Nepal: The life-changing stages of rehabilitation

Understanding your rehabilitation

“Under normal circumstances, rehabilitation begins before a patient undergoes surgery to have their leg or legs amputated. We counsel the person about the rehabilitation process and teach them upper limb exercises as well as breathing exercises to help them feel relaxed and energized. This was not always possible with survivors of the Nepal earthquake, but we tried to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible.”
 
“Right after surgery, a patient’s amputated stump must be bandaged properly to reduce swelling and the leg should be positioned slightly elevated with no bend in the joints. Without proper positioning the leg is at risk of contractures - a shortening of the muscles which can permanently restrict movement.”

Trying to stand within 24 hours

“Patients also need to start moving and stretching or they may be bedridden for a long time and develop pressure sores. Within a few hours of surgery we try to test the patient’s ability to sit comfortably. Within 24 hours we encourage them to try standing on one leg with support. If they can stand, we provide them with crutches and gradually introduce walking and other exercises.”

The need for emotional support

“Losing a part of the body is always psychologically traumatic, and many Nepal earthquake survivors also lost family members, friends, and their homes. Therefore it has been very important for us to connect emotionally with our patients. We talk and listen to patients and their families, and tell them that they will receive a artificial limb leg, which gives them hope.”

“However, we present a realistic picture of what they will able to do physically and let them know that they must take ownership of their physical therapy and health care in order to be able to walk. To inspire patients, I like to tell them the story of Reema, a Handicap International beneficiary who received a prosthesis and is now a famous dancer in Nepal.”

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Rigorous exercises

“When a person’s stump is healed, they can perform more rigorous exercises and stretching to increase their strength and flexibility. Typically it takes several months of physical therapy before a person can be fitted with a prosthesis.”

Fitting a prosthesis

“When they are ready, a qualified prosthesist will measure and fit each patient. Adjustments are made until they can take a few steps comfortably with their new prosthesis. Then they can begin user training. A physical therapist will teach each patient how to walk with their prosthesis on smooth and rough surfaces, how to climb stairs, how to take it off and on, and how to care for it.”

“We will try to follow up with patients three to six months after their initial fittings and trainings to make adjustments to the prosthesis. In a hilly country like Nepal, the foot of a prosthesis usually needs to be replaced every six months and for adults the whole prosthesis needs to be changed every one to two years.”