Life After Amputation: A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: In the Philippines, the National Council on Disability made a survey revealing a prevalence of 43.367 disabled who lost one or both legs and/or feet. This study explored the challenges encountered and coping mechanisms an amputee manifests, and the assistance that they get from their expected support system.   Methodology: This case study was anchored on Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory of Nursing. Four purposively sampled amputee informants were interviewed and observed. Primary and secondary data were gathered and triangulation with the relatives was done to ensure the validity and depth of the results. Data were encoded and analyzed using thematic analysis.   Results: Results revealed that the informants experienced physical, psychological, emotional, socio-economic, and spiritual challenges. Physical challenges involved mobility problem and lack of gait balance, physical deformity, adjustment to the new body, altered physical appearance, a sedentary behavior, and phantom pain. Psychological challenges involved suicidal tendency, loss of libido, self-pity, and depression. Emotional challenges included fear and hopelessness. Socio-economic challenges involved the development of anti-social behavior, dissociative behavior, fear of losing a job, problem with money, and fear of rejection. Spiritual challenges involved loss of faith. Coping mechanism included support from family and friends, mastery of gait and balance, proper practice in using assistive devices, hastened adjustment to the new body, wearing of prosthesis, medication and mobility, and trust in God. Although they get strong support from the family and friends, there is very limited assistance from the government and the community.   Discussion: There is a need to increase family awareness in anticipating the needs of the amputees. Likewise, full support must be given to them. Health education campaign may be formulated by the local health leaders and provision of assistive devices and equipment to achieve the equalization and opportunities for persons with disabilities may also be done.