[AMP-L] Long-term Treatment for Amputees

[CVellafl at aol.com]

I am a 56 year old male with a left below knee amputation from  a blood clot 
and peripheral artery disease.
 
After the hospital stay, he will see his vascular surgeon  (hopefully, he 
performed the amputation) until he feels it is sufficiently  healed. 
 
He should have a post amp cast to reduce and confine the  swelling...this 
would have been done in the OR.
 
While healing, I was evaluated and advised by a home health  physical 
therapist re: leg strengthening, wound care, bathing, wheel chair and  walker prowess 
and a general "look over" of the home layout to eliminate any  dangers.  
Luckily, I am in pretty good shape and the PT only came 4  times.
 
The most critical factor now is being POSITIVE.  Yes, it  is going to hurt 
like hell and the phantom pains can be annoying and  excruciating but this will 
pass.
I was given every pain killer in the book but only one thing  worked...my 
determination.  I was sick of sitting so I exercised every  minute in my wheel 
chair and lounger...weights for upper body strength and  thousands of leg lifts 
on both legs...my PT got me a vibrator to increase  circulation in my good leg 
and "desensitize" the stump.  I lightly tapped  the stump all over and 
massaged it constantly to keep the nerves at  bay.
 
When I was ready, I was referred to a CPO (certified  prosthetic and 
orthotic) specialist for my new leg and I couldn't  wait.
 
I was stunned when my vascular surgeon and CPO were amazed by  my 
progress...they said many people give up and enjoy being waited  on...WHAT??  
 
Not me.  My operation was February 12 and I had a date to  walk my daughter 
down the aisle June 11th and I did it!
 
They recently moved into a new home and I built a kitchen  island, pantry and 
new back yard deck.
 
I am self employed and considered applying for benefits but  thought...I'm 
not disabled...I still have two legs and my business is  flourishing.
 
Don't know your situation but whatever it is, if you want to  speed his 
recovery, do not baby him...help him...support him but encourage  him.
 
Best of luck, Carl
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