Author/Editor		Radonjič-Miholič, Vesna
Title		Duševnost - zrcalo amputacije in opora rehabilitaciji: vloga psihologa v rehabilitaciji oseb po amputaciji
Type		članek
Source		In: Burger H, editor. Amputacije in protetika. Zbornik predavanj 13. dnevi rehabilitacijske medicine; 2002 mar 15-16; Ljubljana. 1. izd. Ljubljana: Inštitut Republike Slovenije za rehabilitacijo,
Publication year		2002
Volume		str. 159-73
Language		slo
Abstract		Patient's comprehension of amputation is a process that occurs at physical and mental levels. Often, the processes at the two levels are not simultaneous. It is only after some time that the amputation of a limb is reffected clearfy in the changed body appearance, which is an important part of a person's self-image. Patients after amputation must restore their self-respect and personal stability, strengthen their self-confidence, renew their social network and adapt their lifestyle. In that way, they can face the cha!lenge of life changes caused by the amputation. Frequent causes of amputation are injuries or rapid development of a disease, which leave no time to the patient to make an objective decision for amputation. The decision is often made under the pressure of time and emotional anxiety, and it is often accompanied by the presence of severe pain. The most difficult emotional moment is the time of waking up after the surgery and gradual realizing that the limb is no longer present. Another similarly painful situation is often the first meeting with relatives after the operation. Life after amputation seems to be a series of stressful situations that follow one another in an unnatural, random order. The first days, weeks or even months after amputation are filled with emotions and there are only few peaceful and tranquil moments. Impressions are strong and the time to re-live and organize the impressions is short Hardly can the bitterness of one stressful situation subside, when a new situation arises. Among psychologically stressful situations are: the first dressings of the stump; evaluation of the severity of the situation on the basis of the looks, tone and reactions of heafth-care workers; phantom pain; anxiety when expecting a prosthesis; doubts and embarrassment when making the first steps with a prosthesis. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters).
Descriptors		AMPUTATION BODY IMAGE SELF CONCEPT PROFESSIONAL-PATIENT RELATIONS POSTOPERATIVE CARE PHANTOM LIMB PSYCHOTHERAPY