Coping With Limb Loss

Infinity O&P wants to make sure that you have the opportunity to gather all the information you may need in order to make the most informed and knowledgeable decision concerning your prosthetic or orthotic provider. Whether you are facing the loss of a limb, have recently lost a limb due to contributing health factors or a traumatic injury, or are an experienced amputee, we would like to offer our assistance in helping you along the way. With an on staff patient care advocate, and through our affiliation with the Tennessee Valley Amputee Support Group we reach out to anyone facing limb loss in an attempt to help all those we can.

What's next? How can I enjoy life now? How can I even take care of myself now? These and many, many other questions may be going through your mind as you face the possibility of losing a limb, or the reality of having just lost a limb. I can assure you: Life is still enjoyable! You will still be able to take care of yourself and others if neccesary! The sky is still the limit when it comes to what's next! As devistating as losing a limb may seem, you can not let it dampen your spirit, hinder your recovery or interfere with life after the loss. There are over 1.75 million people living with limb loss for one reason or another in the United States alone. The majority of amputations are performed in order to help regain full use of a limb that has become limited or debilitating. Planning for what is ahead and gathering support around you is vital to a quick recovery and gaining use of a prosthetic limb as quickly as possible. Consulting with a prosthetist early on will help you to understand what you will be facing. Speaking with others who have been through the same thing will help you to understand what lies ahead and how to best deal with limb loss. I am Shawn McKearin, above knee amputee and Patient Care Advocate with Infinity O&P and founder of Tennessee Valley Amputee Support Group, please feel free to contact me through the website at any time for answers to your questions.

Losing a limb is equally devastating both physically and emotionally. The emotional anguish you will feel, as well as that your family and friends will go through is different, but none the less just as important to each. Some who experience limb loss will go through a period of anger, others through serious depression over the loss, and still others will find it as "Just another challange life has thrown their way". The length of time it takes each individual to adjust to and cope with this tragedy is different as well. In the end, we should remember that as tragic as this time may seem to be, we must find a way to continue forward with life and move on. Losing a limb does not make you a burden nor does it make you disabled. While it is difficult for some to see a bright future after limb loss, you can still expect to enjoy life to the fullest, just as you did or would have expected before this loss. You have to continue to look towards your ability in everything you do and never focus on the disability.