What do you say to someone who has their leg amputated?
Table of Contents
What do you say to someone who has their leg amputated?
This includes:
- “You’re such an inspiration.” This can be perceived as patronizing.
- “So…
- “You can’t do that!” Well…
- “I know someone who lost an arm/leg.
- “Let me do that for you.” As a person adjusts to their limb loss and/or new prosthetic, there may be tasks that they have difficulty with.
How do you help someone who has lost a limb?
Five Steps to Coping With Limb Loss Grief
- Recognize your feelings.
- Don’t hold in negative feelings – express them.
- Focus on the journey, not the destination.
- Talk to someone who’s been through an amputation.
- Find a purpose that gives your life meaning.
What is something to look for when caring for a person that has suffered an amputation?
Care for a partially amputated body part
- Elevate the injured area.
- Wrap or cover the injured area with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. Apply pressure if the injured area is bleeding.
- Gently splint the injured area to prevent movement or further damage.
What is losing a limb like?
“Phantom pains” is a term that describes ongoing, physical sensation in the limb that has been removed. Most patients experience some degree of phantom pains following an amputation. They can feel shooting pain, burning or even itching in the limb that is no longer there.
Is it OK to say amputee?
More broadly, some people identify as amputees whether they have had amputation surgery or not, while others prefer the phrase “limb difference,” so I’ll use both terms throughout this story to reflect this.)
Is amputee a disability?
The fact that you have had a body extremity amputated does not automatically qualify you for disability benefits. The only exception to this rule is if you have both hands amputated, a leg amputated up through the hip joint (hip disarticulation), or a pelvic amputation (hemipelvectomy).