Every individual who is faced with the life-altering decision (because for most it is actually a decision) to have a limb amputated there is a different timeline of healing and a unique road to recovery. The unknown can make giving consent to have the limb removed, or waking up to a limb no longer there, seem even more daunting than it is. Not to make light of the topic because it most definitely is a life-changing experience, but it is not necessarily a bad one. Today I am going to share some of the key milestones you will likely experience and that may assist you in your road to recovery.
**Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Instead it is meant to provide a better understanding of a likely process to help ease your mind a little as you will hopefully have a better understanding of what to expect. Always follow the plan of care provided by your personal doctors and other healthcare professionals.
As always, if you have questions, comments, or ideas for any portion of this site, including the blog, please send them my way! Your input is valued, and my desire is for this site to be as informative and fun as possible! I want everyone to learn and grow their understanding of the journey, challenges, and experiences faced by individuals with limb loss and prosthetics devices and to also gain a better understanding of OT and how the two relate!!
If you have been presented with the option of amputation of a limb you have likely asked questions and received the ever so vague answer of “it depends.” If you are already in the recovery process or the rehabilitation process and deciding upon a prosthetic device or other assistive technology, you too, have likely asked a question and been given the answer “it depends.” This is a phrase many of us are all too familiar with and it can be an extremely frustrating response at times.
But the “it depends” phrase is often right. The road to recovery is not a “one-size-fits-all” type thing. This is an experience that truly is unique to each and every person. Therefore, it is difficult and practically impossible to provide a timeline, but here are some key points or “stops” along the way to regaining your independence. Don’t give up hope, you can do this and you can reach that end goal you have in mind!
First, is the decision about amputation. Some are given the choice to try more limb salvaging surgeries, or to live with limited use of a limb, maybe fixating a joint, and others may wake up after a traumatic event to a limb being missing. Either way, the decision of what to do next is up to you! I will say, if you are one of the ones who has been given the option I have heard countless stories from individuals who do not regret their decision to have an amputation and in fact, many will say it was the best thing they could have done for themselves. I know it does not make it easier, but just know you are not alone!
Regardless of the reasoning, I hope your “what next” decision is to keep a positive attitude (as much as possible, making sure to also let yourself experience the associated emotions and grieving process as necessary) and then get out of bed! This can seem intimidating and it will not occur without pain, but it is a vital step in the road to recovery.
You will then begin moving about with an assistive device - wheelchairs are acceptable, but remember crutches and walkers may be necessary too as you want to regain strength and prepare for a prosthesis in the future. You will be taught proper techniques for wrapping your residual limb and even appropriate exercises for restoring physical conditioning. All of these are vital and you should follow all orders provided by doctors and therapists. These things may seem impossible at times, but express your feelings and commit to getting better. Over time, with proper wrapping, exercises, and increased movement you will notice a reduction in the swelling of your residual limb. This is a good sign, you are making progress! This can take some time though, so be patient and focus on the areas you have control over - continuing exercises, strengthening your arms, glutes, and core, increasing movement - I promise, these will come in handy later down the road.
During this time you may have mixed feelings about seeing your family and friends, this is okay and even expected!! You may feel uncomfortable with your body at the moment and they may even feel uncomfortable too. This is when it is essential to express your feelings. Let others know what you think and need. Your family and friends want to help you and support you, but this is all just as new to them as it is to you. Be yourself! It may be awkward at times, but remember back to your first crush in elementary school or your first date - hopefully you can laugh about some of those experiences, like the silly comments you made or the super "embarrassing" thing you did, and hopefully you will do the same with these some of these new life experiences later on. But for now, laugh it off when you can, express your needs always, and move at the pace you are most comfortable with!
When you are ready, it can also be extremely helpful in all aspects of healing to meet with a peer mentor - talk with someone who has been through what you are experiencing. There are lots of peer mentor programs out there. Some meet virtually and others are available in person in your area - ask you doctors, therapists, and case managers about these options.
Once the residual limb has had time to heal you will be ready to meet your prosthetists, begin the fitting and fabrication process, and ultimately begin therapy. You will be learning how to care for your residual limb, your prosthesis, and your body as a whole! You will start gaining more and more independence and confidence as you begin incorporating the device into everyday life activities. This is when the opportunities truly become endless and greatly depend on your motivation, drive, and passion! There are few limits at this point - if you want to try something new, talk to your doctor, prosthetists, and therapists there are options for ‘almost’ everything you can think of. And if it hasn’t been done yet, you just need some creative doctors, prosthetists, and physical and occupational therapists on your side!!
I have seen some crazy impressive things and can’t wait to hear about all you will accomplish too! The road may seem long at times, but hopefully those are the moments you can look back and see how much you have already accomplished! But don’t look in the rear view mirror for too long, turn back and keep trucking! You can do this!
Share your story, experiences, or tips in the comments below or use the feedback box to send your stories and experiences to me! And always feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or concerns!
Check out otunlimbited.com for more information
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