Tips for Adjusting to an Amputation of a Limb

It can be emotionally and physically difficult when it come to adjusting to an amputation of a limb. To help understand what type of impact someone may experience when a limb is amputated and for tips on adjusting to an amputation of a limb, I have interviewed therapist Sara Pattavina Moulton.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

"I am a master's level social worker and licensed mental health practitioner in Omaha, Nebraska. Presently I am working in a private practice setting but have had over 12 years experience in child welfare, family therapy, domestic violence , and medical issues. One of my areas of interest includes working with people who have experienced life changing medical events. This interest developed during my work in a rehabilitation hospital where my primary focus was to assist patients with the adjustments to their lifestyle following any number of events including strokes, brain and spinal cord injury , and amputations."

What type of impact can amputation of a limb have on someone's overall life?

"Loss of a limb is a major life changing event in many ways. Amputations usually occur due to ongoing disease process or accidents. Both situations are quite traumatic. Memories of the accident may lead to mental health concerns such as post traumatic stress disorder or other anxiety related disorders. Many times people who have struggled with an ongoing medical condition threatening an amputation usually go to great lengths to try and save the limb before an amputation occurs. The process of deciding to amputate or not has gone on for more than a year for some of my patients. The eventual decision to amputate has led to a sense of failure for some patients.

An amputation can have an impact on social, emotional, occupational, and physical aspects of ones life. Following an amputation a person can expect to experience a grieving process similar to grief experienced following a death of a loved one. There are physical implications to mobility so that a person's basic activities of daily living are impacted. A person may need to accept the assistance of others during the transition as they are learning how to perform independently again. There may be a change to occupation at least temporarily, and can impact a person's financial status. A person may feel that they have difficulty fulfilling roles as a parent or spouse or relating to household duties they were once responsible for. It is important to share feelings openly about the changes."

What are some tips for adjusting to an amputation of a limb?

"First and foremost is to find ways to continue doing the same things you did before the loss of the limb. There are amazing technologies and adaptations that are available to amputees that allow people to continue being involved in activities that bring their life purpose and meaning. The therapeutic recreation program at the facility in which I worked helped people with mobility challenges and amputations learn to drive again, garden, golf, bowl, play softball, and even water ski. It can be helpful to start looking at the changes in a person's life as an opportunity for growth rather than a barrier to happiness. It's a matter of shifting thoughts from what can't be done any longer to what one can learn to do. This is more difficult than it sounds because loss of limb can create a sense of dependence on others and a sense of fear. Both feelings can get in the way of emotional and even physical recovery."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time adjusting to an amputation of a limb?

"Speak with your doctor about getting the support that you need following an amputation. When provided support through the grieving process in the form of adjustment counseling for the patient and family members the results can be very positive. You can access resources from a hospital social worker or your physician. Look for someone who is familiar with the experience of amputation. Sometimes a patient may be reluctant or simply doesn't desire to reach out for help but family members may want information on how to be supportive to their loved one. Vocational Rehabilitation programs in the community offer assistance for people wanting to return to work following an amputation who need assistance with modification to vehicles or work environment or job training to acquire new skills needed in a new work setting. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance and do not give up if the first person you ask does not have the answers."

Thank you Sara for doing the interview on tips for adjusting to an amputation of a limb. For more information on Sara Pattavina Moulton or her work you can check out her website on www.myemotionalwellness.com

Recommended Readings:
Is Stress Keeping You Awake at Night