Losing part of your leg, or any other part of your body, can be very traumatic. It raises all sorts of questions and creates a number of practical problems, not to mention feelings of pain, grief and anger. At the hospital, a multi-disciplinary medical team will support and help you. Never be afraid to ask if you need help.

Although amputation is still major surgery, modern techniques mean people can be operated on successfully, even those that are very ill. Then the recovery and rehabilitation process begins, which may involve the fitting of a prosthesis - an artificial leg. As recovery progresses many people are able to take up most of their former activities and enjoy a good quality of life.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. To talk to other amputees can often be of great value. There are a number of amputee associations, which offer support and more information. Some of these are featured in our links page and your own hospital should be able to recommend others.

We hope that these pages can provide some answers to the many questions you, your relatives and friends may have. There are many other good sources of information, so don't hesitate to ask questions. If the first person you ask at the hospital doesn't know, he or she can find you someone who does. That's why there is a team.