Getting Fit For A New Life With A Prosthetic Limb

 The loss of a limb due to accidental trauma or illness can have a huge impact on a person's body, emotions, relationships, career and lifestyle. While some other surgical procedures restore health and wellness to patients relatively quickly, the recovery period after a major amputation can take a long time and require hard work from both the patient and the care team.

 

For patients facing amputation, the recovery process can begin even before surgery, if possible. This is known as 'pre-training'.

 

Your amputation rehabilitation

The success of post-amputation rehabilitation depends on many factors, including

Your age and medical history

Your general health, diet, fitness and lifestyle

Which part of your body was amputated

 

Prosthetic Leg

The method of surgery

For example, a younger, healthier person who undergoes an amputation after an accident may have stronger muscles and healthier blood vessels than an older person who has lost a limb for many years due to diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. However, sudden and unexpected amputations can put more stress on a person's mental health.

 

Smoking is a major barrier to successful rehabilitation. Smoking can lead to post-operative complications, slow healing and worsening vascular disease. Rehabilitation specialists strongly recommend that people undergoing rehabilitation after amputation stop smoking.

 

Self-care is particularly important in the early stages of rehabilitation. Try to get regular sleep, stay regular, eat healthy foods and try some relaxation techniques such as meditation or positive thinking. Most importantly, make sure you have a support system of trusted family and friends with whom you can share your feelings and concerns.

Prosthetic Leg

Prosthetic limbs after amputation

Not everyone who has an amputation wants or needs an artificial device to replace the lost body part. In helping you make a decision, the physical medicine and rehabilitation team will consider many aspects of your life and health, including the area of your leg that has been amputated. Leg prostheses can help restore mobility. Arm prostheses can be more complex and include new models with technology that interfaces with the nervous system and enables fine motor movements.

 

Your age, weight, health status and general health prior to amputation are important variables. An elderly patient or a patient with a chronic condition may already have limited mobility. Heart disease may make it difficult to tolerate the physical work required to use a prosthetic leg. Children with congenital limb loss or deformity often have sufficient stamina and energy to use a prosthetic device well.

 

Assessing the readiness of the prosthetic device

Deciding to use a prosthetic device is an important choice and requires commitment. Training and ongoing maintenance and upgrades may be part of this. In addition to assessing your physical readiness for a prosthetic device, your doctor and rehabilitation team will discuss all the pros and cons with you so that you can make the best decision for your goals and lifestyle.

Prosthetic Leg

Start with a prosthesis

There are several types of prosthetic devices available. If the prosthesis is a conventional prosthesis that is attached to the remaining limb using suction, you may receive it after the amputation site has healed, which usually takes about six weeks. If the area heals well and there are no complications, you can start using your prosthesis.

 

You will be supported as you adjust to life with your new hand, foot, arm or leg. You will be seen regularly for at least six months by a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. Physiotherapy is an important part of your rehabilitation and your programme will be adjusted as you progress in terms of strength, endurance, balance and mobility.

 

Patients with arm prostheses work closely with occupational therapists who can optimise their motor skills and provide them with the best opportunity to be independent in their daily activities.

 

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