There are physical and emotional changes that occur after amputation as well, for both the patient and his or her loved ones. Some changes that can happen after an amputation include:.
While some of these issues can be overcome, of course the goal is to avoid amputation in the first place. For the best chance to avoid the need for amputation, please see your doctor right away if you have a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer.
If you think you might have PAD, you should take the assessment and discuss the results with your doctor as soon as possible. Sources: [i] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
American Diabetes Association. Also check whether your tetanus protection is still up to date. The Robert Koch Institute recommends a booster every ten years, or sometimes sooner in case of wounds. Please contact your doctor in any case. Share on Facebook. Share on Twitter. Home Your individual fitting Leg prostheses From amputation to rehabilitation Before the amputation Amputation causes. Your individual fitting.
Our PatientCare Centers. Reasons for amputating. Related topics. Amputation in case of circulatory disorders What are known as arterial occlusive diseases constitute the most common cause for amputations in the Western world.
Amputation in case of diabetic foot syndrome Diabetic foot syndrome is one of the most common causes for leg or foot amputations. Diabetes mellitus generally causes several mutually reinforcing disorders.
Wash the remaining limb or foot with mild soap and water, and pat it dry. You may need help doing this at first. You may be able to drive when you finish your rehab and have an artificial foot or prosthesis. You may need to adapt your car to your situation.
You will probably be able to return to work and your usual routine when your remaining limb or foot heals. This may be as soon as 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. Take a fibre supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative. Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines. If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again.
Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. Take pain medicines exactly as directed. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach: Take your medicine after meals unless your doctor has told you not to.
Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better.
A small flexible tube urinary catheter may be placed in your bladder during surgery to drain urine. This means you will not need to get out of bed to go to the toilet for the first few days after the operation. You may be given a commode or bedpan so you can also poo without having to get up to use the toilet.
The site of the operation may be painful, so you'll be given painkillers if you need them. Tell a member of your care team if the painkillers are not working, as you may need a larger dose or a stronger painkiller.
A small tube may be used to deliver local anaesthetic to the nerves in the stump to help reduce pain. Your physiotherapist will teach you some exercises to help prevent blood clots and improve your blood supply while you're recovering in hospital. You'll notice swelling oedema of the stump after surgery. This is normal and it may continue after you've been discharged. Using a compression garment will help with swelling and the shape of the stump. It may also reduce phantom pain pain that seems to be coming from your missing limb and help support the limb.
You'll be fitted with a compression garment once your wound has healed. It should be worn every day, but taken off at bedtime. You should be given at least 2 garments, which should be washed regularly. Physical rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process.
It can be a long, difficult and frustrating process, but it's important to persevere. After rehabilitation, you may be able to return to work and other activities. Your rehabilitation programme will be tailored to your individual needs and will aim to allow you to do as many of your normal activities as possible.
You'll work closely with physiotherapists and occupational therapists who will discuss with you what you'd like to achieve from rehabilitation so that some realistic goals can be set. Your rehabilitation programme will usually start a few days after your operation. It may begin with simple exercises you can do while lying down or sitting. If you've had a leg amputation, you'll be encouraged to move around as soon as possible using a wheelchair.
You'll also be taught "transfer techniques" to help you move around more easily, such as how to get into a wheelchair from your bed.
Once your wound has started to heal, you may start working on an exercise programme with a physiotherapist in the hospital to help you maintain your mobility and muscle strength. If you have a prosthetic limb fitted, your physiotherapist will teach you how to use it. For example, how to walk on a prosthetic leg or grip with a prosthetic hand. The length of time it will take before you're ready to go home will depend on the type of amputation you've had and your general state of health.
Before you're discharged from hospital, an occupational therapist may arrange to visit you at home to see if your home needs to be adapted to make it more accessible. For example, you may need a wheelchair ramp or a stairlift. If these types of modifications are needed, the issue can be referred to your local social care and support services.
Find out more about walking aids, wheelchairs and scooters and assessing your care and support needs. It can take several months before you're fitted with a prosthetic limb if you're suitable for a prosthesis , so you may be given a wheelchair to help you get around if you've had an amputation of a lower limb. You'll probably need to attend a follow-up appointment a few weeks after you leave hospital, to discuss how you're coping at home and whether you need additional help, support or equipment.
At your appointment, you may also be given details of your nearest amputee support group, made up of both healthcare professionals and people living with an amputation. Prosthetic limbs are not suitable for everyone who's had an amputation because an extensive course of physiotherapy and rehabilitation is required. Adjusting to life with a prosthetic limb takes a considerable amount of energy because you have to compensate for the loss of muscle and bone in the amputated limb.
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