Reactions to an amputation

Physically, many people get better quickly when they have their sick legs removed. The pain becomes less and the feeling of being sick and weak disappears. Many find that they actually do better than they did while they had problems with ulcers and pain. Some even say they should have been amputated much earlier. So even if it is a tough time, there is absolute hope for a good life afterwards.

However, losing part of your body affects most people deeply. It may therefore be a good idea to remember that the leg no longer worked normally. Maybe it even threatened your health. Having a leg amputated is in many ways a great change in life. If you have had your leg amputated, you may experience different reactions and concerns. You may be a bit discouraged and think about how you should now manage your daily life. It is a thought that almost all people who have had a leg amputated have. It can be really hard to imagine how one can manage without legs. Others are concerned with how other people see them when they are missing a leg or a foot. You can experience feelings such as anxiety, anger, grief and hopelessness. But also relief and gratitude. These are all natural reactions.

Perhaps you feel that you have lost a part of yourself. That you are not an entire person any more, and therefore you find yourself having an identity crisis. It takes time to accept that you are not the same any more. Just after the amputation, many find themselves overwhelmed by the situation. The period up to the operation may have been frantic, and you may have had a lot of pain. It may also be that your progression has been long and that you have had time to get used to the idea of an amputation. No matter how your progression has been, losing a part of your body can be a major disruption.

For most people, speaking with others about your thoughts is helpful. You can speak with your family, a good friend or colleague. You can also speak with the staff at the hospital or where you go for rehabilitation. If you experience that you continue being sad or have many thoughts that are difficult to express in words, you can consider speaking with your doctor, nurse, psychologist or clergyman. They have extensive experience in supporting people through the sorrow of losing a leg.

For many people, speaking with someone who has had a leg amputated himself is a great help. It gives courage for the future when others who have themselves been in the same situation can give tips and encouragement. Among other things, you can find support in the amputation association, which has local divisions around the country.

For more information go to www.helbredsprofilen.dk