When you woke up the day of the accident, you probably thought it would progress just like any other day. You had no idea that your life was about to change forever.
It only took a few seconds for the crash to occur, but you will feel its effects for the rest of your life because you suffered a traumatic amputation. Now, you will spend months, if not years learning to live without a limb.
The factors that affect your recovery
The rehabilitation process starts right after your surgery. The sooner that you begin, the better the process may go. The following factors can affect the program designed for you:
- Your overall health
- The type and level of the amputation
- The degree and type of any disabilities and impairments you suffer from
- Your support network, particularly from your family
Even though some parts of your rehabilitation apply to most everyone in your position, the program you embark on will contain certain elements that will help in your particular situation. It will focus on maximizing your capabilities both in your community and in your home. The goal is to give you as much independence as possible going forward.
“It takes a village”
This old African proverb regarding the raising of children could also apply to your rehabilitation. You will work with a team of professionals who each play a role. Doctors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and more each provide you with the tools you need in order to conquer a certain aspect of your recovery. When put together, each person will assist you in meeting goals such as those listed below:
- Stump care and wound healing
- Improve motor skills
- Restore daily living activities
- Pain management
- Fitting and use of an artificial limb
- Nutritional guidance to maximize your health and healing
- Emotional support
- Adapting your home environment as needed
- Use of devices that help assist you with your daily life
- Vocational counseling
- Education for you and your family regarding your condition
Losing a limb changes nearly every aspect of your life. Your rehabilitation plan should include all of the elements needed to help you adjust to your new body and new way of life. Fortunately, you can achieve a significant amount of independence considering the advancements in care, prosthetics and other devices designed to make your life easier and as “normal” as possible. While all this is well and good, the financial toll your current situation will take on your life also needs addressing.
Even if you are able to return to your work, it will most likely not be for some time. Your medical and other care will also be costly. Fortunately, if another person’s action led to your injury, you may pursue the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. Like every other aspect of your recovery, you do not have to go through the legal process alone either. An experienced South Carolina attorney could prove invaluable during this trying time.