All about your amputation specialists & hospital team

There is a whole team of medical professionals involved in carrying out an amputation surgery. Here is some information about the amputation specialists who may be in your team, what they do and how they care for you. Together, this is the team of people who will do all they can to ensure you have a successful procedure, a comfortable stay in hospital and a strong start to your recovery. The team composition and the process will differ between a scheduled (elective) amputation and traumatic amputation.

Your amputation team may include: 

• Prosthetists 
• Head Amputation Doctor (Rehab Doctor) 
• Nurses 
• Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists 
• Psychologists

Prosthetist

Your prosthetist (also known as CP, O&P professional, Orthotist CO or Certified Prosthetists Orthotists CPO) is the most important partner in building your way back to mobility and independence after amputation. It is very important that you have a comfortable, open and trusting relationship with your prosthetist. This team member will assist with everything relating to your prosthetic limb and all of the associated parts. They will guide you to ensure that the best solution is found for you.  

Your prosthetist will be an ongoing integral part of your life, as your prosthetic limb may need adjusting or as your residual limb changes. Communication is key in this relationship, ask any questions that you may have relating to the different parts of your prosthetic leg. 

Amputation Doctor (Rehab Doctor)

When your amputation is a scheduled procedure, your amputation doctor will be the person who tells you about getting ready for your amputation surgery, the procedure itself and your early recovery and longer-term rehabilitation. 

Think of this person as your home base. If you have questions, or worries or need advice, go to this person first. If they don’t have the answer, they will know who to ask. And remember, all questions are good questions and it’s really important that you ask about anything that you might think of. As things come into your head that you’d like to ask about or talk about, write them down. That way, when you are sitting with your amputation doctor you can make sure you cover everything.  

Your amputation doctor will also arrange the examinations that need to be carried out before your operations. These examinations are to get a read of your state of health – for example blood count analyzes and cardiac function tests.

A close friend or special relative

Having someone you feel really comfortable with to come to appointments with you is also a great plan. They can take notes for you and help you remember everything – it’s too much to remember all at once!  

It also helps to have someone close to offer any emotional support you need. A hug and coffee and a talk after a big consultation can help a lot. 

Nurses 

Your nurses are the people you will have most contact with and can be really wonderful to talk to. They come into your room often and ensure that your medical situation remains safe, calm and comfortable. For example, checking your vital signs, tracking your recovery, helping you get in and out of bed and with things like getting to the bathroom and washing.  

Nurses are highly trained and have a lot of experience with people going through big medical events like you are. They are also a central contact and can connect you with any other medical professionals you need.  

Physical Therapist 

When your surgery is planned (not emergency), it is likely that your physical therapist will  meet with you before your operation and design a set of exercises to help you prepare to get confident and strong with the new situations you will navigate after your amputation. You will work with your physiotherapist on exercises to strengthen and mobilize, as well as balance and coordination exercises. Your physiotherapist may also help you learn how to put on and take off your prosthesis. You will also learn to walk using a prosthetic leg with your physiotherapist. You may also work with a physiotherapist to stimulate your muscles and with a masseur for issues such as lymphatic drainage. 

Occupational therapist 

You will meet your occupational therapist (OT) early in your medical journey. This person will work with you and your family over a longer stretch of time. They will be an important source of knowledge and support in making sure you feel secure and confident about your rehabilitation journey.  

One of the first things your OT will do with you is find out about your vision for life with a prosthetic leg and help you prepare for it, with the guidance and help from your prosthetist and/or others specialists. This will include the kinds of daily activities you need to carry out (work, family, errands), as well as your bigger goals and dreams! Your OT will get you started early to train muscles you will later use to control your prosthesis. Your OT will also make sure you have the right technical aids and know how to use them.  

Psychological care 

Another very important part of your medical care is making sure you retain good mental health.  

Psychological support is an essential component of staying healthy throughout this big life event. A psychologist can support you in dealing with any challenges you may face in daily life, at work, interacting with family or in your social life. They can provide a safe space for you to process things and support you as you find your way. 

A psychologist can also work with you and the people close to you, as they may well also benefit from a psychologist’s insights and support.  

People who have had an amputation 

Amputation is unlike many other medical procedures as it’s not often that we have someone in our social circle who has been through an amputation. It is a large life event and can involve working through significant grief. So it’s vital to and connect with resources such as an amputation support group.  

Of course everyone is different and everyone has their own story, but there are often similar themes and things that people experience and it can be so helpful and empowering to be able to talk openly and honestly with others who have been through an amputation.  

If you find someone you really click with, this person can be an invaluable source of knowledge, support and tested tips and tricks.