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Life After Amputation

More than a million people in the United States live with the loss of a limb. For some people across the U.S. and in the Kansas City area, limb loss is a result of birth defects or amputation due to an illness like diabetes. Others lose appendages after traumatic accidents. Regardless of the reason for the loss, living with the loss of a limb is difficult, and potentially devastating.

Losing a limb can be an unfortunate consequence of injuries suffered in a car accident. Often a leg will become entrapped and require amputation following the accident. If enough damage is done to the tissue, amputation may become a necessity. Compartment syndrome is one possible after effect that can make amputation a necessity.

Dealing with Loss
The fallout to a victim of limb loss extends far beyond the initial injury. In fact, many amputees go through a grieving process similar to the process a family member endures after losing a loved one. Amputees often go through the stages of grief, which include:

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Making Deals with God, bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

The severity of the injury and the physical condition of the victim following the accident can have a lot to do with how quickly and how easily the victim passes through the different stages. Age and the specific limb lost also contribute to the patient's ability to cope with grief. Some patient's are able to seek the help they need to deal with the loss. Others, stuck in the denial stage, may be less likely to seek professional help.

Phantom Limbs
A natural reaction to losing a limb for amputees is the feeling that the limb is still there. This is called phantom sensation and many patients deal with this as they get used to the idea that the limb is really gone. Phantom pain is another effect amputation patients deal with, and the results are more severe. Phantom pain occurs when the amputation site causes the patient burning, twisting, or aching sensations. Pain management therapy is often needed for patients to cope with the pain. Stress and anxiety can increase the likelihood and severity of the pain.

Image and Perception
One of the biggest impacts an amputation will have on the patient has to do with body image. Losing a limb can make a patient feel unattractive and disfigured. This can lead to isolation and depression. Many amputees find it very difficult to go out in public. In fact, an unrealistic anxiety of public places can develop. Amputees may need professional counseling to cope with body image issues.

Ongoing Needs
In order for an amputee to regain some of the life they lost along with the limb, continuing and long-term support is a necessity. The goal is to give the amputee the best quality of life despite the loss. Seeking help from a qualified therapist is a great place to begin. Getting involved with a support group can be very helpful too and decrease the likelihood that the patient will become isolated.

Getting adequate exercise, getting back into the workplace, and attending social functions are all other ways the amputee can avoid depression and improve quality of life. Above all, the amputee and his or her family should be watchful for the signs of depression. Seek the help of a psychologist or a social worker if concerns arise.

If you or a loved one has suffered the loss of a limb from the result of another's negligence, you may have many questions about providing the necessary and ongoing help for an amputation victim. The Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys offer a free initial consultation. Find out more information by calling 888-348-2616. You can also access our free resource guide 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim for further information.

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