Amputee Humor

Posted by: Susan
Posted: Sun, June 27 2010 at 10:15am

I made a faux pas at work the other day.  I recently received my first rotator for my prosthetic leg.  I have a long residual limb for an above knee amputee, so while a lot of amputees get rotators between their socket and knee component, this is the first time I’ve had enough room for one.

So I’ve been excited about my rotator.  I can now move my leg out of the way when I drive and I can potentially go to the shoe store and try my own shoes on.  (I could never do that before without help or taking my leg off, so I’ve mostly been buying shoes on line, though I’m not sure I will do it)  I can also sit cross-legged.  I’ve seen it on U-tube and heard of people using their rotators to as a joke– gee, my leg is sticking up in the air, but it’s not something I’ve thought about too much. 

Last week, it kinda just happened.  I was in my co-workers cubical.  We had had a difficult day and were tired, and it just came out of my mouth.  “Do you want to see my rotator?”  When I stuck my leg up in the air, my co-worker kind of screamed.  Even though I had sort of warned her by asking her if she wanted to see it, I guess she didn’t really realize what that meant.  Oops.  A few of my co-workers were amused when they found out the next day, but others were still wary of seeing how my rotator worked!  Darn, I was really kinda amused by it.

I realize that since it is inappropriate for others to make fun of my disability, I probably should not also, especially in a work environment.  But as another co-worker pointed out, there is a difference between laughing with you rather than at you.  Regardless, I will be more careful in the future.  Generally though, I really do think that it is OK to laugh at myself.  I really do think that it can lighten things up for others who might be uncomfortable with my amputee status.

I know a wonderful bi-lateral above knee amputee who has been a fantastic role model and inspiration to me. He normally wears his microprocessor knees, but he has worn his stubbies and a leprechaun outfit on St. Patrick’s Day and his stubbies and an Elf outfit during Christmas!  By him embracing his disability, it gives me strength to embrace mine.  I was devastated when I first had my leg amputated, and was for a long time afterwards.  Sometimes it still bothers me, but if he can joke about his condition, with two limbs amputated, I certainly deal with one!  He gives me strength to be myself. Would I rather not be an amputee if given the chance?  Yes.  However, humor can be healing, and at this point, I’d rather laugh than not.  When you get lemons, make lemonade, right?  I have also had some wonderful opportunities and experiences, and met some fantastic people through being an amputee.  I have a lot to be grateful for.

While I realize that there is value in being sensitive in some situations, most often I think that it is positive for me to be able to have a little humor regarding my status as an amputee.  Light heartedness is healthy for me, and can put others at ease.  Basically I am “me”.  I am a whole person, and I need to be comfortable with myself.  I guess I just need to watch out what company I am in when I swing my leg around!

Otto Bock HealthCare pays Susan a small fee for her essays.