Amputation

An amputation is when a limb, portion of a limb or appendage is removed. This is usually by surgical removal (resection) for a health related problem (sometimes cancer but often for blood circulatory illnesses) but may be by traumatic removal in, for example, a car accident.

It can affect the way we feel about ourselves and even produce a grief-like reaction but it may also create a feeling of well-being/wholeness despite the loss. The latter positive reaction is usually related to the feeling that the “illness” has been removed.

Contacts

Limbless Association	Unit 16 Waterhouse Business Centre 2 Cromer Way Chelmsford Essex CM1 2QE 01245 216670 Helpline 0800 644 0185 enquiries@limblessassociation.org	Limbless Association
Macmillan Cancer Support	89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7UQ 0808 808 00 00 (help line)	Amputation information
Vascular Surgery Website		Amputation Surgery

Review date: June 2012

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