What happens after a below the knee amputation?
Your doctor removed the leg while keeping as much healthy bone, skin, blood vessel, and nerve tissue as possible. After the surgery, you will probably have bandages, a rigid dressing, or a cast over the remaining part of your leg (remaining limb). The leg may be swollen for at least 4 weeks after your surgery.
How long is hospital stay after below knee amputation?
Most patients will be admitted to the hospital for at least one night following the procedure. Many are able to return home as long as they have help at home and are able to walk with crutches or a walker.
How long is hospital stay after leg amputation?
How long am I likely to stay in hospital? Everyone recovers at a different pace and it is difficult to predict this before your surgery. If it is possible to discharge you straight home you will usually be in hospital between 14 – 21 days.
Can you walk after leg amputation?
It may begin with simple exercises you can do while lying down or sitting. If you’ve had a leg amputation, you’ll be encouraged to move around as soon as possible using a wheelchair. You’ll also be taught “transfer techniques” to help you move around more easily, such as how to get into a wheelchair from your bed.
Does losing a leg shorten your life?
Mortality following amputation ranges from 13 to 40% in 1 year, 35–65% in 3 years, and 39–80% in 5 years, being worse than most malignancies.
Is leg amputation painful?
Amputation of a limb is one of the most severe pains in the human experience. This is attributable to the magnitude of the tissue injury involved and the varying loci of centres responsible for pain generation; comprising peripheral, spinal, and cortical regions.
How do you take care of an amputee at home?
Skin Care
- Wash your limb with mild soap and water every day (more often if you sweat heavily) and pat it dry with a soft towel.
- Check your limb for red pressure patches that last more than a few minutes after you remove your prosthesis; these may be a sign that the socket needs checking.