How to Recover From Surgical Amputation

It takes time to recover from surgical amputation. The healing process starts in the recovery room, but it continues through weeks, months or years, depending on the location of the amputation. Physical therapy will play a vital role in expediting the recovery process.

Instructions

Determine to Recover From Surgical Amputation

• 1

  Discuss pain management with your doctor. There are many types of pain that amputees encounter. These include post-amputation, immediate post-op, phantom sensation, phantom and residual limb pain. Read "Pain Management" on the Amputee Coalition of America website for complete descriptions (see Resources below).

• 2

  Keep a positive self-image by focusing on who you are instead of what you have lost. Attitude plays a vital role in the time it takes to recover from a surgical amputation.

• 3

  Surround yourself with people who care about you. Maintaining relationships is a major way to avoid or reduce the feeling of loneliness and depression.

• 4

  Join an amputee support group. If there isn't a local support group, consider starting one. The National Limb Loss Information Center has step-by-step guidelines for setting up a local group (see Resources below).

• 5

  Give yourself permission to be sexual. This is an area that many amputees are hesitant to discuss with their healthcare provider or counselor. It may be necessary to make positional adjustments, but the end result can be a loving, sexual relationship for you and your partner.

• 6

  Determine to reduce the chance of infection in the amputated limb. Follow the guidelines for wound care given at the time of discharge. It is imperative that preventive measures are put into place, such as maintaining a good prosthetic fit, keeping the amputation site clean and dry, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.

• 7

  Expect the recovery process to be different for children and teens than with adults. Children must be watched carefully to monitor the progress and need for a change in prosthetic fit. Teens may need special counseling to deal with peer pressure and image issues.