Recovering after an amputation

After surgery, you'll usually be given oxygen through a mask and fluids through a drip for the first few days while you recover on the ward.

A small flexible tube (a urinary catheter ) may be placed in your bladder during surgery to drain away urine. This means you won't need to worry about going to the toilet for the first few days after surgery.

The site of the operation may be painful, so you'll be givenpainkillers if you need them. Tell a member of your care team if the painkillers aren't working, as you may need a larger dose or a stronger painkiller. A small tube may be used to deliver local anaesthetic to the nerves in your stump to help reduce pain.

Your physiotherapist will teach you some exercises to help prevent blood clots and improve your blood supply while you're recovering in hospital.

Compression garments

You'll notice swelling ( oedema ) of your stump after surgery. This is normal and it may continue after you've been discharged.

Using a compression garment will help with swelling and the shape of the stump. It may also reduce phantom pain and help support the limb.

You'll be fitted with a compression garment once your wound has healed. It should be worn every day, but taken off at bedtime. You should be given at least two garments, which should be washed regularly.

Rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process.It can be a long, difficult and frustrating process, but it's important to persevere. After rehabilitation, you should be able to return to work and other activities.

Your rehabilitation programme will be tailored to your individual needs and requirements, and will aim toallowyou tocarry out as many of your normal activities as possible.

You'll work closely with physiotherapists and occupational therapists who will discuss with you what you'd like to achieve from rehabilitation so that some realistic goals can be set.

Your rehabilitation programme will usually start within a few days of surgery, beginning with some simple exercises you can do while lying down or sitting. If you've had a leg amputation, you'll be encouraged to move around as soon as possible using a wheelchair.

You'll also be taught "transfer techniques" to help you move around more easily, such as how to get into a wheelchair from your bed.

Once your wound hasstarted to heal, you may start working on an exercise programme with a physiotherapist inthe hospital gym to help you maintain your mobility and muscle strength.

If you have a prosthetic limb fitted (see below), your physiotherapist will teach you how to use itfor example, how to walk on a prosthetic leg or grip with a prosthetic hand.

Going home and follow-up

The length of time it will take before you're ready to go home will depend on the type of amputation you've had and your general state of health.

Before you're discharged from hospital, an occupational therapist may arrange to visit you at home to see whether your home environment needs to be adapted to make it more accessible.

For example, you may need a wheelchair ramp or a stairlift. If these typesof modifications are required, the issue can be referred to your local social services department. Read about mobility, wheelchairs and scooters and assessing your care and support needs .

It can take several months before you're fitted with a prosthetic limb (if you're a suitable for one), so you may be given a wheelchair to help you get around if you've had a lower limb amputation.

You'll probably need to attend a follow-up appointmenta few weeks after being discharged to discuss how well you're coping at home and whether you require additional help, support or equipment.

At your appointment, you may also be given details of your nearest amputee support group, made up of both healthcare professionals and peopleliving with an amputation.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018