Surgeons amputated your leg below the knee. They had little choice after you sustained a life-altering injury caused by a distracted driver.
You will live with this for the rest of your life. Now, you will have to make some lifelong adjustments as you confront a myriad of challenges. Expect plenty of struggles. But, also, expect plenty of triumphs along the way, too.
Trauma, prosthetic limb
After losing a limb, anyone will face challenges. Some of those challenges may include:
- More surgeries: Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need additional procedures as surgeons attempt to save as much healthy bone, tissue, skin and blood vessels as possible. Skin grafts are among the potential procedures. Recovery may take some time.
- Psychological trauma: The details of the crash may remain in your mind for the rest of your life. You may face mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Continued therapy: This may include physical, occupation and mental health therapy. It is time to heal.
- Adjusting to a prosthetic limb: If workable, you may be fitted with a prosthetifc limb. You must get comfortable using one. Expect some ups and downs but stay focused while working with therapists and others who may have lived a similar experience.
- Relearning daily tasks: Basic, everyday tasks may prove challenging to complete, but you can relearn them from dressing, eating and brushing teeth to walking and driving.
Understand that many challenges lie ahead of you. Face and overcome them.
Reclaiming your life
The loss of a limb is traumatic. But with dedication, concentration and hard work, you can accomplish what you set out to do and reclaim your life. Remember, just set your mind to it, and you can still enjoy the things you always have.