If you’ve suffered an injury so severe that a limb needs to be amputated, then you wonder what the future has in store, and how you might readjust to your new circumstances. The good news is that it’s more than possible to lead a complete and fulfilling life after losing a limb – but doing so requires overcoming a number of hurdles, some of which you might not have anticipated. Let’s take a look at some of the subtler, more hidden costs of being an amputee.
Financial Costs
To begin with, you’ll be faced with the cost of the amputation itself. In the UK, this cost will be covered by the NHS, which is good, because the total cost of the procedure and rehabilitation can often run into the tens of thousands of pounds.
The quality of the prosthetic limb you might be able to get from the NHS can vary. For an advanced model, you might need to spend your own money. The cost of a good prosthesis can often exceed that of a luxury car.
As an amputee, you might face additional costs stemming from an enforced change of career. If you lose both hands, then you might be unable to work as, say, a tiler. Other kinds of professionals might need to go through a costly period of readjustment. Typists might need to switch to voice-recognition software, which might impact productivity.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
As well as the physical consequences of the injury, there are mental health consequences like depression and anxiety. You might go through a period of mourning and grief for the lost limb. You might suffer from problems with body image, especially if you drew self-esteem from your ability to perform certain tasks. If you were a keen jogger, and defined yourself by your ability to run, then losing a leg might mean significant disruption for you.
Finally, if the circumstances of your injury were traumatic, you might need help with post-traumatic stress disorder. This is where the support of a qualified counseller – or of a few select friends or family members – can be invaluable.
Legal Considerations
In some cases, the amputation might be a result of someone else’s malice, or incompetence. In some cases, an amputation might not be performed correctly, which can add to the cost and stress of the ordeal. Getting the right representation in these cases will help you to get the damages to which you’re entitled.
Amputation claims should be pursued on your behalf by a competent solicitor. They’ll be able to help you get back the costs of your medical expenses, as well as any loss of income that might result from the amputation.
Long-term Health Implications
Amputees often suffer from additional problems, leaving to one side the amputation itself. These might include phantom limb syndrome, or osteoarthritis. Getting the best from your situation often means seeking out the best available medical care, and monitoring the situation proactively. Health problems resulting from amputations are best tackled proactively, in other words.
