The thought of amputation is one that the
mind does not want to dwell on. However, it does happen and it is done when a
limb is damaged beyond repair or when not removing it could lead to other
medical complications. Of all amputations,those
of the leg are most common. Losing one or both legs is a hugely traumatic
experience, both physically as well as mentally and spiritually. That is why physiotherapy
and counseling are essential components of any amputation procedure.
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Image Courtesy : Pexels |
Be
Prepared For Change
Change is not limited to the way your body
is now different. It is in the way you interact with the world and the world
interacts with you. You should be prepared for:
- Getting used to the prosthetic. It will never be the same as a real leg, but it is, literally, the next best thing.
- People treating you differently. People you don’t know and even those you do, will not be sure how to treat and respond to you. It is not that they feel sorry for you or have pity. It is usually because the situation is unfamiliar to them as it is to you and they are not sure of what to say or do. Give it time, once everyone is used to the changed situation, relationships will develop naturally.
- New opportunities. Keep an open mind and opportunities that did not exist earlier will appear. From helping those in similar situations to participating in special sporting events and working on developing devices, systems and policies/processes for those who have lost a limb, the opportunities to make a positive impact will present themselves.
- Frustration. There will be challenges that did not exist before. Overcoming them will often take time and patience. Getting frustrated because things are not as they were will do you no good. Being told that “these things take time” or that “it will all work out” can often just add to the frustration. The fact is that both statements, however trite, are true. Do not be in a rush for your first success – it will come in its own time. After that, the rest will fall into place sooner than you hope.
Get
Back To Normal Soon
Getting back to normal when you have lost a
limb may sound absurd. However, it is surprising how soon the human body and
spirit can adapt to the change. Making a positive effort to return to the
pre-amputation life is critical. A large part of this is leaving the home and going
back to the outside world to once again and do the things you did in the past.
Yes, there may be special precautions you have to take and some limitations on
what you can do, but by and large, you will be able to return to your life as
it used to be. One important factor in that is travel. This will be difficult at
first because getting back in the driver’s seat will take time and practice. Relying
on friends and family to take you around will rob you of your independence. This
is where Non-Emergency
Medical Transportation (NEMT) comes in.This is like a taxi service for
those with mobility limitations. The service will provide specially equipped
vehicles for taking you where you want to go. With doorstep service, event
standby and specially trained drivers, NEMT is the way to regain your mobility
and get your life back on track.
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