Getting prepared for a new prosthetic limb is never easy. Even though it improves mobility and life quality, losing a body part due to amputation is not a comforting thought.

However, the right thing to do is to embrace this change, no matter how hard it is, and look forward to the positivity it will bring. You will be able to move again without requiring support and perform most of your routine chores easily, thanks to the prosthetic limb.

Having said that, getting a prosthetic limb isn’t a very straightforward process. A lot goes behind to ensure the artificial limb fits you perfectly and helps you in carrying out your routine activities. The process entails many steps.

To put it into perspective, we have discussed a step-by-step guide for getting a successful prosthetic. Continue reading!

The Process of Getting a Successful Prosthetic

Before Amputation Surgery

This step comes into the picture if the amputation isn’t caused by a trauma or accident. The surgeon will conduct a physical assessment of the patient, take their medical history into account, and guide them about the procedure. They may also discuss pain management after the surgery.

In addition, the possibility of phantom pain is also discussed. For the uninitiated, it is a post-amputation phenomenon in which the patient feels that their amputated part is causing pain. Earlier, it was perceived to be a psychological issue. However, after research, it was deduced that these are real sensations.

Amputation Surgery

This is the most important step of the entire procedure as the surgeon removes the affected limb and closes the wound. You may feel a great level of discomfort post-surgery; however, your care team will work on pain management. They will also apply a dressing to the wound.

As it’s a surgical process, you will have to stay in the hospital for a few days. The exact duration of stay varies depending on various factors, including the nature of the amputation. Throughout your stay in the hospital, your care team will be there focusing on wound healing and working on the mobility of the affected limb. Furthermore, they will also teach you certain functional mobility exercises while providing you with ongoing support.

In most cases, the patient has to stay in the hospital for somewhere between 3 and 10 days on the basis of when they gain their strength and balance. It’s common for the residual limb to swell after the surgery. Your care team may use a compression sock or shrinker to control the swelling.

Pre-prosthetic Training

This is the step when you’re inching closer to getting the prosthetic and regaining your mobility if it’s the lower limb. During this step, the care team will prepare your residual limb for the prosthetic. They will carry out muscle strengthening, limb shaping, skin care, and pain management procedures as part of the mobility solution.

During this stage, you will have to work with your physical therapist and rehabilitative care team to gain strength in the limb and avoid muscle tightening. They will make you perform certain exercises for this purpose. These sessions are usually held in a rehab center or skilled nursing facility. However, you can also arrange them in your home, depending on your requirements. The pre-prosthetic training stage also entails desensitizing the patient’s residual limb and scar tissues.

IF you have questions or concerns, feel free to share them with your prosthetist at this stage.

Prosthetic Creation

This stage starts when the limb is well-healed, and the swelling has subsided. It begins with building the socket. The major benefit of creating a socket is that it allows prosthetists to make modifications and/or adjustments before they can create the final prosthesis for the patient.

Doing this is important as a prosthetic that doesn’t fit properly can result in discomfort and pain. Furthermore, it may end up damaging other parts of the patient’s body as well.

Delivery

This is the last stage of getting a prosthetic. You will have your final artificial limb by now that should fit you perfectly. However, bear in mind that it will take some time for you to get accustomed to your new limb. This is why your doctor will give you a schedule to follow for wearing your artificial limb.

Along with this, you will have to continue with occupational or physical therapy (depending on the body part that has been amputated) sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to provide the patients with additional training.

Initially, it will be tough to manage your new limb. There will be many appointments with the prosthetist for adjustments and modifications. However, with the passage of time, a prosthesis will be seamlessly integrated into your routine lifestyle.

Having said that, it’s important that you care for your prosthetic so that it can keep supporting you for an extended period.

Want further assistance? Feel free to get in touch with experts at Advance Care. Our team of highly skilled and experienced doctors will guide you through the entire process.