MANAGING PAIN
There are two types of pain you may experience following an amputation;
pain in your residual limb (stump) and pain in a part of the limb that has been
amputated, called phantom limb pain.
What is Residual Limb Pain?
The first type of pain, called residual limb pain, occurs either as the
result of the surgery, swelling associated with the surgery, a fall that
results in a bruise, or an infection. Residual
limb pain is often treated with pain killing medications.
Over time, cut nerves in the residual limb (stump) can grow into nodules/bulbs
called neuromas. Bone can also grow and become pointy. This is called a bony
spur. Neuromas or bony spurs may cause residual
limb pain when placed under pressure, or during walking.
What to do: If you are experiencing residual pain with pressure or when walking, you
should see your prosthetist or rehabilitation specialist.
What is
Phantom Pain?
Phantom pain is pain that is experienced in the amputated limb. It can
range from severe electric shocks to a mild ache, lasting for seconds or
sometimes hours. Many amputees experience these pains. In some cases it may
resolve over time but can return periodically if a person is feeling unwell,
stressed or overtired.
What to do: Often massaging or touching the residual limb
(stump), wearing a wool sock, shrinker or prosthesis, will help ease phantom
pain.
What to do: Speak to your doctor if you are unable to cope with
residual or phantom limb pain as there may be medication to help ease the pain.
Phantom sensation is the feeling that the amputated limb still exists. A
person with phantom sensation may experience itchiness, coldness or twisting of
their limbs or digits, movement of their limb, or telescoping. Telescoping is
the sensation that the amputated limb has become smaller than it was prior to
the amputation.
What to do: Similar to
phantom pain, massaging or touching the residual limb (stump), wearing a wool
sock, shrinker or prosthesis will help ease phantom sensation.
How to Cope with or manage pain
Psychological
factors (the way we think and behave when we have pain) are very important when
dealing with pain. Feeling grumpy, irritable or depressed is a natural response
to pain and suffering. This is important to remember as sometimes pain can be
difficult to treat with medication alone. A psychologist, social
worker or counselor may be able to teach you ways to better cope with and control
pain.
What to do: Speak to a
psychologist, social worker or counselor to learn how to cope with pain.