Hi to you all :)

[jan]

Hi to everyone here.  My name is Jan, i'm 45 and live in sunny old England!
I had atk amputation last November 2012 after many years of chronic pain which started when they found a benign tumour at age 17.  After many op's (unfortunately which led to nerve damage) and every kind of treatment going I decided, with the full support of my husband and daughter to take a chance with the amputation and try to end the pain which had overtaken my life, I couldn't walk properly and was having so much time off from work it was becoming ridiculous! no guarantees were made about losing the pain and obviously phantom pain was a big consideration but I can honestly say it was the best thing ever from a "pain point of view"!
After the operation pain dwindled away I was left with no pain and no phantom pain and I still pinch myself every day to make sure!!
This decision wasn't taken lightly! I am very lucky in that I have a wonderful husband an daughter who have been there every step of the way.  I have suffered with depression over the last few months but am now getting help and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! I wish I had found this forum earlier, even with all the support from family and friends its not quite the same as someone who has gone through losing a limb.  There are so many positive people here its great!

[stonecutter]

Jan, Welcome to these forums. I'm glad your decision worked out for you... Sounds like you have a great family. It's great to have you here. Thanks for coming in!

[cherylm]

Hi, Jan, and welcome to our little online "family." Like you, I chose an amputation after a long period of pain and disability...it was a really good choice for me, and I'm glad it seems to be working out well for you, too! It can be hard to decide to lop off a body part in hopes of making your life better...if for no other reason that most folks who have not been through the pain don't understand it. In my case, my family was all "long-distance" so there was only so much they could say about it. (They eventually figured out it was a good thing for me.) I'm glad your family has been supportive all along!

[allenuk]

Hello and Welcome Jan.

There are quite a few Brits here (me included: NW London), so you will certainly feel at home!

Allen.

[ann-]

Hi Jan, I live in sunny England too, bit more South than Allen. I have been an amputee for many years (b/k), mine was the result of an accident so didn't have to make the decision you did. I am so glad that everything is working out well for you. Nice to meet you on here.

[jan]

Thank you for such a lovely welcome, i will certainly look forward to some interesting conversations!