What to expect after a diabetes foot amputation

Diabetes Foot Amputation

If you or your loved ones are getting a diabetes foot amputation, then probably there would be a lot of questions in your mind. You might also be concerned about what will happen after the foot has been removed and what to expect. The primary thing to consider is your diet that should be diabetic-friendly to keep your sugar levels normal and get to heal the wound as soon as possible. 

However, it is natural to worry about the operation, but there would be a whole team, including your surgeon that would help you out for further assistance. Lets us look into some concerns people after diabetes foot amputation may deal with.

When would you get home?

After the operation, you will be monitored regularly for blood pressure and sugar levels, pulse rate and breathing. Once it gets normal after quite a few days, you can be discharged from the hospital. However, until you are in the hospital, the staff would look after the wound dressing, physical therapy that will include gentle stretching exercises and provide you with information on artificial foot or prosthesis. 

Would you be able to move?

You would start preparing for prosthesis after you get home. This may take 3 to 4 weeks. Until then if you feel like moving out or getting independent, you can still move on a wheelchair or my favorite mobility scooters. However, during this process, you should take extreme care of your wound, keep your remaining limb straight often, continue with stretches and exercises, prevent falls and follow up with your doctor’s appointment. 

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Would you be able to walk?

After your wound has been healed completely, your first visit to a prosthetist may be considered where you will be fitted for a fake limb/foot. After about three weeks of the first procedure, you will be provided by a preparatory prosthesis before a permanent one to check for any infections or trouble. During this time, you should take care of your residual limb, the regular use of shrinker sock, massage, and continue with the stretching and strengthing exercises. 

Until your residual limb has reached a fixed size, you will be using the preparatory prosthesis. After that, you may receive a permanent prosthesis. This can take up to 2 to 4 months. During this time you should be able to:

  • remove or put on your artificial limb
  • adjust the thickness 
  • walking with aid and eventually without any support
  • prevent falls
  • care of prosthesis
  • increase the duration of putting on a prosthesis 

Would you be stable mentally?

Some people move to rehab instead of going home after a diabetes foot amputation. They would take extra care of your follow up routines, wound and mainly your mental health that would follow with anxiety, stress, depression, grief or suicidal feelings. It is important to talk to your team how you feel after your surgery. They will help you find support, counselling or even medicine if the need be.