Any tips on amputee care

Am typing up a lecture for my ADN students on amputation. Have a thorough review from the BOOK and several academic sources. Does anyone out there have any anecdotal advice that would be useful for a lecture? Thank you in advance:kiss

lever5 · Aug 23, 2002

Vicky'

I married my husband at the age of 29. He is an amputee, missing his left hip and leg. He has a prostesis that he wears every day. He never feels sorry for himself, and can do everything but run. As many people have said, attitude is everything. Although, every step causes discomfort, he keeps going. You can find him on the roof, on a 40 foot ladder, or crawling under the house to fix the plumbing, he is more of a man than anyone I have ever met. My advise for all nurses, help patients find a way to cope. Encourage them to lead a full life. There is nothing they can not do, two legs or two arms are not required to do anything. My husband is often asked to talk to other amputee's, sometimes it is helpful to relate to someone who has accepted their situation. To see someone who has coped with the curves that life can present.

sharann, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2002

Not much to add to levers great statements except that it is important to believe them when they say they have pain . It is called "phantom limb pain", and it is some neuro type thing. The brain still sends out pain signals as if the limb is still there. It has been reported to be severe type pain. That's about all I know.

**NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN** · Aug 23, 2002

For older amputee, it is important for them to return to prosthetic maker if greater than 20 lb wt gain or weight loss to check for fit of appliance. With some wt loss. applying two stump socks is appropriate. I seen some try to wear 4 or 5 socks. May people don't realize reassessment prosthetic is usually covered under insurance.

Also, stump socks come in different thickness.

adrienurse, LPN · Aug 23, 2002

I once got beaten with somebody's stump while removing the staples on the incision. This, if find, is bad for both the wound and the nurse. LOL

Sorry, no other amputee stories!

UKRNinUSA, RN · Aug 23, 2002

1) tapping on the end of the stump is supposed to reduce phantom limb pain

2) do not absentmindedly ask the patient where his other shoe is when he doesn't yet have his prosthesis yet and you're helping him out of the bed (yes, I'm guilty)

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Aug 23, 2002

Thank you all very much. Useful info for a very well-rounded lecture (book knowledge is one thing--it is very important to add some "real life spice" to any lecture).