PATIENT INFORMATION

Surviving Limb Loss  | Pre and Post Operative Care  |   Funding
Support  |  Amputee Clinics  |  Hygiene |  Travel
  Below Elbow  |  Below Knee  |  Above Knee  |  Above Elbow 

While amputation is often seen as a last result, it is also seen by many amputees as the beginning of a new active life. The best prosthesis in the world will never replace your own natural limb, though with the aide of your Prosthetist, your time, patience and perseverance, a prosthesis will enhance and enable mobility in daily living, recreational and sporting activities.

Surviving Limb Loss; the process

ü       Amputation Surgery

ü       Pain after amputation

ü       Wrapping residual limb

ü       Infection prevention

ü       Emotions after limb loss

ü       Prosthetics

ü       Physical Rehabilitation

ü       Getting back to work

ü       Rights and responsibilities

ü       Support groups

ü       Information for families
 

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Pre and Post Operative Care

For individuals where elective amputation surgery has been chosen, preoperative care can be beneficial. Having the advantage to direct questions to medical professionals and caregivers regarding their surgery and rehabilitation. The knowledge gained of this process prior to amputation helps remove some of the mysteries establishing a comfort level which makes transition of the individual to an amputee much is easier.

Postoperative care is necessary to help properly heal and prepare the residual (amputated) limb for acceptance of a prosthesis. Postoperative care varies from facility to facility but in the end the result for the amputee is the same. Usually four to six weeks after surgery (post op) staples and sutures are removed from the incision. At this time either tensor bandages are applied wrapping the residual limb or elastic shrinkers. Both methods are used to compress the tissues reducing swelling of the residual limb so that a prosthetic fitting may take place. The compression continues until the residual limb is shrunk and assumes a shape desirable for weight bearing in a prosthetic socket. At this time a cast is taken of your residual limb and a temporary test or check socket is made. After the fabrication of the prosthesis training continues with your Physical Therapist and or Occupational Therapist to assist with activities of daily living.

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Funding

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) will provide residents of Alberta, registered with Alberta Health Care, with a basic prosthesis. They will pay 75% of a prosthesis with the client being responsible for the remaining 25% up to $500.00 in a calendar year (July1 to June 30). AADL's quantity limits allow one prosthetic device per affected limb every 2 years, if required.  Prosthesis may be provided more frequently, if medically necessary with prior authorization.  Individuals on AISH or low income may apply for 100% coverage of AADL funded devices.  AADL has greatly increased the items which are covered by their program and eliminated almost all of the upgrades (items covered but with an additional fee).  They will provide partial funding for Myoelectric prosthesis but do not cover recreational or very high tech prosthesis. They will also provide a $6000.00 grant towards the purchase of a Microprocessor Knee once every 5 years. No other knee can be provided during this period. AADL will not pay for repairs and maintenance of a microprocessor knee. Similar funding programs exist in other provinces.

Workers Compensation Board of Alberta will provide prosthetic devices to injured workers that fall within their mandate. One device per affected limb per three to five year period if replacement is required and more frequently, if medically necessary, by prior authorization. There is no charge to the worker for WCB approved devices.  The Workers Compensation Board of Alberta will not cover recreational prosthesis.  WCB regularly reviews its coverage and adds new devices to their schedule.

The War Amputations of Canada Adult Amputee Program provides some financial assistance to Canadian amputees for the purchase of artificial limbs.  Members are eligible for assistance every three years.  Additional supplies, repairs and recreational limbs/devices are not covered.

The War Amputations of Canada Child Amputee Program (CHAMPS) will assist in the payment for conventional prosthetics, Myoelectric prosthetics and recreational prosthetics upon prior approval and on a case by case basis. Any child amputee in Canada registered in their program or graduate of their program is eligible for funding. CHAMPS will also assist in paying for over quantity devices.  CHAMPS also provide an extensive support system to the families of child amputees.  To qualify for CHAMPS you must register before the age of 18 years.

Employee Health Plans often available through your work, supplement Alberta Aids to Daily Living Benefits. Each plan is considerably different and may or may not cover prosthetics. These may require a co-payment so it is best to contact the individual plan to find out what is covered.  If prosthetics are included, these plans may cover over quantity items and higher end components.  When enrolling in a group plan be sure to ask if they have yearly or lifetime maximum payouts.  With the cost of prosthetics today, a $10,000.00 maximum payout can be used up in one or two years.

Alberta Blue Cross- Group 1 has changed its coverage to correspond to the increased coverage provided by AADL.  They will pay the client fee of 25% (up to $500.00 in a calendar year).  They will not pay for upgrades, recreational, or over quantity prostheses.

Private Health Insurance Plans, available from your insurance agent supplement Alberta Aids to Daily Living Benefits. Each plan is considerably different and may or may not cover prosthetics, and may require a co-payment. It is best to contact the individual plan to find out what is covered.  If prosthetics are included, these plans may cover over quantity items, and higher end components.  When enrolling in private health plans be sure to ask if they have yearly or lifetime maximum payouts.  With the cost of prosthetics today, a $10,000.00 maximum payout can be used up in one or two years.

Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) provides coverage for the First Nations and Inuit peoples. A prescription is required for all services as well prior approval from NIHB.  NIHB's quantity limits are one prosthesis per affected limb every 3 years or more frequently if medically necessary. There is no fee to the client.

Private Service Clubs may assist with the funding. Policies and procedures for funding assistance vary with each club.  Applications are made by referral or personal association with a member. Contact people for these clubs can often be found in your local telephone book.

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Support Groups

Alberta Amputee Sport & Recreation Association (AASRA)
P.O. Box 708, Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2J3

www.aasra.ab.ca 

Population Served: All amputees, regardless of age.

The Alberta Amputee Sport & Recreation Association (AASRA) was originally formed in 1977, to join together amputees in the spirit of friendship. It has grown in the past 28 years to be so much more.

The association believes that the quality of life for all amputees is enhanced through participation and interaction with other amputees. This interaction improves one's social, emotional and physical well-being. We provide moral support to new and existing amputees, both young and old alike. AASRA also provide support group meetings, one on one consultation with new amputees, recreational and competitive sports programs.

AASRA hopes to further the rehabilitation of amputees by organizing and encouraging personal involvement in social and recreational activities, such as our annual amputee golf tournaments, cycling clinics etcetera. AASRA provides personal support to amputees and their families in the community by way of our Amputee and Family Support group meetings.

The association is a charitable organization in Alberta, run by volunteers and their belief is that it's not what you've lost that counts it's what you do with what you have left. Disability need not get in the way of ability.

E-mail: info@aasra.ab.ca
 

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Amputee Clinics

Referrals by Physicians are required to attend the following listed amputee clinics:

Alberta Children's Hospital

Contact :Evelyn, Clinical Resource Nurse, Orthopedic Clinic, Juvenile Amputee Clinic Alberta Children's Hospital Phone: 955-7258 Fax: 955-7666

Foothills Medical Centre Adult Amputee Clinic

Donna, Secretary, Foothills Medical Centre Phone: 944-4226 Fax: 283-2526

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Travel

If you are traveling and emergency necessitates a Prosthetist, a list of Prosthetists is available through the following websites:

Orthotics Prosthetics Canada
Click on find a CAPO member near you

0andP.com

The following distributed by the Amputee Coalition of America is an excellent read for people with disabilities traveling.

Travel Information for People with Disabilities


Hygiene

Practicing proper residual-limb (stump) hygiene is essential for all amputees. For those who wear a prosthesis, consistent care and thorough hygiene is especially important as it helps prevent disabling skin conditions and allows normal active life.

  Proper residual limb hygiene includes daily washing. Prosthetic sockets, sleeves and liners can trap body fluids, which can lead to bacterial buildup, skin irritation and breakdown.

• Wash your stump every day once healed with a facecloth using non-perfumed soap and warm water.

• Rince and dry the stump well.

• Use a hand mirror to inspect the end of your stump for any skin irriation.

• Do not shave your stump. The hair follicles may become ingrown and become infected.

• Wash your stump socks every day or use clean socks. Use mild no -perfumed soap and rinse well.

Call your doctor or physiotherapist if you notice that your skin is irritated (for example, unusual heat or pain, redness, swelling or blistering).

Excellent Reads and Links for Amputee Hygiene and Skin Care

Amputee Coalition of America "In Motion Magazine" Volume 10 · Issue 1 · Jan./Feb. 2000

The War Amps - National Amputee Centre "Skin Care & Stump Hygiene"

Active Living Magazine "Stumped? Let's Talk Skin Care"
 

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