How much does a traumatic amputation Hurt?

---

I know that losing a finger or hand or leg in to an accident must be one of the most traumatic things ever. I was in a car accident and have broken a bone and a few cuts, but that must be nothing compared to how much an amputation hurts. Does the body go into some kind of mode where endorphins kick in and it does not hurt so much as it looks. Unfortunately to answer, this must have happened to you.
I had a patient several years ago that had both legs amputated. One was amputated in the actual injury; the other was removed in surgery at the hospital. He said that it hurt. He knew that he was injured, but he said that he was able to tolerate the pain for quite a while. I think that he said that he lost consciousness after the beam was removed from his legs and he was being put on the helicopter. He ended up having to have a wound vac because the amputations were traumatic and therefore left open because there wasn't enough skin immediately to cover the stumps. He said at that point he had phantom pain.......in other words.....his feet hurt.  (+ info)

How would a person react to the total traumatic amputation of the hand?

---

I know it's a little morbid, but I need to know. Please help me. I need to know how intense the pain is, if enough blood can be lost from the injury in five minutes for the person to go into shock, and what a person experiencing this will think. Please don't tell me about phantom pain and other long term reactions. I need immediate reactions.
The person might go into shock from the pain alone. It would be excruciating. The blood loss won't cause shock, but there would be enough blood loss for that person to die if the wound is allowed to just bleed. Unless the hand is severed with a light saber, in which case it will be instantly cauterized. But the pain might still cause shock, which can be fatal.  (+ info)

How does a traumatic amputation in a car accident occur?

---

Yes, I know this sounds a little morbid, but I'm curious about the biology behind it. Today in LA a street race resulted in the death of three young people, and two others, one of whom had his leg ripped off at the hip. According to eye witnesses, one of the dead was, I guess, torn in half. So, how exactly does this happen? Is it caused by the seat-belt cutting the person in half? The reports say "blunt force," but I don't understand what that is--unless a blunt object--like a tree---comes into the car, how does blunt force occur?
* Sorry, I meant to say two others were injured
There are two types of trauma- sharp, like a knife and blunt force. In the case of a car crash, since I only have what you related to go on, I suspect that the guy who was amputated at the hip probably ended up with the engine coming through into the passenger compartment and landing through his hip. That is blunt force trauma. Having your leg stuck out the door and then having the car turn over on the leg is also blunt force trauma.
Basically it happens when something big and heavy shears off a body part. It's a mechanical issue, not biological. Force and velocity and inertia on a body made of flesh and bone means that usually the body is the loser. One thing is sure- it's not pretty.  (+ info)

What would be the time frame for a diabetic who needs foot amputation?

---

I know someone with diabetes, and they cannot feel their feet. He's broken toes and toenails and didn't feel a thing. Does he need amputation? Will he need amputation? Is there a way to avoid it? When would a diabetic require a foot amputation?
No, he doesn't need any amputations, yet. You can put away your hacksaw, lol!
Amputations are quite common, though. Generally starting with the toes, but it is because of infection. Gangrene sets in, starting in the skin, but when it spreads to the bone that's when things have to be amputated (sometimes).
Diabetic foot infections are common, nasty, and can actually make the person quite sick.  (+ info)

What actually happens during an amputation?

---

I know it sounds a bit sick, but I'm writing a major work for school and I need a detailed description of an amputation procedure as part of my story. If anyone knows the details of it- what is used, how the wound is sealed, and etc I'd really really appreciate it. If it helps, I'm writing about a transfemoral amputation on both legs.
Try this out and see if it helps: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amputation  (+ info)

How could a knife wound in a fight cause amputation of a limb by surgeons?

---

Say someone was in a bar fight, the other person pulled a knife and stabbed him several times. Where would they have to stab, and/or what kind of complications could arise that would make the doctor suggest amputation of a limb?
Surgeons don't remove limbs for no reason. There has to be death of tissue beyond repair to cause this. If dead tissue is allowed to remain, gangrene will set in and then you have the serious potential of death instead of just loss of a limb. Mary is right. It must be circulatory system related.  (+ info)

What is the recovery time after an above the knee amputation?

---

I might be facing an amputation above the knee due to an infection in the foot. I have poor circulation in the leg due to many surgeries after receiving gun shot wounds to the knees in Iraq. The Doctor is entertaining the idea of amputation and I was wondering if anyone out there knows the time line for recovery after an ordeal like this? Thanks for your time and prayers,

Justin
I just had a revision to my above knee amputation on Monday. I'm home now and i was told I can be walking in about 4 or 5 weeks. You need to let the wound heal, then let it shrink to a good size. Wait for the stitches or staples to be removed then go to rehab for a few weeks to work on walking.

It may be longer for you where you'll have to relearn walking but if you do what they tell you it doesn't take that long.

the cast they put on Monday fell off Tuesday because the swelling reduced that fast so healing will be a breeze as long as you drink lots of fluids and keep on the medication.

people have this hang up about amputating but really if it isn't working get rid of it. you have to weigh your options. If you leave it the way it is now are you going to have lots of complications and surgeries? will you be living in pain? will you need to take medication for circulation? will it eventually result in amputation down the road any way?

With amputation you will need to learn how to walk again but it sure beats having a straight leg or living in pain.  (+ info)

What is the chance of supressing MRSA complications that have already required the amputation of my leg?

---

acquired MRSA in rehab facility. after prolonged aggressive antibiotic therapy the lesions appear in several sores above the amputation site. I have Type 2 diabetes which only complicate things.
I have had MRSA twice, am type 2 and never had a problem with it clearing up.

http://diabetes.about.com/od/preventingcomplications/qt/mrsadiabetes.htm  (+ info)

How long do post-traumatic hydroceles last after an inguinal hernia repair operation?

---

I had left inguinal hernia repair surgery 7 days ago. It caused a post-traumatic hydrocele on my left testicle (I know not very common, but it does exist.) and it is still there. How long on average will this last? I am seeing my doctor soon.
I found this article that may help.
http://www.emedicine.com/Med/topic2778.htm  (+ info)

How does a person know if a traumatic memory is false or real?

---

Let's say that a person has had a memory of traumatic experience throughout their lives, but has only recently started to actually think about it and recollect it properly. How does he/she know whether that memory is actually real traumatic experience or just a false one. I've heard that some people actually have false memories, and remember things that didn't actually happen. Is this actually possible?
U should see a professional. If something traumtic happens to a child, it is often repressed into the subconscious and can emerge later in life. If you are having hazy memories they could very well be true. Something that was so traumatic for you your brain tried to shut it out to protect you from psychological damage. A psychologist will be able to determine whether your memories are imaginary or real. Yes some people do have false memories but better to be safe than sorry  (+ info)

---

---

• Home
• Our method
• Usage examples
• Index

• Statistics
• Contact

---