What Will My Life Be Like After Losing a Limb?
Losing a limb is a traumatic ordeal. However, it’s possible to live a full and active life going forward, as long as you receive the expert care you need and deserve. A Pittsburgh personal injury attorney from our team can help you to understand your legal options.
Managing your everyday life
Gone are the days when people with missing limbs had to rely on others for all their basic needs. Improved medicine and rehabilitative techniques allow most people to regain much of the freedom and independence they enjoyed before their injury.
Your physical or rehabilitative therapist will work with you to maximize your lifestyle options. You’ll find that your confidence and ease will grow as you approach your new challenges with hard work and determination.
Essential facts about prosthetic limbs
Today’s prosthetics are not only stronger but lighter and easier to use. The latest innovation is myoelectric medical technology, which restores much of the functionality of the patient’s missing limb. This is especially helpful for those who have lost a hand or arm.
Prosthetic legs have also made significant advances in the recent past. Many patients find that they can not only walk but run or even swim.
Prosthetics are not the best solution for everyone. Growing accustomed to them takes time. Your doctor will work with you to find the right approach for your needs.
Dealing with the mental and emotional aspects of losing a limb
For many people, making the psychological adjustment to living with a missing limb is the most difficult. Here are three helpful tips suggested by rehabilitative specialists.
Tip #1: Understand that your feelings will change over time
From an emotional viewpoint, dealing with a missing limb is similar to other forms of loss. You might feel angry at one moment and anxious the next. You may enjoy prolonged periods of calm tranquility, only to find your initial feelings of shock and disbelief returning at some point.
Trying to suppress your emotions will only make them more challenging to manage. Give yourself permission to experience all of these feelings– knowing that they’re part of your journey towards a new chapter in your life.
Tip #2: Focus on your strengths, not your limitations
Millions of individuals are living rich, fulfilling lives. There’s no reason why you can’t do the same.
The way forward starts by making the most of your abilities. You may find encouragement and understanding by joining a support group, talking to a counselor, or accessing other opportunities in your community—either online or face to face.
Tip #3: Reach out for help when you need it
Making it through life all on your own is difficult, no matter the level of physical ability. So, don’t let feelings of shame or inadequacy prevent you from reaching out to others, be they professional caregivers or simply a trusted friend or loved one.
Why talking to a personal injury attorney is worth your time
How do you afford the care you need? Insurance is a possible resource. But dealing with them on your own is stressful. Too many accident victims feel helpless when dealing with a huge corporation whose primary concern is profit.
One way to tilt the balance of power in your favor is to discuss the matter with a skilled Pittsburgh personal injury attorney. They can help you to understand your legal options and, in many cases, act as your representative with insurance companies and at-fault parties.
Contact us today for a free evaluation
Our skilled attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion for their clients over the years. They’re never afraid to stand up for your rights, no matter who’s trying to pressure or intimidate you.
Find out for yourself what we can do for you by getting in touch with us today. Consultations are always free, and we’re available 24/7 for your convenience. We’re happy to help in any way we can.