Recovery Process
The following is meant as a guideline only. Each individual's recovery rate is unique and will be affected by any complications, previous medical or lifestyle issues.
Amputation:
3-5 day stay at acute care facility
Inpatient Rehab stay at NERHP: Approx. 2 weeks
Discharge *: At wheelchair level - to continue full healing of residual limb
Amputee Clinic follow-up: Outpatient visit at NERHP after discharge home
for medical follow-up and
to assess for prosthetic appropriateness
Prosthetic Intervention**: Visit to prosthetist for molding/fabrication of prosthesis
Amputee Clinic Follow-up: Delivery of prosthetic device approx. 4-5 wks after fitting
to assess for appropriateness of inpatient vs. outpatient prosthetic training
Prosthetic Training: Individualized to patient needs - duration may be weeks to months
* Individuals not yet ready to go home may have their stay extended at NERHP
or be referred to another facility for ongoing care.
** Prosthetist is chosen jointly by each individual and their physician
prior to discharge from NERHP.
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Amputee Rehabilitation Program
At New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (NERHP), individuals with an amputation(s) will receive the comprehensive medical care, intensive therapy treatment and support services required to improve function and maximize quality of life.
Goals
- Maximize potential for independence in mobility and activities of daily living.
- Provide education on strategies for adjustment to loss, discomfort and disability with the Peer Support Group and Buddy to Buddy Program.
- Provide medical follow-up and intervention to prevent or minimize complications.
- Provide assessment and training for functional prosthetic use.
Program Components
Programming is individualized depending upon each person's situation and needs but may include the following:
After an amputation(s), many individuals are not ready to return to their former living environment from the acute care facility. This may be due to surgical wound healing issues, a change in mobility or environmental barriers of the home. An inpatient stay at NERHP is designed to assist patients with regaining their independence in mobility, performance of activities of daily living, addressing equipment needs and continuing to address medical concerns while healing (prior to prosthetic assessment).
Most individuals are considered candidates to receive prostheses. Education and training are required to use and maintain these prostheses appropriately. Prosthetic training is available at NERHP on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Individual appropriateness for either program is assessed by the medical team.
Patient Jack Garland
prepares to take his first steps after Gary Sylvester, PT adjusts Jack's new prothesis.
Gary Sylvester, PT, guides patient Dennis Sanborn through a series of stair climbing exercises.
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How Can I Learn More?
For more information about our Amputation Program please contact us.
Amputee Program Support Groups available at NERHP.
Definitions to assist you with terminology used.
Additional information about amputation is also available through the following organizations:
National Amputation Foundation
Amputee Coalition of America
Ride-Away-Handicap Equipment (vans, lifts, hand controls)
Sucess Stories
