Being like everybody else: the personal meanings of being a prosthesis user

Purpose. This study sought to gain an understanding of the lived experience of prosthesis use for amputees and people with congenital limb deficiency. Method. The primary data were transcripts derived from semi-structured interviews and the documentary analysis of two e-mail discussion groups for prosthesis users. This data was subject to an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results. Three recurrent themes are presented. These are: Dreams and Realities: Enabling Prostheses; Being Like Everybody Else: The Meanings of Cosmesis; and Passing, Telling and Getting Away With It: Disguising Prosthesis Use. It is argued that prostheses have a number of deeply personal meanings for participants, which revolve around what people can practically achieve with a prosthetic limb, and the management of personal information and identity. Conclusions. The research outcomes suggest that it is important for health professionals involved in prosthesis users' medical care and personal welfare to facilitate the maintenance of these patients valued identities and the self management of their disability status.