Recovering From an Amputation Injury
Because traumatic amputations do not involve disease or infection, the severed limb can sometimes be reattached. If you take care of your severed body part and stump (residual limb) immediately after the accident, doctors may be able to save your limb. This is also true with partial amputations, where some soft-tissue connection remains.
In many cases, however, victims lose their severed body parts completely. Patients often suffer bleeding, shock, and infection, and their outcome will depend on the care they receive in the emergency room and beyond.
The success of rehabilitation depends on many factors, including:
- The level and type of amputation
- Resulting impairments and disabilities
- The overall health of the patient
- Family support
Losing your limb can lead to difficulties with self-image, self-care, and mobility. You may be unable to work, walk, or live a normal life.
Certain rehabilitative programs and assistive devices may help you heal and recover some independence, but your life will never be the same as it was before the accident.
Additionally, obtaining the care and resources you need may be expensive. This can be an especially difficult burden to bear if you have missed work or lost your ability to work because of your accident and injury.
Amputees need the following treatment and services to survive and thrive, none of which come for free:
- Treatments for wound healing and stump care
- Rehabilitative activities and exercises
- Fitting and use of artificial limbs (prostheses)
- Pain management for the wound and phantom pain
- Emotional support and therapy
- Assistive care and devices
- Nutritional counseling
- Occupational counseling
- Increased accessibility in the home
- Patient and family education
An amputation rehabilitation team can consist of 15 or more providers and specialists, all of whom need to be paid. You may be wondering where all these resources are going to come from.
