My second major snow event since my amputation occurred yesterday, and after freezing rain last night, the side-walks and side-streets were slick and slippery when I left for work this morning.

The first event, a month or so back, introduced me to my new limits of stability on snow/ice with my prosthetic. It took me about 20 minutes to get to and into my car. I slipped and slid just about every other step, but I fell only once - it was the prosthetic leg that slipped and took me down. The townhouse that I share is on a slight hill, and it was extremely nerve-wracking just getting out the door, across the access road and to the street. My driver's door was frozen shut, and there was a sheet of ice adjacent to the door, so I could not get any traction to pull open the door. I eventually got into the back seat through the rear door, on the passenger's side, reached over the seat to the driver's door, and forced it open from the inside. Whew!

Luckily, I was able to get somewhat of a grip on the slippery surface this morning - my sister-in-law gave me some slip-on ‘snow/ice traction" thingys called "Yaktrax Walker" for Christmas.

They slip on over your shoes, and greatly improve traction on icy/snowy surfaces. I was still cautious getting to the car, but I only slipped once, slightly, and was able to catch myself on the car hood.

I highly recommend the Yaktrax Walker to anyone that has to deal with ice and snow.

http://cozywinters.com/shop/yk-walk.html