Common Cares

Prosthesis – Replacing The Loss. Amputation - Part II

Introduction

When you have gone through of having a part of your limb amputated, prosthesis comes to your aid. Though it may not give you back the precious limb you have lost, but can definitely replace it in a manner that allows you to carry on life, with a positive attitude. Prosthesis is the artificial replacement of a missing limb or part of a limb. Prosthesis allows you to walk without crutches, your hands will be free, you will be upright, and be able to move around as you wish.

Prosthesis has these basic parts:

• The socket: your residual limb fits inside it
• The knee joint: for above knee amputees only
• The shank: replaces your lower leg and connects to the prosthetic foot

Your prosthesis may have a cover or be shaped to resemble a leg. You may also have a strap or belt to keep the leg on.

What you will be able to do while wearing prosthesis will depend partly on the level of your amputation. With a below-knee level amputation, doing what you used to do takes 25-40% more energy than it used to. With an above-knee level amputation, it may take 68-100% more energy. Because doing what you used to do will take so much more energy, exercising and staying healthy are very important. Your strength, overall health, and determination are even more important than the level of amputation.

The best prosthesis in the world will never be as good as your own natural limb, but when combined with your patience and willpower, it can HELP you do whatever you want to do like

• Walk, run , work
• Ride a bike, drive a car
• Go to school, the market,
• Take care of yourself and your family
• Swim, fish, play sports
• Work in the fields
• Stand for a long time
• Dance
• Use public transportation

Frequently asked questions

People suffering a limb loss may have some of these questions to be asked like:

When will I get prosthesis?

After surgery, after your wound has healed, and after you have prepared your residual limb with exercises and wrapping, you can begin the process of getting prosthesis. This is usually 4-5 weeks after surgery, but can be months or longer, depending on where you live.

How long would it last?

On average, most prostheses last 3-5 years. This too will vary from place to place and may depend on your level of activity.

What do I need to do to get ready for prosthesis?

• Take care to prevent contractures (when a joint becomes stuck in one position).
• Wrap your residual limb to make sure it forms into the best shape for wearing prosthesis.
• Exercise to strengthen your whole body and the specific muscles you need to walk with prosthesis.

Is it easy to learn to use prosthesis?

Learning to use prosthesis takes time, great effort, strength, patience, and perseverance. You will need to learn how to:

• Take care of your prosthesis
• Put it on and take it off
• Fall down and get up again safely
• Do self-care activities like get dressed
• Walk on different types of terrain
• And much more

Will I need to use a wheelchair?

If you have lost both legs, you will probably use a wheelchair at least some of the time.

Will I need to use crutches?

If you have an above-knee level amputation you may sometimes find it easier to use crutches. If you have a below-knee level amputation you may need to use crutches, for example, when the residual limb becomes sore, when taking a shower, or just to have a break from wearing your prosthesis.

Once I have my prosthesis and am ready to go home, then what?

Plan on making follow-up visits to a prosthetics center a normal part of your life. Proper fit of the socket and good alignment will make the prosthesis useful to you. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Take care of small problems with your prosthesis promptly. It is best not to wear your pros-thesis when it needs repairs or to be replaced because you will harm your residual limb and other parts of your body.

If I have a Blister or a Red Spot on my residual

You can try to adjust how the prosthesis fits over a sore spot with a little extra padding, but if the sore stays or gets worse, go back to the prosthetist and ask him to adjust it.

Advice About Prosthetics

• Talk to the person who is making your prosthesis. Tell him where it hurts. Tell him where it feels too loose or too tight. Ask questions. The more you communicate with your prosthetist, the better he or she will be able to make the prosthesis fit your residual limb.
• Make ‘friends’ with your prosthesis. Think of it as something important and useful to you. Treat it with care and respect.
• Practice walking and running.
• Use a mirror if possible to watch yourself walk.
• Try different activities. Test yourself.