How do you handle walking on the beach, getting into the ocean, Etc w. a prosthetic leg?

[TigerLaw]

I am a new below the knee amputee and had reservations for sailing on DCL but now i am rethinking it. basically my prosthetic guy has said no Beach no swimming no ocean until I get my second prosthetic leg in a year so that I can use the first one to be my " junk up" one.

I have to believe there is a better answer than that right? I know I am far from the first person to have to be dealing with this issue, so just looking for some insights from everyone as far as what they have done in the situation. Otherwise it seems pointless for me to do a cruise right now in my first year with the prosthetic leg. Any advice suggestions thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance the help!

 

[elvispursley]

My BFF’s husband is a bilat BKA. When we all went to Hawaii together, he wore his prosthetics and removed them when we found a spot to settle. He’d then scoot into the ocean and smored, paddle boarded, etc.

As an OT, I’d recommend removing your prosthetic and use crutches to the water’s edge and then have someone take your crutches back up to where your towel is. It should be somewhat easier than my friend’s process since it sounds like you only have a single BKA. I’d definitely practice getting up from the floor to imitate how you’d do at the beach. I’d also think bringing a beach chair to the water’s edge would help with getting up/down.

Don’t let this stop you from your DCL—there are ways to make it work! Would love to know how it all works out for you and that you have an amazing cruise!!