Anyone who loses a limb lives with a permanent reminder of how it happened. In some cases, it was the result of a catastrophic injury caused by the negligence of another driver on the road or the negligence of an employer.
Regardless, anyone who has lost an arm or leg faces lifelong challenges and adjustments. In time, some may be able to regain their previous quality of life. But others will not after struggling with pain and suffering, exorbitant medical bills, rehabilitation and emotional trauma as they relearn how to do everyday tasks.
More surgery and therapy
In some situations, surgeons determined that amputation was the only realistic choice. Now, you must live with this decision, while living without your arm or leg. Among the many challenges you must confront include:
- Additional surgeries: Due to the severity of your injury, more procedures are possible. In their attempt to achieve the best result, surgeons will seek to save as many blood vessels, tissue, skin and healthy bone as possible. Skin grafts also are likely.
- Psychological trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder may surface as certain situations may trigger memories of how you lost your limb.
- Ongoing therapy: During your healing attempts, you may rely on physical, mental and occupational therapy to carry on with your life the best that you can.
- Getting accustomed to a prosthetic limb: Once fitted with such a limb, you must devote a great amount of time getting used to it and how it works. Then again, some amputees may not be the best candidates for an artificial limb, so this group has a whole new set of challenges.
- Tackling day-to-day tasks: Previous simple tasks such as driving, shopping, eating, brushing teeth and walking must be relearned.
Expect more challenges and be prepared to tackle them one by one as they arrive.
Guidance in overcoming barriers
Granted, there will be difficult times as you adjust to life as an amputee. Certain barriers do exist after an amputation but with the right mindset, guidance from health care and legal professionals such as a personal injury attorney from Charleston, West Virginia, you can overcome them and regain a fulfilling life.