Your Recovery

The pathway to your recovery can vary depending on your general health.

The length of your recovery time may depend on the cause of your amputation together with other physical factors, your medical condition and your general health.

The news that you are ready to begin the rehabilitation phase of your recovery is a positive sign. Whichever pathway your journey may take, it means that you are well enough to move on and progress with the next phase of your recovery.

Everybody’s recovery journey is different and can follow a different treatment pathway. When we talk about treatment pathways we mean: the people involved in your care, the people that will help you along the way, how you will be cared for, and what supports you will receive. It also involves where your discharge destination will be, which may be from hospital to a rehabilitation facility or directly home.

Rehabilitation Consultant (doctor)

Oversees and coordinates your medical care. Their role is to ensure that your health and medical needs are being met. Your doctor, together with other members of your team will assess if you are fit and able to use a mechanical/assistive device, such as a prosthesis.

Occupational Therapist

Helps you to adjust to day to day activities like: personal care, domestic tasks such as: meal preparation, accessing your place of residence, driving, education or work readiness. If you are an upper limb amputee the occupational therapist will assist you to set goals, teach you how to perform tasks, explore modifications required to achieve goals (e.g. changes within the home or workplace), explore equipment to assist with completing tasks and assist you with the functional training of your prosthesis.

Physiotherapist

Will design an exercise program tailored to your needs. They will assist you to regain your balance, flexibility, strength and stamina. They will help you to use mobility aids such as: wheelchairs, walking frames, crutches and other assistive devices suitable for you. If you are a lower limb amputee they will assist you to use a prosthesis.

Prosthetist

Will look after the design, manufacture, supply and fit of the prosthesis. Together, you will discuss and decide on the prosthetic components to suit your needs and lifestyle. They will also teach you how to ‘donn and doff’ (put on and take off) your prosthesis, and start your prosthetic training. Click here for a list of prosthetic providers across Australia

Social Worker

Provides confidential counselling assistance for you and your family, and assist you with emotional support. Social workers will provide assistance with financial matters (e.g. Centrelink), transport, disabled parking permits, multi-purpose taxi cards, and your accommodation requirements.

Nursing team

Assists with your medications, personal hygiene, bathing and dressing and any wound care and diabetic management that is required. They will liaise with your healthcare team about your specific needs and/or any referrals you may require.

The most important member of your recovery team is YOU. From the onset, you will be encouraged to play an active role in your recovery and care.

Depending on the cause of your amputation, other people may be involved in your care.

Diabetic educator: provides diabetes self-management education for people with diabetes

Dietitian: assists with an individual’s nutrition requirements and planning based upon their medical condition and needs.

Exercise physiologist: specialises in exercise and movement for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries.

Pastoral Care worker: provides emotional and spiritual support for all cultures and traditions.

Podiatrist: treat a variety of foot and ankle ailments, including calluses, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, and arch problems.

Psychologist: supports individuals and fosters positive mental health outcomes and personal growth.

Sexual health counsellor: assists you to deal with and manage issues associated with body image and sexuality.

The emotional effects of amputation

People who undergo amputation can experience a range of emotions. Some common reactions include sadness, anger, grief, anxiety, and depression.

The different emotions people experience may not only be due to the physical loss of a limb/s but also the effects that the amputation can have on family life, career, lifestyle and socialisation.

Treatment approaches for how best to manage emotional issues can vary, and may involve the support of a specialist. Appropriate counselling and therapy can help with emotional adjustments.

Some amputees may also experience a distortion of body image which can affect sexual drive or intimacy. The appearance of the residual limb may make a person feel self-conscious about their body image. If you are feeling this way it can be useful to seek advice from a sexual health counsellor.

If you find that you aren’t coping speak to your GP or rehabilitation consultant. Or contact local service providers in your area.

Speaking to another amputee (a peer) who has lived with the physical and emotional challenges of limb loss can sometimes be useful. For more information visit our Peer Support section for more information about how Limbs 4 Life can arrange this for you.