Amputation means the removal, usually through surgery, of one of your extremities. This can include your toes, feet, legs, fingers, hands, or arms. There are many reasons why patients can have amputations. These include:
* severe infection in an extremity,
* diabetes with associated infection in an extremity,
* cancer in an extremity, or
* traumatic events, like car accidents, resulting in severe injuries that can not be repaired.

Amputations are most often performed surgically. There are usually few complications following an amputation, but occasionally infection and blood loss do occur. Most patients heal quickly and without complications. The most common concerns voiced by patients about amputations include:
* What will I look like?
* How will I feel?
* Will I be able to walk again (if undergoing a lower extremity amputation) ?
* Will I be depressed?
* How will my family or spouse react to how I look?
* Will I be able to work again?

These are all important questions that should be discussed with your healthcare provider. The answers will depend on the patient's condition and the type of surgery that is planned. Do not hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have about what will happen after surgery. It is also important to know that most people feel sad after an amputation. This is a realistic reaction to what has occurred to your body. If you find that you continue to be sad, or are unable to get your life going again, visit with your healthcare provider.Remember, the majority of people do well after an amputation. Most people return to normal living, with few problems.

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