Support Groups

ATTENTION: Support Group Members/Leaders. I'd like to create a list of Amputee Support Groups throughout the country for my visitors. If you are a member of an Amputee Support Group or a Support Group Leader, please E-mail me with the name of your support group, your Support Group Leader's name, and a address and phone number. An E-mail address of the contact person for your group would be great. Thank you!

Why do I need a support group?

Some people who are about to undergo the amputation of a limb or have had the surgery recently, really don’t know what to expect in the way of changes to their life. These changes can include appearance, self-image, and the ability to perform certain tasks. A support group can assist the new amputee in gaining much needed knowledge for those first few months of coping, accepting and learning their new way of life.

Who do I go to for my prosthetic questions, society questions, and financial aid questions?

Doctor, friend, family? All would probably love to help if they could; however, the best information can come from those who have had the same or similar experience to you. Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to learn all alone? You may not want to take all the advice you get, but you can certainly choose what best fits your needs. There are many amputee support groups around the country and many in your area that are more than willing to be of assistance to you. You can be the judge as to how involved you want to be in a group and if it is any help to you. The most important thing to be gained from support is always encouragement. We all need encouragement from time to time, especially when you are undergoing the many life changes that come with losing a part of your body.

How do I find a support group?

The Internet is a good source for finding a Support Group.

Contact your local hospital. Some Support Groups are hospital based.

Contact a prosthetist in your area (or your own) or look under prosthetics and orthotics in the yellow pages

The benefits to being in a support group

Opportunity to benefit from ideas and experiences of others in the group Who have similar circumstances as yourself.

Opportunity to share your own ideas and experiences with others in the group.

Opportunity to share information such as:

  • A good prosthesis or prosthestist
  • Good doctor
  • Insurance company or other financial help getting prosthesis
  • What crutches you find helpful to you
  • What helps you accomplish tasks easier, better, and faster
  • Sports you enjoy since becoming an amputee
  • Job opportunities

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about a support group is your giving back to the group can be what helps it perpetuate and be available for others who need to have the same support you needed.

Note: I've heard it more than once that for some people, Amputee Support Groups aren't for them. Whether their experience was a negative one, or they just didn't 'click' with the group, some LadyAmp's have said they did well without the group influence. For your own peace of mind, I'd suggest at least going to one or two of their meetings if the meetings are close by, just so you can say 'you tried'.

If you have a Support Group you would like listed here on LadyAmp, please send me the name of your Support Group, address, meeting place, time and E-Mail. I will be glad to list your group.