What happens immediately after an amputation?

Right after your operation, you will be in a recovery room.
You must lie here until you are completely awake.
You will still have a drip in your hand to get fluid and medicine.

In the time after the operation, you will receive the painkillers you need.
Some people have a thin hose inserted into the surgical wound.
It is for a pump for painkillers.

The first days after amputation, you may find that you can still feel the amputated leg.
It can be like pain or a feeling that the leg is still there.
We call this phantom pain.
Phantom pain will usually taper off over time.
If the phantom pain does not disappear, you can get medication to help the pain.

It is important that you tell the staff if you have pain and what pain it is.
Relaxation, touching and exercises often help pain.

During your hospitalisation, you will meet different specialists.
You will meet a physiotherapist who will help you out of bed for the first time, among other things.
It is important that you get out of bed several times a day to regain balance.
You can see more in the film “Rehabilitation after leg amputation”.

You will also meet the care staff.
They help you get to the toilet and get washed.
It is also the care staff who ensures you get enough food and drink.
It is particularly important that you have enough to eat so that your body can recover.

After a few days, the dressing will be removed and your surgical wound will be checked.
You will be fitted for an elastic stocking which you will need to wear.
It's called a stump sock.
A stump sock will prevent the stump from swelling so that your leg can heal better.

In the days after the operation, the care staff and physiotherapist will talk with you and your relative about how things should be planned when you return home.
Perhaps you need aids or personal help.
It is the care staff who arrange contact with the municipality.
They also help plan if something needs to be changed in your home.

After you have been discharged, you will continue rehabilitation in the municipality.
The rehabilitation continues so you become as self-reliant and active as possible.
Over time, your physiotherapist will decide with you whether or not you will benefit from a prosthesis.
See more in the film “Is a prosthesis the right choice for me?”.

For more information go to www.helbredsprofilen.dk