Background: Patients who have had to amputate a limb go through a big change in their lives. The biggest cause for amputations is as a result of heart and vascular disorders. The leg is the most commonly amputated limb.

Aim: The aim of this study has been to describe patients' experiences of amputations and how it effects their daily lives.

Method: This literature review was based on qualitative research in order to contribute to evidence-based nursing. Ten scientific articles were analysed. These were later analysed on a deep level to reach a consensus. The analysis resulted in three main themes and eight sub themes.

Results: The presented themes was"An irrevocable decision" "My prosthesis and I" and "To live with clipped wings". The results showed that patients' experiences of limb loss were based on the patients' previous life experiences. When the decision for amputation was taken, the strongest reactions came from the patients who felt worried about the future. The support from family members and other relatives was important for the patients' recovery.

Conclusion: Depending on the cause for the amputation, the changed life situation affected the patients in different ways. For the patients, the new life situation implied a physical, emotional and social struggle. Life never was the same after the amputation, even though the patients reached acceptance.