I am seeking help

[Samantha]

My mom is looking into having her left leg amputated. She has had a vascular disease for several years, and this is her last option for her to gain mobility back. She is strong and is looking forward to the surgery. I, on the other hand, am having a hard time grasping what is going to happen. I am also afraid we will be facing an up hill battle. I am from a small town with very little diversity and it feels like we are the only family around that is facing this procedure. I would really like to connect with someone who has gone through an elective surgery and I could also use any words of wisdom.

Thank you.

[Chailatte]

Hi Samantha,

Sorry to hear what you're facing, it's not easy, but it's not the end of the world either. I had osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) salvaged my leg for 14 years until a vascular blockage made amputation inevitable.

I think it would be helpful for you and your mom to meet with other amputees and their families. The surgeon I was working with introduced me to a prosthetist, who I was able to meet before my amputation and he in turn introduced me to a couple of his clients that were similar to me (above knee amps) so it made me feel less alone and also to see these people walking with their prosthetics before I even had my amputation gave me hope and made it all less scary.

Often times large hospitals will have an amputee support group, which would be a great resource for you and your mom. Even if there isn't one where you live, maybe you can call around and find the closest one. Some have peer to peer visitors.

Is your mom's amputation going to be above or below her knee? There are several very active message boards I could direct you to if you're interested- you gain a lot of valuable information from reading other's stories and also educate yourself about prosthetics because after all, that is the biggest part in your mom's healing- her ability to get a good fitting leg that will allow her to get back to "normal" life.

There is good help out there- keep asking questions. Best wishes to you and your mom and I'm here if you need anything!
Cheri

[Daniel Ballarin]

I couldn't have said it better. As a prosthetist, I have seen both ends of the spectrum. I have seen people who are able to run once again after amputation, however I have also had patients that were not fit for a prosthesis and were wheelchair bound. There are many obstacles that one must overcome, both mentally and physically. Also, because of the ability to plan, you have many options that others may not have. Definitely meet her future prosthetist and ask questions. This is his/her job interview, not the other way around. If you feel that he/she is inadequate, search for your options. Also, ask the surgeon how he will do the surgery and ask about his past outcomes. Check the internet to see if the surgical procedure sounds correct if you want. Sometimes small towns get away with improper methods. Lastly, and I cant stress this enough, for the first 12-18 months, schedule visits frequently and before problems such as sores arise. Your mother's leg will be changing volume/shape drastically so the prosthesis should be adjusted accordingly. Dont let her fall between the cracks. A few months ago, I had a patient that received his first leg over 5 yrs ago from another company and never had a follow-up appointment. When I saw him, he was not happy and could hardly walk. The thing was useless and his own health had suffered from being inexcusably wheelchair bound. He called me an angel when I fit him with his new leg. I had done nothing really special, in fact all I did was provide him with what he deserved. Feel free to ask me any questions and I will try to do the best to answer them. Please contact me through our website.
Daniel Ballarin, CO and Prosthetist
Orthomedics Website Click Here Omaha, Nebraska

[Jacquie D. Wilborn]

I saw your response to another members questions regarding wether or not to have an amputation. I am a recent amputee (below the knee-right leg). This came on suddenly and was not elective, so I had no time to prepare or talk with anyone before-hand. I have been an amputee since May 20th of this year and have been fitted with my first prosthesis about 6 weeks ago (I went through Hanger, just picked them out of a list). I felt more comfortable going with a national company since I had no knowledge of this field and did not know anyone that could recommend any company specifically.

My question to you is, How do I know if I am fitted properly? I had one person fit me for the prosthesis and worked with me for the first 3 weeks, but then he left the company and I'm know assigned to another person who knows nothing about me up to this point. The only time I go in for adjustments is if its hurting, but other than that, I don't know what to look for.

I am still attending therapy and at this point can only walk with a "walker" to assist me and only for short periods of time. I cannot image ever walking without some support even though i've been told it is very possible. Can you direct me to anyone or any company that can assist me in this long process. I just want to make sure I am doing everything possible to ensure a good fit. I am already extremely frustrated, and have no contacts in this field to guide me. (Actually, I have never even met another amputee - not even in physical therapy).

Any guidance, suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

Jacquie D. Wilborn
Euless, Texas