Upper Limb Amputee Daily Life Adaptation Skills
Losing a hand or arm is one of the types of amputation that has the greatest impact on daily life. Our hands are responsible for countless small and indispensable actions: buttoning, cutting vegetables, typing, hugging children. ...
But countless upper-limb amputees have proved through personal experience that human beings' adaptability is far stronger than we imagine. This article brings together the real life experiences of upper limb amputees to help new amputees and their families find the rhythm of adaptation as soon as possible.
1. The most important psychological preparation: Give yourself time
Many people will experience a period in the early stages of amputation
Three things to remember:
1. The brain’s ability to adapt is amazing. Dexterity of the unaffected hand usually improves significantly within a few weeks after amputation.
2.You can do more things with one hand than you think. With auxiliary tools, the ratio will be even higher.
3.Prosthesis is a tool, not something we must rely on"alternatives". Many upper-limb amputees choose to use prostheses on certain occasions and use their unaffected hand or residual limb for direct operation at other times.
2. Daily life classification adaptation skills
Bathing:
Install non-slip mats and handrails in the bathroom to prevent loss of balance when operating with one hand Use a long-handled bath brush to clean the back and amputated side
Push-type packaging is recommended for shower gel, which is easy to operate with one hand
Those who have difficulty fastening buttons can change the buttons to magnetic buckles or concealed buttons (simple sewing modification)
Change the tie to a clip-on tie, no need to tie it manually
Choose an elastic belt pants, reducing the operation of the belt
Wearing a pullover is easier than wearing a shirt, and is the preferred choice during the transition period
Wear shoes:
Use a shoehorn to reduce the difficulty of bending down and reaching the shoe opening with one hand
Replace shoelaces with elastic shoelaces, no need to retie when putting on and taking off
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Food and Kitchen:
Chopping:
Use a cutting board with a suction cup bottom (to prevent sliding) and a one-handed cutting holder (an auxiliary tool that can hold food)
The food fixing fork (stacking the food on the chopping board and then cutting it) is a kitchen artifact for amputees
Opening bottle caps: pan>
Use an electric can opener or a countertop-mounted bottle opener
The bottle opener clipped to the edge of the countertop can be operated with one hand
Crack eggs:
Crack the egg with one hand: Hold the egg in the palm of your hand and pinch it with your thumb and middle finger. Once you are proficient, you can complete it with one hand
Place a non-slip mat at the bottom of the bowl to prevent movement
Use a heavier non-slip bowl
The amputated forearm or stump can be used to stabilize dishes
Work and computers:
Typing:
- < p>Typing with one hand is much faster than imagined, and most people can approach the speed of both hands in 1-2 months pan>
Can learn"One-handed keyboard layout< /span>" (keymap designed for one hand)
Voice input software (such as iFlytek input method voice function) can greatly improve efficiency
Mouse operation:
Change the mouse to the healthy side, most operating systems can easily switch the left and right keys
Using a trackball mouse, it is easier to operate accurately with one hand than a regular mouse
Writing:
If the dominant hand is amputated, you need to retrain the healthy side to write, usually2-4 Months can reach a practical level
Voice memo can be used to replace handwriting in the early stage
< /ul>One-handed chopping board (with suction cup+fixed nails) |Kitchen cutting aid|¥80-200
元 Electric can opener|Open cans|¥50-150yuan
Magnetic button transformation kit| Clothing modification|¥20-50yuan
Elastic shoelaces |No need to tie shoelaces|¥10-30yuan
Rotating ball (steering wheel assist)|Driving assistance|¥30-100yuan
Non-slip placemat/Non-slip bowl|Mealing aid|¥20-80
元 Long-handled bath brush|Bathing aid|¥30-80
元Push-type daily necessities container|Hand sanitizer/Shower gel|¥10-50yuan
3. List of recommended auxiliary tools
Tool name
Most auxiliary tools are affordable and can be purchased online without special customization.
4. Social and psychological adaptation
< span>Facing the eyes of others:
Upper limb amputation is more difficult to conceal and will inevitably attract the attention of others. Prepare a few light-hearted responses to avoid getting bogged down in explanations or embarrassment every time. For example: "This is my story. Let’s talk about it again when we have the chance. "Or just change the topic.
Tell the child:
Children’s curiosity is direct. In the face of children’s questions, simple and straightforward explanations are the best way. There is no need to over-explain or show uneasiness. Children often accept it faster than adults.
Returning to the workplace:
The key for upper limb amputees to return to the workplace is to find suitable positions and task adjustments. Actively communicate with employers about adjustments to work styles (such as voice input, operations that can be completed with one hand), and you are fully qualified for most knowledge-based positions.
Amputee community:
Joining amputee communication groups (online communities, rehabilitation center patient groups, etc.) is a very valuable resource. Someone has walked the path you are walking on, and their experience is the most practical.
5. FAQ
Q: What should I do if I have bilateral upper limb amputation?
A: Bilateral amputation is more difficult, but there are still a large number of assistive technologies and modification options that can help achieve a considerable degree of self-care. It is recommended to seek comprehensive assessment and support from a professional rehabilitation team and not give up trying.
Q: Can it be trained to use feet instead of hands?
A: Yes, some upper limb amputees can use their feet to complete fine movements such as writing and using mobile phones through long-term training. This requires a lot of patience, but is completely achievable.
Q: Can I return to normal work after amputation?
A: You are fully qualified for most knowledge-based jobs. Physical jobs require an assessment of the possibility of job adjustments. The key is adequate rehabilitation training and active self-adaptation.
Summary
1. Adjust yourself During the response period, the compensatory capacity of the brain and the unaffected hand will exceed your expectations
2.The selection and use of assistive tools is an important way to improve the independence of life
3.Prosthetics are a choice, not a necessity; many upper-limb amputees flexibly switch between prostheses and one-handed operation on different occasions
4.Join the amputee community, peer experience is the most valuable learning resource
The content of this article is for popular science reference only. Please consult a professional rehabilitation therapist for specific rehabilitation plans.
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