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From Phantom Pain to Freedom Walking Paris Streets

 

 

What happens when the prosthetic leg you depend on suddenly will not charge-thousands of miles from home?

In this episode of the BAWarrior Podcast, I’m sharing the honest story of my first international trip as an amputee. Returning to Paris carried special meaning for me because my previous trip there in 2018 ultimately led to my decision to have an above-knee amputation. This time, I returned stronger, healthier, and determined to experience international travel with my prosthetic leg, but the journey still tested me in ways I never expected.

Security line in Charles De Gaulle airport

 

Waiting at gate to board plane home

 

Ugh! Got thru gate only to be held back for 15/20 minutes in a long line to board plane.

We got further back in line due to my son being chosen, at random, for a full bag check AT the gate!

 

Before leaving, I prepared for the long flights, airport security, possible swelling, phantom sensations, and everything I would need to care for my skin-fit socket. I packed my medical supplies, prosthetic charger, tools, cleaning products, electrical converters, and surge protector. What I could not anticipate was that plugging my charger into the hotel’s electrical system would blow the power-not once, but twice.

Although my prosthetic leg was not connected when the electricity failed, my surge protector was burned and blackened. Suddenly, I had no way of knowing whether my charger still worked. After going more than a day without charging my prosthetic knee, I found myself lying awake wondering how I would make it through ten days in France if my leg stopped functioning.

 

Our updated rig and the first time, in 4 days, that I was finally able to charge my leg!

 

In that moment, I had never felt more disabled.

With help from my prosthetist, my Össur representative, the hotel staff, and an electronics store in Paris, we found a safe European power strip and adapter. After three days without charging, I finally watched the green light come on. The next morning, my prosthetic was at 100 percent—and I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude.

 

One time we had some rain, but some of the uneven brick roads we walked on all week long.

 

Huge day, seeing The Cure at Pagaille Festival in Bordeaux. A TRUE test of my ability to stand, in thick crowds for hours!!!

 

The trip also taught me important lessons about accessibility outside the United States. ADA standards do not follow us into other countries. I encountered cobblestone streets, restaurant bathrooms located in basements, showers without grab bars, large steps, slippery floors, and roadside toilets without seats. I had to use my balance, towels, creativity, and willingness to adapt.

Despite blisters and days ranging from 12,000 to 20,000 steps, I experienced Paris, Disneyland, Bordeaux, and everything this incredible journey offered. International travel as an amputee takes preparation, but it is possible.

 

 

Seeing the Mona Lisa (above), but when an attendant saw me she flagged me over and brought us in front of EVERYONE to get up close!

A great perk of being an amputee (below)!

 

 

 

 

If you are an amputee planning an international or domestic trip, reach out and share your questions with me. I would love to help you prepare, avoid the mistakes I made, and travel with greater confidence. You can do this, you simply need to prepare well and be ready to pivot.

Have a beautifully blessed day,

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,