A percepção do paciente amputado diante da mudança na imagem corporal

Objective: to assess the perception of the amputee patient in face of the change in body image. Methods: This is a field research, exploratory, cross-sectional, with a qualitative approach, carried out in a general hospital in a municipality in Maranhao, with a sample of 09 participants, of both sexes. Results: It was observed that there are changes in the perception of individuals about body image after the amputation process, where the main feelings experienced by the interviewees were sadness, longing for the lost limb, hopelessness, dissatisfaction with their body image and intense fragility. There was also a decrease in social interaction. It was also evidenced that only three individuals show resilience regarding their current situation, highlighting the family as a pillar for overcoming obstacles faced by them. Conclusion: In view of these problems, it is clear that assistance provided to these individuals should be focused on physical and emotional aspects. In this case, the health team must take action dealing directly with the subject and providing clarifications about the procedure performed by him, in addition to encouraging the use of strategies that seek to stimulate the development of activities aimed at physical and mental rehabilitation.