Prepare for Surgical Amputation
A surgical amputation is the removal of an extremity (leg, foot, toe, arm or finger) usually as a last resort for pain control or a threat to the entire body due to infection. Other reasons for amputation include a severe injury, a tumor or PAD (peripheral arterial disease).
Instructions
Plan for Surgical Amputation
1. Expect extensive testing to be performed. Before determining that surgical amputation is the only solution, your doctor will do a thorough examination with several tests.
2. Realize the importance of identifying the underlying cause for amputation. Blood pressure tests and angiography will likely be performed to evaluate the blood flow to the affected extremity.
3. Understand the importance of getting conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and reduced kidney function under control. These contribute to the need for amputations. It's important to get them under control to reduce the possibility for future surgical intervention.
4. Recognize the fact that in the case of a traumatic injury, there may not be time to prepare for a surgical amputation. This may be a matter of life or death without immediate intervention.
5. Anticipate the possibility of surgical amputation as a course of treatment for cancer. It is sometimes necessary to use chemotherapy or radiation to shrink a tumor to make amputation more successful.
6. Prepare for using an artificial limb prior to amputation. Many physicians arrange for a fitting prior to the surgery. That way, recovery is not hindered due to waiting on delivery of the device.
7. Stop smoking if you're a smoker. This will enhance the blood flow and your recovery from a surgical amputation.
8. Schedule an appointment with a counselor or mental health specialist. The loss of a limb can have a devastating effect on the emotional health as well as the physical. It's important to work through the mental anguish in order to facilitate the healing process.
9. Consider that surgical amputation in children is totally different from adults. The bone structure is immature and still growing, and reasons for surgery may involve correction of anomalies.
10. Ask for detailed information about the risks and possible complications during and after surgical amputation.
