Artificial limbs can be quite daunting, especially when you first receive yours. It doesn't necessarily feel like a part of you yet, and because it is so foreign, you can wind up starting to resent it in ways that you might not have been prepared for. Here are a few ways to ensure that this doesn't happen to you.

Make sure it is fitted correctly

This is something that is essential to having your prosthesis feel like a part of you. When your doctor starts to fit you for your artificial limb, be very honest and patient with your doctor. After all, this is your body part that is joining you. It should be comfortable. Now, you may go through several prosthetics before settling on your final piece. This is normal due to the swelling that an amputated limb can have.

Regardless of that however, you want to ensure each one fits properly and doesn't feel uncomfortable. If something doesn't feel right, don't just chalk it up to it being new and different, let your doctor know so that adjustments can be made. You are meant to feel comfortable with your prosthetic.

Play around with it

Once you have your final piece and it is fitted correctly, play around with it. See what it actually looks like and feels like. Become acquainted with it. It is going to be a big part of you, so you should grow to understand and enjoy it as much as possible.

Make it your own

This is probably the hardest part. In order to not resent your limb, you have to accept that it is a part of you, and be at peace with the idea of having one. This can be difficult to do, especially if the manner in which you lost the limb was particularly traumatizing.

Finding it hard to accept? Maybe, try and turn it into something that suits you. Many people have gotten their prosthetics painted, etched, or otherwise designed so that they can enjoy the prosthetic a little more. Consider it like a tattoo for your prosthetic, though this could be changed more often if you were willing to. Consider what you would enjoy, and decide whether or not that will help you to relax and feel comfortable with your new artificial limb.

Remember, this is nothing to be ashamed of. This is something that is meant to help you on a day-to-day basis and become as normal to you as breathing. Take it as your own, and make the most of it as much as possible. 

For prosthetics, contact a company such as Cotton Orthotic and Prosthetic.