Keep in mind having anything amputated is a traumatic experience to your emotions and your body. You may not think anything is wrong but your subconscious remembers everything.

Hey Jayme - you're not alone. I was the same way. One time in particular I remember was during that week I was in the hospital after the amputation, I was crying and growly and yelling at my mom and nurses and everybody - Finally the nurses took Mom out of my room for a while to "get her away". And that pissed me off even more...lol. But like Robin says, it is a LOT of adjustment all of sudden, that even though you don't think that it's about losing your leg, that in itself is a huge underlying issue on top of all the other day to day struggles we all deal with. Keep talking, keep journaling, keep reaching out. YOU ARE NORMAL :)

I was the same way after my amputation so you are not alone.If it is bothering you that much though maybe you should talk to your doctor.I agree with Kinzy journaling might help.We are here if you need us talking to other amputees helps sometimes too.We would never judge you becuase we have been where you are now.I have been an amputee for 9 years now and I like coming to this site and talking to other amputees about things my family and my best fiend just doesn't understand.When I talk about feeling my leg still there or my prosthesis felling funny they don't know what I am talking about lol.Everyone here does though.

Im way more emotional than before. I used to be able to be macho and hide my feelings, but no more. I see things differently now. it affects me more, not just the amputation but lots of things. I definetly understand what youre going thru hon.

The thing about crying is that it is so damn hard to hide the fact that you are crying - the evidence is everywhere - swollen eyes, runny or plugged up nose, tissues everywhere, hoarse voice, looking tired and emotionally drained - all things we've experienced - if that's not normal, then none of us really are normal - and besides, who wants to be normal anyway. We're all unique in the type of person that we are. I know I had to go on anti-depressants for awhile - they helped me. I was on them for about 6 months and weaned myself off them. Then I lost my grandson about 4-5 months later - I was back on them again for about 6 months again. But I'm off of them now. They helped when I needed that something extra. There's no shame in being on an anti-depressant - the shame is not seeking the help when you need it. Life is too short for us to be miserable for so long. As we found out how fragile life is, we need to reach out when needed. I hope you start to recover. It can be very difficult at times. But then again, DS is a support network that we feel comfortable posting such questions. There is someone who there who has been in that position and understands. Take care.

You are so right arlene! thanks for sharing that.

After I lost my leg, for months, I went from being angry, to crying. I was told by many a well meaning soul, that I should just get used to the situation.
I think that this comes from the fact that many people are uncomfortable being around someone who is obviously in a very emotional state. My advice, let it out, cry as you need to. It is your subconscious letting out a primal scream. If you box it in, you will suffer as long as you do this. Your instincts are doing what you need to do. As long as you know you are not ignoring what you need for proper care, this would be what I would call "normal" as far as a response to your loss.

I think if your crying spells continue you should see someone. When my husband was in rehab, he was able to talk to a psychiatrist who specialized in amputees.

everyone goes thru phases of post opfeeling like there is no hope and some ppl get depressed about it.you may need to have dr prescribe something for depression. but you have the world @ ur fingertips dont give up!
God Bless :-)

As a counsellor, I would recommend you see a counsellor, psychologist, or doctor get assessed for depression. You could also try self-assessments online at either www.authentichappines.com or www.depressionhurt.com and bring the results to your doctor. Depression can be treated with counselling (esp someone with knowledge and expereince in disability and pain counselling, as well as antidepressant meds. Just some advice. Good luck!

wrote address wrong: one is www.depressionhurts.com and the other is www.authentichappiness.com
(I forgot the 's' on hurts)

You guys really are great people. So much wonderful advice. My visiting nurse set me up with an out patient program. It will be group as well as individual counseling with others suffering from post traumatic stress (thats what they call me!). I have my first appt tomorrow just to set it all up. She said its usually 3 days a week for 8 hrs a day. This is all just confusing and scary for me and I'm so glad I can talk to you all--esp about the things my family just cant understand.
Jayme

HI jude times seem pretty hard right now but these times will make you know more about yourself.Over the last four years I've cried buckets but when I'm done I'm still facing the same obstacles.When you feel like crying just cross your hands together and think of one of your family that may be gone now but remember how much you loved them.They'll come to you,they will start to help your inner peace. You'll find inner peace be patient. May God bless you and help you find what you need.

I lost my leg may 4 2006 which is my birthday i have since then had 11 surgeries and been on life support three times. As for crying well I still do that a lot. you are not crazy what you are going through is normal. losing a limb is a major trauma and you will go through many emotions. if you ever need to talk I am here.