Some of our wheelchair customers are buying their first wheelchair following the loss of a limb for medical reasons having had an amputation. We are frequently asked questions about wheelchairs for lower limb amputees so have written an article below to address some of those questions.
Amputation recovery can be a challenging time for many that can leave people feeling depressed, irate and frustrated. Ideally friends and relatives must be available to assist those who have recently had an amputation in adjusting to their new existence.
An amputation is what?
An amputation occurs when a bone containing healthy tissue is broken, or when a body component is severed at a joint (disarticulation). When a damaged body part is unlikely to recover or poses a risk to the patient's life or health, amputation of the leg or other limb becomes required.
Circulation issues, cancer, birth defects, and accidents can all result in limb loss. When an accident causes the amputation, it comes as a shock and can have a significant effect on the patient; but, in cases of extended illness, the amputee is aware of the impending necessity for this procedure in advance.
Wheelchairs for amputees
The biggest choice facing amputees is whether they wish to opt for a manual or an electric wheelchair. This will be governed largely by the age and fitness of the person and their desire to pursue an independent lifestyle.
Why is amputation level significant, and what does it mean?
The "site" (or amputation level) where the bone and tissue will be severed is described. The necessity of the intervention determines this degree. An orthopaedic technician is typically contacted at this level when surgery is scheduled to ascertain the best course of action for the patient's future prosthetic use.
Following the procedure, special attention must be given to the healing of the residual stump or amputation stump after the arm, hand, or leg is removed. A amputee's stump needs to be well-cared for in order to cure the wound and get ready for the use of a prosthesis. In order to accomplish this, the stump must be painless, able to support weight, and mobile in all planes.
Repositioning the patient multiple times a day is especially crucial in the event of a limb amputation in order to prevent pressure sores from forming. In this instance, it can take longer for the wound to heal and more intense care—like compression treatment or creams—will be required in order for the scar tissue to become resistant.
How does an amputation's recuperation go?
Providing the maximum amount of mobility and independence to patients who have had their lower limbs amputated—as well as their hands—is the aim of rehabilitation. If the amputation is of a lower limb, the recuperation period it is a good time to using the most suitable wheelchair.
Learning to use prosthesis and performing movements are both part of rehabilitation. It's also crucial to learn certain specific hygiene techniques because amputees' stumps require ongoing care to maintain a healthy scar and avoid scaly, rough skin. The stump should ideally be cleaned many times a day and carefully dried.
Because their healthy limb will bear nearly all of the body weight during a large portion of their rehabilitation, people who have had a leg amputated should also take extra care of it. Wearing breathable socks, a comfortable shoe (with insoles if needed), and tending to any new sores that develop in the area are also advised.
Another obstacle in lower limb amputees' rehabilitation is learning to walk with the prosthesis. In actuality, the patient's ability to regain autonomy depends on their ability to choose and operate the prosthetic components. When it is not suitable for the amputee to walk then a wheelchair is a sensible solution to allow ongoing mobility.
How does living with a severed limb feel?
During the period of adaptation or transition, amputees must not be left alone. They will go through a lot of changes, some of which will be significant, during this extended period. Relearning numerous daily tasks, such using the lavatory, cooking and cleaning the house, is part of this. In this regard, it's critical that the entire family participate in the alterations and adjustments made to the house, such as adding bars to the bathroom, replacing the bathtub with a shower, or enlarging the doors to make room for a wheelchair.
We advise double amputee patients to utilise wheelchairs with double amputee footrest systems because they can postpone their centre of gravity, which increases stability. By attaching the armrest to the frame, installing ergonomic handle brake systems, and securely fastening the footrest platforms, wheelchairs can be customised to meet the individual demands of each user. For individuals who have had lower extremity amputations, these features are a good option.
One of the biggest problems amputees encounter is not knowing how long their recuperation period would take. It may also be challenging to return to your career because you will need to adjust to new physical and psychological circumstances in a different setting.
Some specialists believe that it's crucial for patients to read and understand what life would be like after having an arm or leg amputated, particularly in cases where the amputation is planned. We advise them to get in touch with other amputees, family members, and organisations to learn more about what to anticipate from this new chapter of their lives, and to select the kinds of support that will ease their transition into a new normal and aid in their recuperation.
If you need a wheelchair following an amputation please feel free to ask us for advice about selecting a suitable wheelchair. You can do this by email or using the contact form on our web site.