A real hassle - Patricia on her struggle with clothes

Since my amputation, I’ve been cursing my wardrobe. There’s plenty to choose from, that’s not the point, it’s just that the clothes don’t fit the way they used to. My artificial leg has changed the way everything looks on me. I don’t know exactly why but it’s probably my posture. My body has changed, so it’s natural that my stance has too.

Blogger Patricia (54) fell down a kitchen step ladder and shattered her knee. After much deliberation, she opted to get an amputation in 2019. Her left leg was amputated through the knee joint, and she is now hard at work to return to her old life. Patricia is married and the mother of two adult daughters. She is an educator and an active member of a theatre troupe. She uses her blogs to put her new life into perspective.

Daily struggle

Wearing a different outfit to work every day and quickly changing into that other, nicer pair of trousers just before you leave. It used to be a piece of cake. But now? Now I have to carefully contemplate what to wear, because the last thing I want is to get changed a dozen times. “Quickly” has gone right out oft he window. By the time I’ve picked out a pair of trousers to wear, I have to get my prosthesis into the leg first. This, however, is complicated by the fact that my shoe is practically welded to my prosthetic foot, and although I can get them off, putting them back on again is a different story altogether.

A new use for plastic bags

In other words, I have to pull the trousers over the shoe. Just for the record, that’s before I’ve even put on my prosthesis in the first place. Has anyone managed to do this differently? And if so, how? A trick that I’ve learned is to put a plastic bag over my shoe. This makes it a lot easier to get those skinny jeans (not that I’m skinny myself) over your shoe. Did you know that one yet?

Time for tops

Anyway, when I’ve managed to get my artificial limb into the trouser leg, I can finally put it on, without forgetting to put on my other shoe before getting up first, of course! I have to remember or resign myself to going out wearing just one shoe. Once I’m back on my feet - proudly wearing my trousers - it’s time for tops. I’ll be honest with you: I’ve usually worked up quite a sweat by then, so I don’t really tend to care about what I wear anymore. I prefer wearing a jumper or blouse that covers the top of my socket, just to make it a little less noticeable.

Highwater trousers

Once I get to work, my trousers tend to ride up whenever I get back up after sitting down, leaving me with a pair of uncomfortable highwater trousers. Do you guys have the same problem? If so, please share any pointers you may have! Fortunately, my lovely colleagues will gladly stoop down to help me get everything back in order. Yes, I know. This problem can easily be solved by wearing a dress or skirt, but unless it’s absolutely scorching outside, I’m not really a dress or skirt person. What’s more, it’s still a bit of an obstacle for me. While I’m still learning to walk smoothly and elegantly, I’m not quite ready to show my prosthesis to the rest of the world.

With pain in my heart

And my artificial limb hasn’t just affected by wardrobe. Back in the days when I still had two healthy legs, I also had a well-appointed shoe cupboard full of boots, heels and sneakers. The cupboard is still there, but the shoes are (unfortunately!) gone. With pain in my heart, I had to say goodbye to my heels. My youngest daughter, I’m sure, is less devastated, because she was the lucky recipient of my beautiful collection!

An arm and a leg

And my wardrobe? It’s not as full as it used to be, that’s for sure. I now have three pairs of shoes. Three virtually identical, boring, everyday pairs. Fortunately, they’re in three different colours to give me something to choose. They cost me an arm and a leg, but at least I can now match my shoes with my trousers. I’ll admit, I do miss my elegant heels, that perfect finishing touch that made me feel more beautiful and boosted my confidence. I imagine that some of you might be thinking: “What are you whining about, just be glad you can walk in the first place.” And I certainly am. I’m elated to have some of my freedom back. But I also enjoy looking good. Who doesn't?

In July (2020), our youngest daughter is getting married. My stomach is already in knots. Help! What to wear!?