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6.5.3.1 PHYSICAL PROBLEMS
SEPTIC STUMP
In spite ofhealth education on physical care (5) 20% ofthe amputees experienced problems
with their stump wounds. The reasons were:
• There was no family support to assist with dressings.
• Inability to reach community health centres as they were far from where they lived.
• Lack ofsurgical sundries in the local community health care centres.
NON-FIITING PROSTHESIS
The amputees experienced problems with the prosthesis, which were not fitting properly.
Five (5) 20% amputees had this problem. The reasons were:
• Poor molding ofthe stump due to failure to cone the stump.
• Inaccurate measurement ofthe stump fitting ofthe prosthesis.
INABILITY TO USE PROSTHESIS
A further problem that was experienced was an inability to use the prosthesis, as (10) 40%
amputees stated that the reason for this problem was:
• The prosthesis was too heavy and very uncomfortable.
• The stump wounds that had healed redeveloped after the use of the prosthesis. This
was due to failure ofusing the stocking before fitting the prosthesis.
6.5.3.2 PSYCHOSOCIAL PROBLEMS
FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
• Financial problems were reported by (23) 92% amputees because not all amputees
were getting disability grants.
• Even those amputees who were getting disability grants felt it was inadequate as they
were breadwinners oftheir families.
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