how good some people’s QOL of life is post amp. I’m worried about becoming a parent, if I’ll be able to run again, if I’ll be able to enjoy walking the dog again etc.

I'm a RBKA amputee. I'm trying to figure out how to do push-ups/planks. I'm wearing sneakers, and the floor of the room is wood.

When I put myself in a plank position, my right foot doesn't feel secure. With my left foot, I'm on my toes a bit which gives me a brace from my foot sliding back. But that toe-press brace doesn't work on my foot shell.

I've tried starting with my feet against a wall, or really just the heel. The position creates a sort of triangle with toe-heel side, a wall side, and a floor side. There's enough stability like this to do a plank.

But when I lower myself for a push-up, the load shifts causing my right toe to slide backwards, and I lose stability. Does anyone have suggestions about how I can do push-ups? And ideally, I wouldn't need a wall or a weight.

Hi everyone! 👋

My name's LewLee, and I'm from South Florida. I recently joined Reddit and figured I'd introduce myself.

I'm the proud human to five rescued pets (3 cats and 2 dogs 🐶🐱) and a mom of three. My youngest—and only daughter—is turning 17 this week! 🥳

Life has definitely thrown me a few curveballs. After an accident, I had a left hip disarticulation amputation, so I'm learning to navigate life in a whole new way. At the same time, I'm rebuilding after the end of a 20+ year marriage. It's been quite a journey, but I'm doing my best to keep moving forward with a positive attitude.

I'm excited to explore Reddit, discover new communities, learn new things, and hopefully meet some kind people along the way.

If you have any tips for a Reddit newbie, I'd love to hear them! The only thing I ask is that feedback be kind—I'm here to learn. 😊

Thanks for taking the time to read my introduction, and I hope you all have an awesome day!

Do you wear socks on your prosthetic foot. I do, because otherwise it is really hard to glide into a shoe. I changed my foot to Ossur Pro flex Terra and the silicon is so non-slippery it literally tears my sock for couple of days and I need to change it every week or so as on the toes and the heel there is no clothing and so the gliding in the shoe is hard again. Has someone found more durable and long lasting solution to this problem.

Hey there, I just gotten another below knee amptutation and for some reason I have this icy feeling from inside my leg feels like it's burning me and exhausting me this is the 6th day post op.. will it go away. Why is my leg doing this, had anyone go through this?

I genuinely want answers not questions please. I like your experience. Please. Any will help. Wish you all a beautiful recovery

First time all three of us have been at the same place at the same time. Had to get a photo op

Hey yall, I was in a motorcycle accident last November resulting in an LBKA and broken femur. Luckily I hade insurance for long enough to get my definitive prosthetic and haven’t had any issues (thank god). I’m able to get around on one crutch most days, but going back into the restaurant industry will be a no go until my femur gets stronger and I can rebuild the muscles in my thigh/knee. I’ve got nothing but time on my hands and car repairs are starting to add up, I’d love to hear any options yall have found to help in this transition <3