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Post by warren214 on Aug 17, 2014 12:57:53 GMT -7
Hello all. I am new here and was wondering if someone could share their story with as to their emotional trauma they had to overcome after their amputation/s. Also, how did change you life, were you still able to do most of what you did? I can only imagine that its a life of continual adaptation. Any info you can share will be great fully appreciated. Thank you!  |
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Post by Ann on Aug 18, 2014 0:31:37 GMT -7
Hi Warren, sorry to read that you are facing double amputation above the knee, can you tell us more about yourself on here, are you an amputee already etc. etc. but welcome to the forum.
When you speak about 'emotional trauma' I imagine it is different for everyone, depending on their situation.
My own story, which I don't share that often, was losing both legs below the knee as a teenager, and I like to think I was quite lucky really, firstly that I survived and also that I don't particularly remember much emotional trauma, though there obviously was some along the way if I think about it. For me it probably changed my life in that at that age I probably took a slightly different trajectory to what I might of, had it not happened, don't know if thats good or bad, but the years since have been on the whole, pretty good and actually my life is now not a lot different to my non-amp friends, I do and have done most of the things I want or wanted to do, I might not do them quite the same as others but do usually find ways of doing what I want to do, it is what you make it but I quite like my life really it is what has shaped me, probably my family too, although I think sometimes its harder for them than it is for me. Not saying there have not been frustrations along the way, which I just try and work around best I can, actually I have just had revision amp surgery myself, so yep life is slightly different even for me at the moment, but I know this is temp and in a few months time I will be back again to what is my normal.
You are probably right about it being a 'life of continual adaptation', but then if you think about it, its the same for anyone really, we are continually evolving, changing and I don't think being an amputee makes you much different, it does all gradually become very normal.
I do hope things go well for you, I imagine its all pretty scary for you at the moment, not sure where you are based, but you will find quite a lot of amputee support groups around, there are some national ones too I know in the US and in the UK. I am sure we have some bilateral A/k's on here who hopefully will pop up and give more specific info on being a double A/K. Keep talking to people, I am sure that the more information you have ahead of the surgery will be helpful to you, and know that there are amputees on this forum and other forums who have been through this or similar situations and are very supportive, so don't worry about coming back, asking whatever you want and letting us know how you are doing.
Hope all goes well for you.
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Post by cherylm on Aug 18, 2014 5:45:27 GMT -7
Hi, Warren, and let me join Ann in welcoming you to the forum. I'm also sorry to hear that you're looking at such a change in your life. It sounds to me like you'll be losing both legs in this surgery; am I right there, or have you been through a previous amputation? At any rate, I hope that it all goes well for you!
What do you mean by "a life of continual adaptation?" I'm puzzled by that...a life of being an amputee I get, but unless there are other problems that develop, the "continual amputation" idea just, well, it just doesn't register with me. I've been an amputee for nearly 10 years now and have never had the idea of additional amputations raised...I know that, like in Ann's case, revision surgeries are sometimes needed, but I've not spent much in the way of time worrying about that.
In my case, I think that most of my "emotional trauma" occurred in the couple of years before my amputation. Once I'd decided on the surgery, I was more focused on just doing whatever I needed to do in order to get back to a normal life. My life is pretty darned normal. I do everything I did pre-amputation, with the exception of mountain hiking...and I know of amputees who do that quite happily...just not for me, anymore. The closest to "trauma" that I experienced post-surgery came when I was first working on learning to walk with my first prosthesis...I'd been basically bedriddenfor so long that walking at all would have been difficult, and I went through an emotional roller coaster ride all during that process...I'd be thrilled to be able to take a few steps, and then "crash" when I thought about how hard I'd worked to walk such a short distance. Once I'd recovered enough to be able to walk reasonable distances, the "trauma" went away.
You are going to be facing a big challenge, that's for sure...but it is possible to sort out those challenges and have a quite normal, active, and happy life. Please keep that in your mind as you enter this new stage of your life! And feel free to ask questions here, post your problems or feelings, and otherwise take advantage of the knowledge and experience of our members!
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Post by warren214 on Aug 18, 2014 6:37:28 GMT -7
Hi, Warren, and let me join Ann in welcoming you to the forum. I'm also sorry to hear that you're looking at such a change in your life. It sounds to me like you'll be losing both legs in this surgery; am I right there, or have you been through a previous amputation? At any rate, I hope that it all goes well for you! What do you mean by "a life of continual adaptation?" I'm puzzled by that...a life of being an amputee I get, but unless there are other problems that develop, the "continual amputation" idea just, well, it just doesn't register with me. I've been an amputee for nearly 10 years now and have never had the idea of additional amputations raised...I know that, like in Ann's case, revision surgeries are sometimes needed, but I've not spent much in the way of time worrying about that. In my case, I think that most of my "emotional trauma" occurred in the couple of years before my amputation. Once I'd decided on the surgery, I was more focused on just doing whatever I needed to do in order to get back to a normal life. My life is pretty darned normal. I do everything I did pre-amputation, with the exception of mountain hiking...and I know of amputees who do that quite happily...just not for me, anymore. The closest to "trauma" that I experienced post-surgery came when I was first working on learning to walk with my first prosthesis...I'd been basically bedriddenfor so long that walking at all would have been difficult, and I went through an emotional roller coaster ride all during that process...I'd be thrilled to be able to take a few steps, and then "crash" when I thought about how hard I'd worked to walk such a short distance. Once I'd recovered enough to be able to walk reasonable distances, the "trauma" went away. You are going to be facing a big challenge, that's for sure...but it is possible to sort out those challenges and have a quite normal, active, and happy life. Please keep that in your mind as you enter this new stage of your life! And feel free to ask questions here, post your problems or feelings, and otherwise take advantage of the knowledge and experience of our members! |
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Post by warren214 on Aug 18, 2014 6:51:00 GMT -7
Thank you all for your words of encouragement. The funny thing is, I'm not afraid of the surgery it's the afterwards that I am thinking about. You are right Ann, everyone, no matter what, has to adapt every day to meet new challenges. With this forum, family, and friends I'm sure I will do well. Again, thank you and I will keep in touch!
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Post by Ann on Aug 19, 2014 0:53:32 GMT -7
Ah, keep in touch Warren and if you feel you want to, let us know what parts of the 'afterwards' is concerning you. I think most people going into this kind of surgery would have a few worries about how it was going to be after, so don't think thats too unusual. Lots of luck with it all, I am sure you will do well too.
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Post by grigoryevich on Nov 23, 2014 0:36:11 GMT -7
I understand what is meant by life of continual adaptation. We are faced with many challenges in life and often one has to work out how one is going to do this 'act' now. I find that very quickly, one internalises the task of working out how to do something with no legs and one just gets on and does it without thinking!
Latest for me
How to get into cockpit of Yak52. Front bucket loader of tractor of course!
If you wish any more to ask, please ask. I am glad to help
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