Amputation Essential Checklist

Amputation Essential Checklist is a must-follow. You are facing an amputation. Here is an Amputation Essential Checklist of things you have to do before you get your amputation. How you got here is either the result of a medical condition in your limb that has become critical or you have just suffered a traumatic event like a car crash. This means there is no preparation and the amputee regains consciousness after the operation. That is when you need to engage your support system to deal with this amputation essential checklist. Your podiatrist or Orthopedic surgeon has detected a severe infection resistant to antibiotics, a cancerous tumor in the bone or muscle of the limb, the peripheral arterial disease that has caused gangrene or thickening of nerve tissue called a neuroma. You will be referred to a vascular surgeon. Thankfully you have some time and a lot to do. In both cases, there is no relying on the system to provide these things that you need in your recovery.

Planned Amputation Essential Checklist

Unless you need an emergency amputation, you must be sure that your vascular surgeon coordinates a full assessment before surgery to identify the most suitable type of amputation and any factors that may affect your rehabilitation. Do not leave this up to him and if he omits a part be insistent on why it was omitted. Most Vascular surgeons are busy and curt in their consultation with you.  If he doesn’t give you an adequate answer ask his medical assistant. Don’t give up because you need to avoid being left as a complaint.

Emergency Amputation Essential Checklist

There is a tendency when you are about to go through a major physical change to panic and give up control of the situation. The problem when you are in a medical crisis the psychological feelings are discouraged. This article counters this mindset. You must complete these necessary things to do before your amputation:

• a thorough medical examination will happen in most cases. You must make sure it includes: assessing your physical condition, nutritional status, bowel and bladder function, your cardiovascular system, and your respiratory system (lungs and airways)
• an assessment of the condition and function of your healthy limb – removing one limb can place extra strain on the remaining limb, so it's important to look after the healthy limb
• a psychological assessment – to determine how well you'll cope with the psychological and emotional impact of amputation, and whether you'll need additional support
• an assessment of your home, work, and social environments – to determine whether any additional provisions will need to be made to help you cope

You must insist on being referred to a physiotherapist, who will be involved in your post-operative care. Now would be a good time to research prosthetists (a specialist in prosthetic limbs) in your area. You need to find one who is will advise you about the type and function of prosthetic limbs or other devices available. Find one that you trust and ask for a show of the ones he makes by hand.

Lastly don't forget that you are going through a tremendous psychological transition. Finding a therapist who specializes in helping amputees and a psychiatrist for a psychiatric evaluation The sooner you form a relationship with a seasoned professional the better. If you're having a planned amputation, you will have more time to make an appointment with a therapist who deals with amputations. might find it reassuring to talk to someone who's had a similar type of amputation. The Amputee Coalition has a Certified Peer Visitor program. You can schedule a visit who will answer any questions you have about the transition to having to wear a prosthesis.

Before the amputation

Lower Limb Amputation Patient/Famly Education