EXPERIENCE OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCER PATIENTS AFTER MINOR AMPUTATION AT DR RUBINI HOSPITAL, MEMPAWAH REGENCY, WEST KALIMANTAN

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that causes various chronic complications, if
left untreated and not managed properly. One of the chronic complications in patients
with Diabetes Mellitus is diabetic foot ulcers. Around 15% -25% of patients with Diabetes
Mellitus experience diabetic foot ulcers during their lifetime. Various studies have shown
that patients with diabetic foot ulcers who undergo minor or major amputations have
different experiences. Amputation is defined as surgery to remove all or part of a limb.
Objective: This study aims to explore more deeply the experiences of patients with
diabetic foot ulcers after minor amputations. Method: This study uses a qualitative
method with a thematic approach. The selection of informants used a purposive
sampling technique with a total of 7 informants with diabetic foot ulcers after minor
amputations. The data collected were in the form of recordings. Conclusion: The
experiences of patients with diabetic foot ulcers after minor amputations vary widely,
ranging from lack of information about what diabetes mellitus is, signs of infection and
prevention of infection, wound healing processes, wound care and diet management,
functional changes, self-concept, coping mechanisms, economic impacts, hopes, selfdevelopment
processes, obstacles, risks of ineffective self-management and culture.
Suggestion: It is better to influence health workers in their role in providing emotional
support and improving the quality of health services for post-amputation patients.