The healthcare world is a kaleidoscope of roles, and I was fortunate to spend 24 years working in a diverse sampling of patient-facing and behind-the-scenes positions in the corporate big leagues. After a short breather, I dipped my toes back into the healthcare pool, but only part-time and online—because who's ready to dive back into full-time just yet? It seemed like a no-brainer and a "safe" bet.
But, entering the healthcare field, even in a new area, I found is a journey filled with learning and growth, often marked by profound experiences. I never imagined I would encounter patients who have undergone amputations or learn about prosthetics and wound care. For a healthcare worker with years of experience, these can still be eye-opening and transformative experiences. I want to share with you my thought-provoking educational journey that gave me the opportunity to embrace a population that I had previously overlooked.
Working in my new, part-time position with a physician, I was initially only arranging schedules and appointments for clinics. As I became more involved in the clinics, I found myself on a research spree. I was googling everything from "What on earth is a C-brace?" to "How long does it take for an amputee to get a prosthetic?" and even "What are common issues encountered after receiving a prosthetic?" It was quite the educational rabbit hole! Initially, the sheer volume of information was daunting. However, I wanted to find out what sort of information on amputees, prosthetics and orthotics that I could use to help these patients in our clinics. Challenge accepted!
I found that patients often face many issues after receiving their prosthesis. However, a couple of recurring issues really sparked a lightbulb moment for me, and I thought, "Hey, we can totally tackle this!"
These common issues:
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), which can affect the fit of the prosthesis and lead to skin issues.
Changing residual limb shape. This usually occurs in the first year after an amputation as the tissue settles into its more permanent shape and may affect the fit of the socket.
Weakness in the residual limb, which may make it difficult to use the prosthesis for long periods of time.
Phantom limb pain could be intense enough to impact your ability to use the prosthesis. 80% of people with amputations experience phantom limb pain that has no clear cause.
*A quick side note for me to process this information: So, not only is this patient an amputee and has to endure the physical and emotion stress of losing a limb, but now they are dealing with the aftermath of having new equipment on their body! Can you imagine? I had not even thought about this before yet imagined it. Just for a second, l would like to tell you what I learned on my educational journey. Not to feel sorry for amputees or to pity. Instead to have an understanding of what they may have been through and empathize.
Learning Journey:
First, I learned that each amputee is unique. Unique in the cause of their amputation and in their individual responses to it. Whether the amputation was due to sudden trauma, infection, or another critical medical condition, each amputee's experience is uniquely their own.
Secondly, I found that amputations are not solely physical! Sure, losing a limb is a profoundly physical trauma, but it also triggers an emotional turmoil that spans shock, denial, and grief. I learned that a wide range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder, especially if the amputation was the result of a traumatic event, are common in amputees. They must confront issues related to body image and functionality. I could go on and on with some of the questions a new amputee may struggle with, but I will stop here for you to consider.
And third, I learned it takes a village. Okay, not really a village, but a support system, consisting of healthcare workers, family and friends. Healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, physical therapists and mental health professionals) play a role in helping the amputee adapt to their new reality. This includes supporting them through the fitting and use of prosthetics, encouraging mobility, and fostering independence (hint: this is where I thought we could help). Of course, family and friends are needed to support in everyday life. Helping out at home with that functionality issue, transportation to and from appointments and emotional support.
Now, armed with all this information, you might wonder how I thought we could be of assistance. Excellent question! Allow me to first share details about the clinics I have been helping with:
The Prosthetic & Orthotic Clinics are available through telehealth services. The initial exam involves a thorough exam to determine the patient’s specific needs and objectives. This includes examining the residual limb, discussing lifestyle and daily tasks, and considering any health conditions that may influence the use of a prosthesis. The goal is to work together so that the prosthesis offers maximum functionality and comfort for the patient.
And in my research, I found that:
At some point, the patient may notice they aren’t as functional as they would like to be with the current leg prosthesis.
It's possible that the residual limb has stabilized, indicating that the patient is ready to move from a temporary prosthesis, which lasts a few months, to a more permanent one, designed to last three to five years.
The patient may have “outwalked” the prosthesis by moving more or differently than the prosthesis was designed for. New pain, discomfort and/or lack of stability are some of the signs that it may be time for the patient to check in with a healthcare provider to reevaluate their needs.
I knew that our clinics could help amputee patients in numerous ways! It was eye opening, exciting and comforting. I am confident that this is not the end of my journey. The experience of learning about amputees can profoundly impact a healthcare worker's personal and professional development. Moreover, it can inspire a deeper commitment to patient care and a greater appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. I hope my journey of learning and rediscovery was not only engaging and enlightening but has fostered a sense of empathy and compassion in your own journey.
In conclusion, my experience of learning about amputees, prosthetics and orthotics was multifaceted. It was a journey of empathy, learning, and personal growth. It was learning about comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and
psychological needs of a patient. And ultimately, it was about learning how to be a part of a patient's path to recovery after amputation.
For more information about the Prosthetic & Orthotics Clinics I spoke of, click HERE.
If you or someone you know is interested in benefiting from a Prosthetic & Orthotics clinic or you would like more information, please reach out HERE.
For more information on amputee support and resources, visit the Amputee Coalition's website or reach out to local support groups and healthcare providers.
~Anneke Hill
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