Life After Amputation: A Case Study

Abstract

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. This case study was anchored on Dorothea Orem’s SelfCare 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 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 antisocial 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. 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.