The first time Joan Dill adjusted to life as an amputee, in 2013, she was just getting ready to retire after 30 years as a school crossing guard. Dill lost her right leg above the knee due to poor circulation, and she mourned the loss of the relaxing life she’d worked so hard for. But she refused to give up. Dill learned to use a prosthesis and mobility scooter. She fought successfully for a microprocessor knee and found an apartment where she could live on her own. She even signed up for adaptive driving classes. She felt strong and independent.
But the circulatory problems persisted. Last year, a full decade after losing her right leg, Dill had a below-knee amputation on her left leg, followed by a stroke.
“The second amputation is frightening,” she says, “because it’s both your limbs. You think, ‘What’s next?’ For me, it was my sight. The stroke damaged my eye.”
Although Dill has a lot of experience with limb loss and a successful adaptation under her belt, the second time around has been a struggle. But she’s bouncing back with her trademark determination. “I do what I have to do to make it work,” she says. “You can’t lie there and wallow. You have to live again.”
Adapting to two prostheses has been Dill’s biggest challenge so far. In her own words, here’s how she does it.
FIRST STEPS: I had to accept that I was a bilateral amputee. I lay down for a while, but crying wasn’t getting me up. Once I accepted it, I had to seek out the right therapists and prosthetists that would help me live again.
WHAT I DID RIGHT: I went back to Magee [Rehabilitation Hospital]. I had friends there from my first amputation, and they truly understood what I was going through. All the patients there are struggling with something, and they’re all seeking help. When we’re low, we call each other for support. I went back to my therapists from the first time, Debbie and Julie. I couldn’t do this without them. It’s a wonderful place; it’s like my second home.
A BUMP IN THE ROAD: Learning how to put on both legs is a challenge in itself. To put on my right leg [above-knee prosthesis], I have to stand on the left leg [below-knee prosthesis]. I can put on the left socket by myself, but I have a pin system on the right, so I have to stand up to click it in. I can’t balance completely on my left leg, so I use a walker, and my aide stands nearby.
KEYS TO SUCCESS: Don’t walk, RUN for support. You can’t do major things like this by yourself. Find a therapist who has the know-how. My therapist, Deb, is no-nonsense. She says, “We’re gonna do this. Let’s go.” Then she shows me how. That’s very helpful. I have a wonderful prosthetist too, who makes sure I have what I need. Have positive people around you. It could be a family member, therapist, or friend. I talk with other patients, and we support each other. You need those people mentally to help you move on. To think about what you can do, instead of what you can’t.
Figure out what you need to move forward. I need transportation that’s designed especially for wheelchairs. I used to walk up three steps into the van, but now I need to use a ramp. I also need a power wheelchair and a manual one for when that breaks down. On my right side, I have a microprocessor knee, and on my left, the ankle and foot can move. But right now, I can only wear my legs for a couple hours a day, so I need an aide to help around the house.
Find hobbies and distractions. I love crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, but I need larger print because of my vision. I like to read too. I listen to podcasts. I like talk shows about political news. I know who I’m voting for, and I follow what’s going on.
FINDING A NEW NORMAL: I see a future where I’m living a productive life. Right now, I’m learning to walk and back up to sit on my recliner or couch. I want to get out and go shopping again. I used to see plays and go to the movies. I don’t go now because this is all new to me, but I’ll gradually get there.
THE TAKEAWAY: Life is worth living. And it’s not over. It’s just beginning in another way.
—Interviewed by Rebecca Levenberg
