Returning Home

After rehabilitation, you will continue your journey towards independence. Here are some tips that may help you adjust in every facet of your life:

Relatives and relationships

An amputation impacts more than the patient. Some friends or family members may be uncertain or overwhelmed over how to support you through your journey. Open communication can go a long way towards healing and redefining relationships. You may want to speak with an adjustment counselor or peer mentor, who can help open the dialog within your support circle.

Work

An amputation does not mean that you can never return to work. In fact, in many cases, using a prosthesis can aid your return to the workforce. If your job, degree of mobility and general condition allow it, you should be able to resume your pre-amputation employment. If this is not the case, a career counselor can assist you in developing an employment plan. Vocational Rehabilitation services, available in all states, may be beneficial to help you navigate new career options.

Physical activities and sports

Physical activity is important for your health. Remaining physically active prevents health problems and releases natural mood-enhancing endorphins.

As you continue in your recovery after amputation, you may find yourself able to resume prior levels of physical activity. In some cases, people have found that, post-amputation, using the right prosthesis has helped them get started in physical fitness.  Others discovered that the right prosthesis could enhance and even increased their levels of physical activity and ability.

Have you have always been athletic? Perfect! Check with your doctor and see if you can keep doing what you have been doing. If you are a beginner and are looking for the right sport, talk to your doctor about your options.  

Depending on your physical condition and mobility level, you may be able to participate in a wide range of sports after you recover from your amputation. For beginners, hiking is often suggested as a good option because it is ubiquitous and requires little equipment. Sports such as cycling and swimming are also ideal low-impact activities. Cycling does not place additional stress on the prosthesis, and there are prosthetic knee joints that have a bicycle function. Tricycles, recumbent and/or hand bikes also great ways to enjoy cycling.

One thing is clear: whether you are a beginner, amateur, performance or extreme athlete, modern prosthetic technology can help you to achieve your goals.  To avoid damage to the prosthesis due to overloading and to ensure your safety, be sure to discuss your exercise and activity goals with your prosthetist.