Losing a limb is an event with repercussions that changes your whole life. When the amputation is the result of a traumatic accident, the implications for the future can be more complicated. The implications will likely be physical, as well as mental and emotional and can last for many years.
Understanding the physical issues that arise due to an amputation is important for your necessary emotional and mental healing.
Lasting physical effects of losing a limb
These are some issues that you may experience if you have had an amputation:
- This can also be referred to as “œphantom limb” pain. You could feel sensations that seem to be coming from the part of the body that has been removed.
- This pain refers to discomfort coming from the nerves in the area where a limb was removed.
- The site where your amputation occurred could become infected, necessitating further removal of tissue.
- This is a painful growth or benign tumor involving nerve tissue. They usually develop in the foot or toes.
Emotional effects
There are some distressing emotional consequences that may result from the loss of a limb, especially if your amputation is due to a traumatic accident.
Here are some of the common issues that you may deal with:
- You may experience specific anxiety related to your accident or generalized anxiety.
- Sadness and a sense of loss are common after an amputation, but depression goes deeper. You may begin to pull away from family and friends or suffer from other symptoms of depression. It’s important to express any signs of depression to your doctor.
- Not being able to do the things you used to be able to do can bring with it a sense of frustration or dissatisfaction.
- The frustration can turn to anger, especially when those around you say insensitive things in regard to your accident.
- PTSD is a serious condition and can cause you to have flashbacks of your accident or traumatic injury. The limb that was lost can act as a constant reminder of the incident, heightening the symptoms.
Looking ahead
A traumatic amputation may result in the need to have physical and/or occupational therapy for your rehabilitation. This process can be extensive and long-lasting.
Not only are these issues time-intensive but they can also be very costly, not only due to medical expenses but also due to the possible loss of income you have sustained due to the injury.
If you have lost a limb due to a traumatic accident or injury, you may need to seek legal advice. The lawyers at Yegendorf Rashid can help you receive compensation that may be owing to you.