It is quite common for an amputee to feel depressed immediately after having a limb amputated. Possible exceptions to this would be patients who have had to go through with intense pain just before surgery. More often than not this depression is quickly exchanged by a determination by the patient to get back to a near to a normal life.

The dressing applied after amputation surgery can be one of two kinds, either rigid or soft. The former is made from Plaster of Paris and the latter by the use of cotton bandages. Soft dressings are used in conjunction with elastic bandages in order to help the circulation and to prevent swelling. These bandages are re-applied at regular intervals throughout the day.

You will be given a series of exercises to perform. These are very important as they are designed to prevent any tightening of the muscles of the stump. Muscles that have tightened do not allow any effective use of the prosthetic limb. It is extremely important that you carry out these exercises regularly and diligently in order to get the best benefit out of your prosthesis.

There are a number of positions that you should refrain from using as they are prone to cause muscle tightening or contractures. Do not:

• Allow the stump to hang over the side of your bed
• Sit in a wheelchair with your stump flexed or bent
• Place a pillow under your knee or hip
• Place a pillow under your back causing the spine to bend
• Lie in bed with your knees bent
• Place a pillow between your thighs
• Sit with your knees crossed

Avoid all of these positions in order to get the best from your prosthesis.