Tips to Prepare for Amputation Surgery

There is a lot to prepare for and a lot of new information to take in. The emotional load is significant and you will need to allow yourself generous time and support as you make your way into this new phase of your life.  

On a practical note, there are some things to do to prepare yourself before amputation surgery – including a series of medical appointments to help prepare you for surgery, recovery and rehabilitation.  

Our articles are here to help you understand more about your preparation and the people who will be in charge of your medical care.  

Facing a planned amputation surgery can bring a great deal of uncertainty. You may be wondering what life will look like after surgery, what you should take with you to hospital, how your home may need to change, or what questions you should ask about amputation recovery, rehabilitation and prosthetics.

Ask Questions Before Your Amputation Surgery

It is completely reasonable to have questions before an amputation.

Before going into hospital, consider writing down the things you would like to understand. Having your questions on paper or on your phone can make them easier to remember during appointments.

Your questions could include:

• How long should I expect to be in hospital?
• What should I bring with me?
• What might my daily routine look like when I return home?
• Who will form part of my rehabilitation team?
• Who should my family or caregiver contact if they have questions?
• At what stage might I meet a prosthetist?
• Who should I speak to about returning to work, driving or everyday activities?
• Where can I find reliable information about living with limb loss?

Questions about your individual surgery, recovery or rehabilitation should always be discussed directly with the relevant healthcare professional.

Get to Know Your Amputation and Rehabilitation Team

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may meet several different professionals during your amputation and rehabilitation journey.

Össur South Africa's existing information for people preparing for amputation notes that the professionals involved may include a surgeon, prosthetist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and other healthcare professionals according to the individual's circumstances.

It can be useful simply to understand who does what.

Keep the names and contact details of the people involved in your care somewhere accessible. Family members or caregivers may also find it helpful to know who to contact for different questions.

Prepare Your Home Before Going to Hospital

One of the most practical things you can do before a planned amputation is look at your home with your return in mind.

You don't need to predict exactly what your mobility will be like. Instead, think about making everyday items easier to reach and reducing unnecessary clutter.

Consider practical tasks such as:

• clearing clutter from commonly used areas;
• organising frequently used items so they are easy to access;
• making sure important telephone numbers are saved;
• moving chargers and everyday essentials to convenient locations;
• organising clothing and toiletries;
• making space for any equipment your healthcare team has told you to expect; and
• asking someone you trust to help with household tasks while you are away.

Learn Some Basic Amputation and Prosthetic Terminology

You may hear unfamiliar terminology during conversations about amputation, rehabilitation and prosthetics.

For example:

Residual limb.
The part of a limb remaining following an amputation.

Prosthesis
An artificial device designed to replace a missing body part. A prosthesis replacing part of a leg may commonly be referred to as a prosthetic leg or artificial leg.

Prosthetist
A healthcare professional working in the field of prosthetics who is involved in the design, manufacture, fitting and management of prostheses.

Transtibial amputation
An amputation through the lower leg, commonly referred to as a below-knee amputation.

Transfemoral amputation
An amputation through the thigh, commonly referred to as an above-knee amputation.

Understanding the terminology can make conversations with healthcare professionals easier to follow, but you should always ask if someone uses a term you don't understand.

Give Yourself Permission Not to Have Everything Figured Out

Preparing for amputation can involve a lot of information arriving at once.

You don't need to understand the entire amputation recovery and prosthetic rehabilitation journey before entering hospital.

• Start with what is immediately useful:
• Know where you're going.
• Know what you're taking with you.
• Know who your important contacts are.
• Prepare your home for your return.
• Arrange some practical support.
• Write down your questions.

And allow the next steps to unfold with the people supporting you.

Preparing for Amputation: A Simple Checklist

Before your planned amputation surgery, here is a amputation surgery checklist that may help:

• received your hospital admission information;
• written down questions for your healthcare team;
• saved important contact details;
• prepared your hospital bag;
• organised essential items at home;
• arranged care for pets or dependants where necessary;
• identified family or friends who can provide practical support;
• thought about transport and everyday logistics after returning home;
• written down activities and goals that are important to you; and
• identified reliable sources of information about amputation, limb loss and prosthetics.

You don't need to plan your entire journey before surgery. A few practical preparations can simply help reduce the number of everyday things you need to think about at once. Every amputation and rehabilitation journey is individual. Always discuss questions about your health, surgery, medication, wound care, physical activity, rehabilitation, mobility aids or prosthetic treatment with the appropriately qualified healthcare professionals responsible for your care.