Hi, I registered to help my stepdad Gary. A new R AKA

[lisa1967]

My name is Lisa,

My stepdad Gary is the most incredible man I know. He's always been upbeat, active, and involved. He originally had vascular surgery due to diabetes in 2014.

All was fine until July 2016. The pain was awful and the surgeries began to save his leg. To no avail, they amputated below the right knee Nov. 28, 2016.

He was riddled with infections, wearing 2 wound vacs, and spent a month in a facility that had hyperbaric chamber therapy. Ultimately that failed and they amputated above his knee Jan. 6, 2017.

He maintained infections for what seemed like FOR-EVER..., but FINALLY... we're past that.

The day BEFORE he was to get his prosthetic.... he fell breaking his fibula and his great toe. Needless to say his initial lessons with his prosthetic are compromised. He's still giving it his all.

Throughout this entire ordeal, I can count 3 times, he displayed anger or despair. He's upbeat and motivated to conquer this.

Prior to this Gary was a self employed carpenter / roofer. He was an involved grandfather playing with his grandkids. He and my mom have a small cottage on a lake. Gary's a boater, water skier, loves to drive the boat for all the kids to ski and tube.

I'm confident he can do most of that again.... Personally, I'd rather not encourage roofing or ladders, but the rest.... Game on !!

He's the determined type and will do this. It was just a blessing to find this site for insight, support, or tips. God Bless all that have gone through this process.... as newbies.... it's overwhelming.

Thanks. Lisa Gary's Family 

[cherylm]

It can seem overwhelming, Lisa, but it sounds like your stepdad has the determination needed to make amputee life work out just fine. Infections can be a truly nasty side issue after any type of surgery, but amputations can be a special difficulty, as you've discovered. I'm glad that Gary has his infections behind him...just being infection-free can give him more energy to help adjust to the "new normal" that is amputee life.

There's a very good chance that his life will go pretty much as he's used to...although I do agree with you that roofing might be a troublesome occupation. I do know of below-knee amputees that work construction and other highly physical jobs, but it might be a challenge for someone with an above-knee amp. However, there's a lot to be said for determination, so do encourage your stepdad to attempt ANYTHING that sounds interesting to him...you never know what's possible if you don't try!