Summer - the season of golden evenings, long hikes, and beachside relaxation. However, for individuals with limb loss, it also marks the beginning of a far less glamorous phenomenon: the intersection of heat, humidity, and prosthetic discomfort. It's a reality few discuss, but nearly every amputee knows all too well.

Yes, we climb mountains and stroll along the shoreline, just like the images in motivational advertisements. Still, there's another side of summer that rarely gets airtime: swollen residual limbs, heat rashes, and the routine of nonchalantly removing a prosthesis in public while pretending it's perfectly normal. It's time we talk about the unfiltered summer experience of living with limb loss.

One often overlooked reality is that amputees tend to feel hotter than their able-bodied counterparts. With reduced limb volume, the body has a smaller surface area to dissipate heat and a shorter circulatory loop. That means the blood circulates faster - raising core temperature more quickly. Add unbreathable liners, sleeves, and carbon fiber sockets that trap body heat; it's no wonder we're often battling what feels like an internal heatwave.

There's a defining moment most amputees remember: the first time they pour sweat from their liner like wringing out a soaked towel. It's equal parts shocking and weirdly impressive. Hot weather doesn't just mean more sweat. It can cause residual limb swelling, turning a once-perfect socket into an unforgiving pressure trap. Summer becomes a daily guessing game: Will this ply sock combo hold up through lunch? Should I pack a backup liner? Will I need to take my leg off mid-errand?

And then there's the liner itself - a marvel of prosthetic technology that, in summer, transforms into a personal sauna. Add to that the awkward logistics of pool or beach days: Do I wear my leg? Should I crab-crawl discreetly to the water's edge? - and you begin to see how ordinary moments require extraordinary planning.

If you've ever worn a prosthesis to the beach, you know that sand gets everywhere. One of the most frustrating problems is sand working its way into the foot shell, causing a grinding sensation, throwing off alignment, and wearing down internal components over time. In these situations, I've learned to remove the foot shell entirely when walking on beachy terrain. It's not glamorous, but it saves my gear and allows me to move more comfortably. I rinse everything with fresh water and use a small toothbrush to dislodge stubborn grains before reassembling.

If beach time is a regular part of your lifestyle, it's worth investing in components designed to endure it. I use the Lindhe Xtend foot, which is built with corrosion-resistant materials - a game-changer for combating saltwater and sand erosion. It doesn't eliminate the need for care, but it reduces wear and long-term stress.

As an above-knee amputee with a microprocessor knee, taking my leg to a beachy environment adds another layer of concern. These devices are powerful and expensive; exposure to sand, salt, and water is a serious threat. If I need to bring my leg to a sandy area, I wrap it in a heavy-duty trash bag and secure it tightly to shield it from grit and splash. It's not the most elegant solution, but it helps protect joints, sensors, and internal components. Afterwards, I thoroughly rinse everything off. When possible, I opt for crutches or a wheelchair instead.

No one warned me about how intense heat rash under a socket could get - or how long it takes to recover once the skin breaks down. Taking a midday break from your prosthesis often turns into a full-on reset: drying, cleaning, and mental regrouping before donning it once more. Humidity alone can wreck suction; everyday outings - especially in summer - require the planning of a small expedition. From waterproofing gear to prepping for the inevitable unsolicited questions from strangers, it all takes time, energy, and emotional resilience.

After three summers navigating all this, I've picked up some strategies - some practical, some a bit unconventional:

• Bring two liners: one to wear and one to swap into once the first one is sweat-soaked.
• Travel-size deodorant can serve as a last-minute anti-chafing balm.
• Socket hygiene is non-negotiable: clean daily with care or deal with the consequences.
• Click Medical's RevoFit system helps me adjust my socket without needing extra ply socks - fewer layers means less trapped heat.
• Heavy-duty trash bags double as makeshift weatherproofing for beach trips.
• Other mobility aids (crutches, walkers, wheelchairs) are essential for backup when skin breakdown, pain, or swelling makes prosthetic wear impossible.

In summer, hygiene isn't just self-care - it's survival. I wash my liner with mild soap and water every day, especially when traveling. It works well, as long as I'm careful to rinse away all soap residue - leftover scum, combined with heat, can lead to skin irritation and even infection. At home, I use the Rapid Ozone Sleeve Sanitizer (ROSS unit) to clean my liner. It's incredibly effective for keeping bacteria and odors at bay.

On top of limb loss, I also manage other health conditions, including Mast Cell Activation and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which make my skin particularly fragile. Friction, heat, and pressure can trigger anaphylaxis, hives, skin tears, and bleeding, so I must be hyper-aware of materials, socket time, and skin preparation. I use antibacterial ointments and silicone-based products, such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Neosporin, or Hydrocortisone cream, to reduce irritation and inflammation. Additionally, hydration matters! Well-hydrated skin holds up better under the constant stress of exposure to heat, movement, and friction.

Summer with a prosthesis is possible - but it requires creativity, adaptability, and a sense of humor. From socket mishaps to the gear we quietly carry around like a survival kit, this season tests us in small, yet invisible, ways. But there's beauty in that. Sunlight on your shoulders. The sand beneath your feet. And the deep, unshakable knowledge that you're adapting in real time - and winning, even on the stickiest days! So yes - bring your sunscreen. Bring your resilience. And most importantly? Bring the extra liner.