Poor diabetes management can lead to major complications including limb amputations.
Losing a limb is traumatic. One patient refused to look at her amputated limb for weeks and only allowed the healthcare team to dress her wound if her leg was shielded from her sight with a blanket. Others are unable to accept the thought of an amputation and refuse treatment altogether.
“Patients struggle most with the potential loss of independence after losing a limb, so their first instinct is to reject the operation,” says Dr Sadhana Chandrasekar, Senior Consultant and Vascular Surgeon at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)’s General Surgery Department. “Many lose hope that they will ever be able to live a meaningful life again after amputation.”
“Early detection and treatment are critical in preventing amputations. Unfortunately, most patients only come to the hospital as an emergency after their wounds become severely infected and sepsis has set in,” he explains.
In cases where an amputation is unavoidable, the healthcare team provides pre-operation counselling and psychological support. Doctors, physiotherapists and prosthetists/orthotists also help to map out potential rehabilitation plans based on the patient’s personal goals after an operation.
“Having the rehabilitation team explain how we can help patients regain some mobility and independence gives them hope to push forward following their operations,” says Dr Chandrasekar.
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Post-operation patients are looked after by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team which focuses on helping patients manage their diabetes more effectively, as well as improving their mobility.
The goal is to help patients regain some form of independence. Some disciplines involved in recovery include:
Patients who require prostheses will undergo training for strengthening, balance and mobility exercises. They must also learn to walk with their prosthetic limbs, and training can take up to eight physiotherapy sessions.
“Depending on the extent of the amputation and the patient’s physical ability, it is possible to reintegrate into the community, or even return to work,” says Ms Rie Nagai, Senior Prosthetist/Orthotist at the TTSH Foot Care and Limb Design Centre.
How far patients can go depends on their own motivation and social support from families or caregivers. Dr Chandrasekar cites the example of a patient who was “extremely positive” despite the prospect of losing her leg, as she had a very supportive husband.
“He immediately made plans to make their home wheelchair-friendly and was most encouraging during his wife’s rehabilitation journey.”
Caregivers are the primary companions who journey alongside patients in the recovery process. They provide wound care if patients are unable to do so, and physical assistance so they can move around, as well as emotional support. Caregivers are also taught to look out for signs of depression that may include emotional instability, unwillingness to communicate, worsening physical conditions, and a general sense of hopelessness or apathy towards medical conditions.
Community support can also help with the recovery process. Patients may consider joining the Amputee Support Group, founded by Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, Care and Counselling Department and Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. Patients can find mutual support through activities, as well as the sharing of personal experiences and challenges. Eligible patients can also sign up with the Singapore Disability Sports Council to take part in sporting activities for amputees and disabled athletes.
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Post-amputation rehabilitation is challenging but not impossible. However, experts say the best prevention is for diabetes patients to reduce their risk of amputations by controlling their conditions through sensible diet and lifestyle choices. “Awareness, ownership of lifestyle and prevention through screening can go a long way towards helping patients maintain their overall health,” says Dr Tan.
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This article was last reviewed on 19 Apr 2023
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