Back to Health A to Z. An amputation is the surgical removal of part of the body, such as an arm or leg. This topic may be helpful if you, a friend, or a member of your family, recently had or are planning to have an amputation. Unless you need to have an emergency amputation, you'll be fully assessed before surgery to identify the most suitable type of amputation and any factors that may affect your rehabilitation. The assessment is likely to include a thorough medical examination to check your physical condition, such as your nutritional status, bowel and bladder function, cardiovascular system heart, blood and blood vessels and your respiratory system lungs and airways. The doctor will also check the condition and function of your healthy limb. Removing one limb can place extra strain on the remaining limb, so it's important to look after the healthy limb. It may also inlude a psychological assessment to determine how well you'll cope with the psychological and emotional impact of amputation, and whether you'll need additional support. There may be an assessment of your home, work and social environments to check if any changes will need to be made to help you cope. You'll also be introduced to a physiotherapist, who will be involved in your post-operative care.
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The Guldmann Amputee sling is designed for lifting and moving people who have had one or both legs amputated above the knee, and for lifting people who have had both legs completely removed. The Amputee model supports the entire body up to and including the shoulders, with added support around the pelvis. The sling can be used from a seated or lying position for example from a floor, bed or wheelchair. During lifts from a lying position, the Guldmann Neck Support Cushion can be used to support the head. The Guldmann Amputee sling is available in several sizes and is made from polyester material. For additional information on how to choose the correct sling and size, please refer to the Guldmann Sling Guide and size guide below. Using the appropriate sling is essential for efficient transfers to ensure comfort, dignity and safety for the user and the care provider. Using the appropriate sling is essential for efficient transfers to ensure comfort, dignity, and safety for the user and the care provider.
Does Medicare Cover Bathroom Safety Equipment?
The bathroom is one of the places in your home where the ability to do things independently is extremely important. While in the bathroom, most people want to be alone if at all possible. Many activities of daily living such as showering, bathing, shaving, brushing your hair, and brushing your teeth are tasks that many people take for granted. On the contrary, people with limb differences may find these tasks very difficult to do alone. Your daily grooming routine may be made up of movements that require hand and wrist dexterity and flexibility, arm extension and rotation, and more global skills such as balance, strength, and coordination. When these movements are difficult or painful, grooming can be a frustrating or even risky experience when done without the aid of assistive devices. This reality can be seen by the fact that more accidents occur in the bathroom than in any other room in the house.
One of the most important things for many people is getting our lives back to the way it was prior to amputation. Obviously some changes will need to be made and you may experience daily challenges, but in most cases these can be overcome in time. Heading home for the first time can raise mixed feelings for you and your family; excitement, hope and anxiety. Moving around a hospital can be very different to the way you can move around your home. In some cases people adjust to their amputation in hospital and rehabilitation, but moving around your home can be quite different. Many homes have stairs to access the property, carpet instead of vinyl floors, toilets and bathrooms that are not always easily accessible and doorways that are small and difficult to enter or exit. Ensuring that you are going to a place that is safe and accessible is important. Your occupational therapist will discuss options for modifications and assistive devices prior to your discharge. They may arrange a visit to your place of residence with you where possible , to discuss your needs.
