Friend having leg amputated on friday

Best wishes to your friend. Not a pleasant thing to happen but must be a necessity to safe her life.

Why should you say anything positive? This is clearly a difficult thing for her to deal with. If it was my friend I would just help her through it by listening and supporting her. She has to find her own way though it.

Go to the Royal Sussex's own website.

They have a link to information on amputation surgery - www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/following-amputation-2/

And the prosthetics service - www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/services/prosthetics-service who say "We are here to help patients with congenital or acquired limb difference achieve and sustain their maximum mobility, dexterity and independence. We help facilitate return to work and education and participation in society."

And on rehabilitation - www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/?department=sussex-rehabilitation-centre

And the Limbless Association - www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/professionals/clinical-networks/sussex-trauma-network/service-directory/limbless-association/

And the NHS which DOES have a support service for amputees - www.nuh.nhs.uk/clinical-psychology-service-for-people-with-an-amputation-or-limb-difference who say "We offer emotional wellbeing support to children and adults, as well as their families/carers, following an amputation or in relation to a congenital limb difference.
We can help patients with a range of issues related to having an amputation or limb difference, these may include: adjusting to living with an amputation or limb difference (including managing any impact on relationships/friendships, body image and other aspects of daily life); managing difficult feelings as a result of an amputation or limb difference (such as low mood and anxiety); managing pain; overcoming psychological barriers to treatment and rehabilitation, and; supporting carers or family members of people living with an amputation or limb difference."

As does Disability Plus - www.disabilityplus.co.uk/limb-loss-counselling/

Thank you all very much for your replies and suggestions. They will all be investigated!

I know two people who have leg amputation, one because of diabetes (F) and another because of vascular problems (M), both have had marvellous support and help from ALAC the Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre, these are people who will support and help her come to terms with what's happened to her. Have they said she will be referred to them, I would tell her daughter to find out the telephone number for the nearest one to her mother's hospital. Unfortunately not every hospital trust has one so it may be in a different area but please encourage them to get in touch.

Look in your area there are charitable counselling organisations that may take a donation or nothing at all
Ask at Age Uk or one of the other charities for older age groups they are out there you just need to find them
I managed a free counselling service for many years in my area for any ages, any problems.

We are on the south coast - Royal Sussex University Trust.

I meant to say that her care has not been at all good. She seems to be seen as a bit of a hot potato who is bed blocking.

Oh the poor woman. I have never heard of such a case, all those I know were due to poorly controlled diabetes.

Would McMillan nurses help with this? Ask your GP about which services are available.

Thank you jaxjacky, I don’t know why I couldn’t find the limbless association. I’ve forwarded it to her daughter. Wavemark, my friend has been told no counselling is available, perhaps it’s a post code thing. She’s in St. George’s, Tooting

Counselling IS available on the NHS.

I have a relative receiving such at the moment.

A leg amputation is indeed a devastating thing but surely your friend will get advice about how to improve her mobility (rehabilitation) while she is in hospital? One gets physio advice (instructions, sheets of exercises) even after a broken wrist.

I would also presume the team she is under will talk to her about prosthesis and so forth. Surely?

Whatever treatment she gets in hospital, support and encouragement from friends and family will be valuable to her as well, especially on the emotional side.

I have no advice other than keeping her company if you can and sending lots of good wishes.

Oh Bazza I am sorry for your friend , let’s hope it now heals and she is out of pain
I do agree that counselling would be of some help
A friend refused amputation and sadly died in a lot of pain

A quick google found ‘Limbless Association’
It might be worth a call to them, I wish you luck, devastating for your friend.