Living With Your Amputation: A Patient's Guide to Recovery and Rehabilitation

Losing a limb is a difficult experience for anyone at any age. You may feel anxious, confused, frightened, even lonely. All these are perfectly normal and are shared by many others.

The professionals at SCOPe Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. recognize and understand these feelings. Since 1982, SCOPe has been committed to the highest quality of individualized care and caring needed to help people with amputations achieve the greatest level of function and independence possible.

Our certified prosthetists are an integral part of the rehabilitation team, which includes you, your family, your doctor and your physical or occupational therapist. Together, we will work to help you achieve the highest possible level of function, comfort and acceptance as you learn to use and live with your new prosthesis.

Space-age materials such as titanium and carbon fiber are now used to design light-weight, durable, energy-storing artificial limbs. The result is a more comfortable, natural looking prosthesis that better replicates "normal" movement. Today, most people with amputations return to productive and independent lives, doing many of the activities they could do before their surgeries.

SCOPe has prepared this handbook to answer some of your questions about recovery and rehabilitation after losing a limb. We hope this will guide you through this difficult time and to the realization that it is not what you lost, but what you have left that really matters.

Choosing Your Prosthetist

It is important to chose your prosthetist as carefully as you do your doctor. Because you will have a very close and long-term relationship with your prosthetist, your choice is a very personal one. Here are some facts to consider when making that decision:

Certification: The American Board for Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. (ABC) ensures the highest standards of education, training, and level of professionalism. Look for the title of Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist (C.P.O.) Or Certified Prosthetist (C.P.) when choosing your prosthetist. SCOPe has a large staff of ABC certified prosthetists.

Experience: When it comes to designing the most appropriate prosthesis and getting the best fit, experience counts. Do not hesitate to ask questions and get recommendations from others. Choose a certified prosthetist who is thoroughly familiar with your particular level of amputation. SCOPe prosthetists have more than 250 years of combined experience and are nationally known for their expertise in prosthetics.

Communication: The relationship with your prosthetist is long-term and requires open, honest communication. SCOPe's prosthetists work closely with you throughout you recovery and rehabilitation. Communicating your needs, expectations, concerns, and lifestyle goals ensures that you will receive the best prosthetic care available.

Location: You will make many trips to your prosthetist's office for fitting and adjustments, especially during the first year. Consider location and any scheduling needs when choosing a prosthetist. SCOPe offices are located near major medical centers throughout the county.

Insurance Coverage: Many HMO and PPO insurance plans now have provider agreements and you may be required to use certain prosthetists. As the leading provider of prosthetic services, SCOPe has provider agreements with all major HMO and PPO providers. SCOPe is also a provider for Medicare, Medi-Cal, Department of Rehabilitation, County Medical Services, Veterans Administration, and California Children's Services. In addition, our insurance specialists are available to discuss costs and payment options.