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Post by johnaxel on Jan 1, 2023 21:02:18 GMT -7
Hi, my name is John. In 2009 I had 2 TIA’s in one night. Went to hospital. Had every test available. It was discovered I have very high cholesterol, which is blocking my arteries. Shortly after that I started to experience cramping in my right leg after walking for 15 minutes. Long story short. After medication changes eventually we had to resort to surgery. 6 surgeries later, woke up in the morning a month and 1/2 ago. With what I thought was a cramp in my left leg. The (cramp) rapidly become more painful until the leg became paralyzed. Rushed to the hospital 5 days later they had to perform an above knee amputation. Of course I have gone through the why me and poor me phase. I’m now at the bored to tears being stuck in the house. Tried to go out today. Its winter here and there is a lot of ice and snow, got as far as our walk way and ended up on my butt. Needless to say I went back in the house (after checking non of my neighbors saw me)to soothe my wounded pride. Glad that’s all I hurt.
Am I just clumsy or do others have at least 3 missteps daily?
The biggest challenge for me is each day along with the regular aches and pains. I end up with other symptoms that I don’t know if these are regular things that should be happening or is my body trying to tell me something. I have looked for something online, like what to expect after amputation but have had no luck. Any suggestions would be helpful.
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Post by snowyh on Jan 2, 2023 5:00:25 GMT -7
Hello, John, and welcome to the forum. You taught me something new: TIA (transient ischemic attack) A temporary blockage of the blood supply to the brain caused by a blood clot and usually lasting ten minutes or less, during which dizziness, blurring of vision, numbness on one side of the body, and other symptoms of a stroke may occur. Also called ministroke.
Somehow I had never heard of this causing an amputation... I usually think of diabetes when I hear of someone losing a leg to disease, though it makes perfect sense that blood clots could cause major problems throughout the body. I'm sorry that I cannot answer your question regarding missteps (arm amp here), but I can tell you that experience should reduce the number of "clumsy" accidents as you become adjusted to your new situation. For instance, you describe yourself as being a new amputee, but you went outside on an icy walkway--and I'll bet you learned from that experience NOT TO DO THAT!!! Do you have a prosthesis yet, or were you hopping on one leg? Either way, not the best idea. Joining this forum was a much safer activity! Let the internet be your doorway to the world outside of your house until it is safer for you to venture out of doors. There's tons of good advice here, so I hope you take the time to browse previous threads. And with luck, someone will be able to give you some specific guidance on your questions. Good luck to you!
Helen
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Post by stonecutter on Jan 3, 2023 9:18:26 GMT -7
Heya John! Welcome to the forums!
It sounds like you're starting to get your mind in the right place when it comes to coming to terms with being a new amputee. I remember those "why me?" days well - mostly at night for me though, as for several weeks after my amputation I had the worst case of insomnia, so the nights were where I was left to stew in my own self loathing and worry for what life would be like when I finally got over the hump of my recovery. Self-acceptance takes time.
I can also relate to your ice story. This year will be 29 years since I've joined our little club. Ice is still my nemesis. There was one time a few years ago when I was a project manager for a college. We just welcomed a new big cheese - my boss's boss. He joined first week of January and after getting his bearings for a few days, he asked me to take him on a tour of the major capital projects I was working on. I asked one of my major clients to come along, as one of the projects was very purpose-built and technical and I wanted to have the client explain the design to the new boss. Anyway - on the way back to our office we had to walk across a back alley which was glare ice - zambonies couldn't have made it any slicker! Anyway - middle of the alley, my prosthesis decides it's going straight left and my right leg (the real one) also decided to be a traitor and slipped straight out behind me.
After the usual, "Oh my god! Are you okay?!" and me assuring them that I'm fine - I started to get up, only to slip again. And again. And again... I finally had to use my client, who I've known at that point for about 15 years, as a ladder and just kind of scale myself up his body in order to gain my footing again. The new boss was not aware I was an amputee, as that's not usually what I lead with when I shake someone's hand for the first time. He was standing on the sidewalk looking at me with a sense of wonder in his eyes. I could only imagine what he was wondering - maybe wondering about my sobriety? Maybe wondering if I was on drugs? At any rate - ice is not an amputee's friend. If you're going to spend some time outside in an icy environment, I recommend getting some of those ice grippers for your shoes. They are amazing for ice... but if you walk in your house - they'll tear up your floor, so... conduct yourself accordingly!
You ask about clumsiness... For me it's in the genes. I lost a leg walking from point A to B. (It's a bit more complicated, but in the end, it's a slip and fall + close proximity to a moving conveyor chain - industrial accident). I can tell you that my balance isn't what it used to be prior to the accident, but you adapt.
On December 11 of this year, I was waiting for an order in a local McDonalds. I had wet shoes because I live in a similar environment to you (snow & ice for 6 months of the year). I was leaning on that little angled bench thing they have for people waiting to lean on... Suddenly I was on my ass on the floor. Broke my tail bone. 0/5 stars - do not recommend... So... clumsy? Yep. Not sure it has much to do with being an amputee though for me!
Please feel free to ask all of your questions!
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rg8
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by rg8 on Jan 28, 2023 7:35:52 GMT -7
Hi, John! I'm a new amputee (2 years) but Trevor's remarks are right on the mark. The psychological repercussions of amputation are almost worse than the physical ones. I also have sleepless nights, the same thoughts going round and round. Medications didn't really help and I hated taking them. I'm very new at all of this but one thing that really helps for me is getting involved in some activity, in my case is the passion for sailing. I'm an avid sailor and together with my amputee mentor have put a program together to take other amputees out on the boat. Whether they want to just enjoy a day on the water or actually learn how to sail is up to them. We have spent countless hours refitting the boat to make it safe for everyone aboard and as soon as the snow and ice melt, we will launch the sailing season. So far we have 6 other amputees that have signed up. So, as you can see I'm busy with something I enjoy and there is the added bonus of providing others in similar or worse situations a way to enjoy life. I hope this can be of help.
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