• Aneta Warmuz, Danuta Szeliga, Grazyna Krzemień, Bozena Stemplewska, and Jolanta Witanowska.
• Z Zakładu Pielegniarstwa Pediatrycznego Slaskiej Akademii Medycznej w Katowicach.
• Wiad. Lek. 2004 Jan 1;57 Suppl 1:331-4.

AbstractAmputations of bottom limbs are serious problem. Loss of leg causes always heavy psychical injury, it makes life more difficult, as well as moving and self-service. The change of appearance and shape of body demands adaptations of patient and his neighbourhood. Every amputation is not only heavy physical injury but also violent and long-lasting psycho-emotional and social stress. Most of patients are afraid of unknown, so it's necessary to decrease their fear, they expect our help in solving their social and domestic problems. The aim of investigations is to show the process of adapting to normal life of people after amputation of bottom limb on example of their rehabilitation. The following investigative methods were used: steered observation, interview, Polish version of questionnaire RNL (reintegration to normal living) in small modification and inquiry. Investigations were conducted in two hospital wards and the rehabilitation centre. The group consisted of 82 patients--59 men (72% of group) and 23 women (28%). The numerous group (43%) were people between 50-69 years old. Only a few patients after amputation go to special out-patients' department. The main reason of it is the lack of rehabilitation centre in the neighbourhood. 1/5 of the group regularly uses rehabilitation at expert, however most patients over 70s do not use any rehabilitation. Frequent form of activity at studied people is morning exercises and easy exercises of stump. Lack of physical activity is typical for 1/3 of group. Physically active are only 12 patients (15%). Near half of the group uses artificial limbs, but 1/5 of group does not want to have it. Most of them is over 70 years old. Results of investigation show the need of opening the larger quantity of rehabilitation centres to make the rehabilitation more common and accessible. Essential meaning has also bigger motivation of patients to physical activity as well as using artificial limbs, which do facilitate functioning in everyday life and improve the mood of patients after amputation.

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