A little friendly encouragement request

I appreciate this sub-Reddit and y’all so much. So here goes. I have been struggling with my socket fit since I got my test leg in September. I understand that there would be volume loss and additionally hour to hour volume changes. But between struggling with height adjustments and other fit issues I feel as if I have gotten maybe a 20-40% “this feels OK” vibe this whole time. Like I could strut confidently at home or PT when things felt great but I regress otherwise. I have been told that wearing the leg for longer every day and walking and getting used to it should help things a lot. I have not felt that was the case.

I went to my prosthetist last week for the 2nd time since I got my leg and he (not my regular guy but an owner) could not believe I had not been back more frequently. And that I had not gotten more guidance on how the fit should feel and when to add socks, etc.. I mean, I don’t know! This is all completely new to me. I know that my personality is to tough it out a lot of the time (in general in life) and not be a complainer, but I also have no issue being my own advocate when it’s important. I just feel so completely lost and have no idea when I should be focused on stuff like this and a squeaky wheel, and when I should recognize that this is not a sprint but a marathon. I will be honest, my gut says that I have never been able to feel a really good fit and when things did feel decent (like they have sometimes) I could really feel encouraged and do the work. So, if I could get a good socket fit things would finally start going in the right direction.

The prosthetist said that indeed it’s time to start moving towards a definitive socket. So, I have an appointment with the doctor for a new script. That’s a month out then there is the time to meet, measure, and craft the new socket and get the new components. I imagine that it will be 2-3 months before I have the new socket. It’s daunting. I feel like a good fitting every day leg may be a pipe dream.

So, I guess I will apologize for the rambling self-pity. I really do work hard every day to be positive and have gratitude. But lately I am really wondering if managing with a prosthesis is worth the hassle. Any advice or words of encouragement are greatly appreciated! Thanks for the listen (if you have made it this far) and I wish you health and happiness in 2025. 🥰