Over the past few months, I have spent a lot of time thinking about where I want to be in the future and what steps I need to take to get there. Recovery is not something that happens overnight, especially after a major life-changing event such as becoming an amputee. It takes patience, determination, support, and a willingness to keep moving forward, even on the difficult days.
To help keep myself focused and motivated, I have set several short-term, long-term, and personal goals. These goals are realistic, achievable, and designed to gradually improve my independence, physical health, and overall quality of life.
Short-Term Goals
Continue Learning to Walk with My New Prosthetic
My highest priority at the moment is continuing to learn how to safely and confidently walk using my new prosthetic leg. This is a gradual process that requires regular practice, guidance, and patience.
I will be working towards this goal with the assistance of my support workers and the team at the Amputee Clinic.
My walking sessions will include:
- Tuesdays with Chaice.
- Wednesdays during my appointments at the Amputee Clinic (when required).
- Saturdays with Bodie.
Each session will help improve my balance, strength, confidence, and overall mobility while allowing me to become more comfortable using my prosthetic in everyday situations.
Return to Hydrotherapy and Swimming
Within the next two weeks, I hope to return to the pool once my waterproof prosthetic is ready, which is expected to be fitted during my clinic appointment next Wednesday.
Being back in the water is something I am genuinely looking forward to. Hydrotherapy provides excellent physical benefits while also allowing me to exercise in a lower-impact environment. It will help strengthen my muscles, improve my balance, and continue building my confidence.
These sessions will be completed with the assistance of Chaice from QUE.
Continue Regular Support Services
Maintaining consistent support is an important part of my rehabilitation.
I will continue receiving regular support through QUE on:
- Tuesdays
- Fridays
- Saturdays
Additional support shifts will also be arranged whenever required for medical appointments or other important commitments. Having reliable support allows me to continue working towards my goals while maintaining my independence within the community.
Long-Term Goals
Walk to Woolworths and Back
One of my biggest long-term goals is to be able to walk from my home to Woolworths, take a short break, and then walk all the way home again.
This may sound like a simple task to some people, but for me it represents a major milestone in my recovery. Achieving this goal will demonstrate improvements in my endurance, confidence, balance, and overall mobility.
Initially, this will be completed with the assistance of my support workers until I feel safe and confident enough to manage longer walks independently.
Walk to Ocean Beach
Another important milestone is being able to walk to Ocean Beach using my prosthetic and walker with the support of my support workers.
This goal is about much more than reaching a destination. It represents rebuilding my confidence, increasing my physical fitness, and once again enjoying parts of the local community that I have missed.
Begin Regular Counselling
Recovery is not only physical—it is also emotional.
Living with an amputation brings many challenges, and I recognise the importance of looking after my mental health alongside my physical wellbeing.
With the assistance of my Coordinator of Supports (CoS), I aim to begin regular counselling sessions that will provide additional support as I continue adapting to life with my prosthetic and the changes that have come with it.
Progress from Walker to Walking Stick
Another major objective is to gradually transition from using my walking frame to walking with a walking stick.
This will only happen when it is safe to do so and after significant improvement in my balance, strength, and confidence.
Reaching this stage will represent another major step towards greater independence and increased mobility.
Continue Managing My Health
My rehabilitation involves much more than simply learning to walk again.
I will continue working closely with my GP, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to better manage my diabetes and any other ongoing health conditions.
Maintaining good overall health is essential for ensuring the best possible outcome with my prosthetic and supporting my long-term recovery.
Return to Cooking
One goal I am particularly looking forward to is returning to cooking.
Once I am able to stand confidently on my prosthetic without assistance, I plan to gradually begin helping prepare meals each week.
Over time, I hope to regain enough confidence and stability to once again prepare meals independently or with very little assistance.
Cooking has always been something I enjoy, and being able to do it again will represent another important step towards regaining my independence.
Personal and Community Goals
Continue Community Access
Remaining active in the community is extremely important to me.
I will continue attending regular community outings with Chaice on Tuesdays and Bodie on Saturdays through QUE.
These outings allow me to remain socially connected while also practising my mobility skills in a variety of real-world environments.
Experience New Community Activities
As my mobility improves, I would like to begin participating in more community activities that I have been unable to do recently.
Working alongside Bodie on Saturdays, I hope to slowly build a list of places to visit, activities to experience, and new goals to achieve as my confidence continues to grow.
Spend Time with Family
Family remains one of the most important parts of my life.
One goal I intend to continue is maintaining regular visits with my sister and nieces in Campbelltown every two to three months.
These visits provide valuable family time and something to genuinely look forward to throughout my recovery.
With the assistance of Bodie during Saturday support shifts, I plan to continue making these visits a regular part of my life.
Looking Ahead
These goals won’t all happen overnight, and I know there will be setbacks along the way. Recovery is rarely a straight path, but every small achievement brings me one step closer to greater independence.
I am incredibly grateful for the ongoing support I receive from my support workers, healthcare team, Coordinator of Supports, family, and everyone else involved in my journey. Their encouragement and belief in me make a tremendous difference.
As I achieve these milestones, I’ll continue sharing my progress here on the blog. I hope that by documenting my journey, others can see that recovery is built one step at a time—and that every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress.
Note: written with the help of ChatGPT
