Prosthetic and Orthotic Practitioner Jeremy Berman Explains the Three Most Important Things One Should Do After Limb Loss

Jeremy Berman L.P.O specializes in helping individuals who have lost one or more limbs regain their ability to get around and perform basic tasks. He explains there are three important things that every single person who has lost a limb needs to do in order to maintain their mental health, adapt to new realities, and overcome obstacles that stand in the way of living a healthy, happy life. First, Berman notes, a person who has lost a limb should realize that the grieving process is normal, and each person experiences this process in different ways. While some are able to overcome their sadness quickly and adapt to new realities with the help of a good prosthetic, others may struggle to deal with their limitations, physical and emotional pain, and feelings of worthlessness.

 Jeremy Berman urges those who are experiencing grief to speak up and seek professional help not only from mental health professionals but also others who have lived through the limb loss experience. There are nearly two million people in the United States who are living with limb loss, he notes, and in-person and virtual support groups can offer the help one needs to make it through the grieving process.

Jeremy Berman recommends choosing a prosthetic limb that looks natural and life-like. It is also important to work with a prosthetist for as long as it takes to become adept at using the new limb and learn how to care for the part of the body that the prosthetic is attached to in order to avoid problems such as swelling or bruising. 

Berman points out that a prosthetist can also offer sound general health advice regarding weight and lifestyle choices that will enable a person who has lost a limb to eat right and exercise right, thus maintaining a proper weight to allow for as much freedom of movement as possible. Even so, he cautions, it can take months for a person to regain lost skills, and it is important for a person who has lost a limb to focus on the progress being made in order to maintain a positive attitude.  

Jeremy Berman also explains that recovering from limb loss is not a one-time event. Ongoing support is a must and a person who has lost a limb will want to stay in touch with medical professionals to receive regular check-ups and have the prosthetic limb repaired and adjusted as needed. Staying in touch with mental health professionals and a support group can provide ap person who has lost a limb with the emotional and psychological support needed to overcome in difficult times. 

Limb loss is undoubtedly a traumatic event, but Berman accurately notes that a person who has lost a limb can lead a happy, productive, fulfilling life. Navigating the grieving process in a healthy manner, choosing the right prosthetic, and working with a qualified prosthetist are important steps in the healing process; at the same time, Berman points out that ongoing support plays a key role in full recovery and a person who has lost a limb should not hesitate to seek help whenever the need arises.