During the early stages, new amputees have to deal with challenges presented by amputation surgery, rehabilitation and learning to use a prosthesis. There are certain health and medical issues that amputees may need to deal with as well. Congenital amputees and their families will deal with many of these issues, like adapting to the amputation, over time as the amputee child grows up.

Amputees, in addition to coming to terms with the amputation themselves, have to also deal with how their family, friends and the general public will perceive them. Many amputees will, at some point in time deal with incorporating the amputation into their body image. How an amputation might impact on current or future relationships is also an important topic for amputees.

As you move towards independence, issues like driving may become a focus. Knowing that you are not alone in your concerns and having some resources available will help you deal with the issues you may face. While in the beginning it may seem as though your amputation defines who you are as a person, as time goes by, it will instead become just another aspect of who you are.

• The Rehabilitation Team
• Body Image & Relationships
• What To Do If You Meet A Bully
• Licence to Drive
• From the Early Years to College
• Understanding Gait
• Using a Myoelectric Arm to its Full Potential
• Life as a New Amputee
• Reintegration & Adjustment as Seen by the Amputee
• Working Through the Stages of Rehabilitation

As well as the counselling articles listed here, The War Amps has also developed programs and newsletters to help amputees.