Once the limb has been amputated, some say the first step is recovery, so that the surgical scar heals properly, but in Tuff Care we acknowledge ACCEPTANCE as the first step post amputation. Acceptance can feel like giving in, throwing in the towel on life and your future. But refusing to accept the reality of your limitations keeps you stuck. It prevents you from moving forward, making the changes you need to make, and finding new goals. Accepting the reality gives you a sense of empowerment, and outlook, enabling you to cope with limitations, overcome challenges, and build a rewarding life.
Prosthetic Considerations
Getting a prosthesis is a very involved process, one that requires grit and patience. It is the most important decision you’ll make as regards your independence and quality of life.
Take Time To Heal
It usually takes about 3-6 months for complete healing of the amputation surgery, after which the patient can begin the rehabilitation process and using an artificial limb. The goal of the rehabilitation team is to engage you in programs and activities to help you return to the highest level of function and independence possible, while improving the overall quality of life—physically, emotionally, and socially, with or without a prosthesis. However, When it comes to amputation, each person is unique. The decision to move forward with a prosthesis should be a collaborative one between you and your rehabilitation team.
Learn As Much As Possible About What A Prosthesis Is
A prosthesis is an artificial device used to replace the functions and aesthetics of a lost body part or limb. A superb prosthesis will help you carry out your activities of daily living optimally as well as reduce the effects of amputation on your quality of life. There are various options to suit your mobility needs and financial budget. Learning about these options enables you to be an effective partner and contributor to your rehabilitation process. Your prosthetist would also discuss extensively with you weighing the pros and cons of each option and decide on the ideal prosthetic leg that matches your lifestyle optimally.
What Are Your Mobility Needs?
Most of the time this has to do with your career, age, weight, activity level, hobbies and basically what you would love to do even after the amputation — Recent technology advancement has made it possible for prosthetic users to keep doing the things they loved to do before the disability such is cycling, running, wearing heels or dancing with a loved one. Communicate these goals with your prosthetist so that your goals and expectations will be managed or incorporated into the treatment plan.
Create A Realistic Budget
Based on your financial status or net worth you will have to pre-determine what you would be willing to ‘spend’ for your prosthesis. However, what ever amount of money you decide to put into this is an investment to your mobility that yields its interest daily. It’s in your best interest to stay up to date on prosthetic trends and what suit you. Prosthesis costs ranges from 400,00 to up to 30 million. Not to scare you, but there’s a prosthesis for every budget (as we say in Tuff Care). You can read more about the cost of getting a prosthesis in Nigeria here.
Your Prosthetic Leg Needs May Change
At some point, you may notice that you aren’t as functional as you’d like to be with your current leg prosthesis. Maybe your residual limb has stabilized and you’re ready to transition from a temporary prosthesis that lasts a few months to one that can last three to five years. Or maybe you’ve “outwalked” your prosthesis by moving more or differently than the prosthesis is designed for. Or you’ve advanced your financial budget. New pain, discomfort and lack of stability are some of the signs that it may be time to check in with your prosthetist to reevaluate your needs.
As you begin to use your prosthesis, it’s not unusual to notice changes here and there as regards your comfortability, gait pattern or socket fit. It is crucial that you stay connected with your prosthetist so he might recommend adjusting your current equipment or replacing one of the components. Or you might get a prescription for a new prosthetic leg, which happens on average every three to five years. it’s important to work closely with your prosthetist — a relationship you might have for life.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation Is an Ongoing, Collaborative Process
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in navigating life after your amputation.
Speak with a prosthetist now for FREE to get more information on a prosthesis that will be best for you.
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