One of the hardest parts about overcoming an obstacle is the fear of the unknown. For a patient suffering from Type 2 Diabetes, the possibility of having a toe, foot or partial leg amputation is a very real and normal fear. If you or a loved one is required to undergo this necessary surgical procedure, here is an overview of the healing process that takes place after an amputation so you’ll be better equipped to prepare for this difficult situation. *However, it’s important to note that each person is different and every situation is unique, so if you have questions or concerns, please contact your doctor.*
When you first wake up in the recovery room, you may feel nauseous or may vomit due to the effects of anesthesia. A sterile dressing or bandage will be applied to the wound and a stocking may be placed over the amputation to hold drainage tubes. Once your breathing, pulse, and blood pressure are stable and you are awake and alert, you’ll be transferred to a hospital room for a stay that will last around 3-7 days depending on your procedure and your individual healing process.
During your stay in the hospital, you’ll be given medication to help with the pain and antibiotics to fight infection. Your bandages will be changed frequently so that the medical staff can ensure that you’re healing properly. You also might start physical therapy which can involve muscle stretching, exercising, or practicing how to get out of bed or into a wheelchair safely. If you had a foot or below the knee amputation, you could be fitted for a prosthetic at this time. If you are healing quickly, your therapist may have you practicing with your prosthetic between 10-14 days after surgery. Your doctor, nurse or other medical personnel might discuss how you are feeling emotionally after this traumatic event. You may be depressed or you could be feeling “phantom pain” in your limb that’s no longer there. This is a normal part of the process and there are many resources that your doctor can give you to help work through this emotional struggle. Take this help; this is a hard situation and you don’t have to go through it alone. It’s not a sign of weakness but an opportunity to heal emotionally.
Before you leave the hospital, the medical staff will teach you how to change your bandages and bathe your wound so you can care for yourself at home. Keep close watch of your wound and contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever, swelling or bleeding, increased pain, or numbness or tingling in the remaining limb. These could all be signs of infection or complications that could hinder your recovery process. It will take time and some frustration to re-learn how to do the everyday things, so be patient and ask for help to adjust to your new normal.
