Problems Experienced by Patients Following Amputation
Following an amputation and the acute rehabilitation involved, ongoing care will need to be taken to maintain the limb and replace prosthetics over the lifetime. Patients can face challenges with adjusting to the loss of a limb, and it can take time for the body to accommodate to the new imbalance. Patients may struggle with skin and wound issues related to the type of closure or prosthetic pressure and irritation that needs to be addressed. Additionally, finding a prosthesis that works for the patient in their daily life may take some patience.
Dr. Tabby understands these concerns, has worked with patients who have experienced amputation due to a variety of reasons, and approaches care in a multidisciplinary manner to optimize care. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists like Dr. Tabby help to maintain proper body mechanics and treat injuries, helping restore patients’ ability to function in their daily lives.
The Importance of Prosthetic Alignment
With regard to patients with amputations, extra care needs to be taken to avoid stress on the remaining joints of the affected side, the opposite side and other extremities. The body will naturally attempt to correct or compensate for the lost limb.
Whenever a new prosthesis is applied, it takes time for the body to accommodate. For example, in the lower extremities, wearing a new prosthesis can cause a change in gait that can lead to differences in hip alignment, muscle tension in the back, and even leaning in the upper extremities to accommodate to shifting the weight onto the new limb. It is also important to make sure that the device is correctly fitted to allow for proper anatomical alignment. Depending on the type of prosthesis, the patient may also have to adjust to the functionality they may gain from a new prosthetic limb.
Dr. Tabby’s Exam and Approach to Care
Dr. Tabby will perform a thorough examination of not only the limb and skin affected by amputation, but also the rest of the body to look for signs of related stress and tension, she will evaluate the patient's prosthesis. She will take into account the impact that co-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, can have on daily functioning with an amputation. Lifestyle considerations will also inform the optimal type of prosthesis for a patient.
Dr. Tabby practices the “art of medicine,” forging strong relationships with her patients built on trust and mutual respect, and pursuing a rigorous work-up. She cares about developing a strong patient-physician relationship so that patients can feel free to voice the concerns they are having with their prosthesis and communicate openly.
Easy booking and appointment availability are benefits of working with Dr. Tabby. She encourages patients to visit her in the office, but for patients with extreme mobility limits, she makes home visits or virtual appointments through HealthTap. Feel free to inquire when speaking with the office staff about all of the available options.
Care Coordination
Dr. Tabby will collaborate with other physicians and specialists in a multidisciplinary fashion to make sure that the patient receives the most appropriate coordinated care in a personalized manner. Justification to insurance companies is often necessary to obtain higher end prosthetic components. Dr. Tabby works closely with prosthetists and will write letters of medical necessity to obtain appropriate prostheses. She works to ensure that her patients feel confident in the use of their prosthetics and remain able to function optimally in their daily lives following amputation.