Becoming a new AKA

[maryalidamouse]

Hi. I am 64 years old, married, mother of a grown stepdaughter and three other grown children with the youngest being 31 years this Dec. My husband, Fred, and I also have eight grandchildren (4 are grown 19-32) (3 little ones 5-12) and three great grandchildren (3-8). I have had bilateral TKAs, bilateral THAs, and 17 other major surgeries. I am TIRED. I passed out, due to hypo-tension, Aug. 23, 2015, fell straight backward and consequently ended up with a closed-commuted-distal Femur fracture. What does this mean. the bones did not come through the skin, the bone shattered and the location was about 5-6" above my knee. I have had two reconstructive surgeries (8/26/2015 & 12/14/2016) the last one using cadaver bone and bone fillers, BOTH failed. The only thing holding me up right now is the locking plate that is attached on the artificial hip, down the entire femur and on the artificial knee (was told it will fail anytime). Hence, I have elected to have an AKA. I see my orthopedic trauma surgeon this Friday, October 13 to find out my surgery schedule date. I am praying for this month but realize it may be November or December. I do not know exactly what to expect but I have done extensive research. I do not believe anyone knows exactly what to expect, including amputees that have gone through it before, as every time you have surgery it is different (due to circumstances, age, family/social standing and health). I have a very positive attitude about the surgery, not the after pain, and am actually looking forward to getting it done, going on with life and maybe even going back to college to finish getting my BS Degree in Public Health. Thank you for taking the time to read a learn a little about me and my circumstances.   

[cherylm]

Hi, Mary, and welcome to the Forum! It sounds like you've been through a lot...and it also sounds like you've made a rational decision, given your current status. I can't tell you much of anything about being an AKA (I'm your basic BKA, myself), but I did choose an elective amputation after having several repair attempts on an odd fracture fail. I do understand the tiredness that comes from spending so much time in pain and in surgery...and, for what it's worth, losing my left foot and ankle turned out to be one of the better decisions in my life. It took quite a while to get me settled into a prosthetic leg, but once I had healed enough to be fitted, I did indeed get my "normal" life back.

I do know several AKAs, and there is more of a challenge when trying to adjust to a leg that includes a prosthetic knee...but it's perfectly "live-withable." If you haven't started looking for a compatible prosthetist, try to make a few contacts before your surgery...just being able to discuss possibilities with someone who has a little knowledge can be reassuring. And if you can make contact with an AKA of about your age and physical condition, so much the better. A prosthetist, or perhaps your surgeon may know of someone you could meet in person, or you can check out the Amputee Coalition's Peer Visitor program on-line: www.amputee-coalition.org/

And, of course, you can raise any questions that come to mind here on the Forum as well! We're a friendly, helpful bunch and (like most of the amputees I've met since becoming one myself) we want to be able to do what we can to help folks adjust to living a full life with "some assembly required." Look around here and read some of the threads, and ask anything that happens to pop into your mind. When you're looking at such a major change, there is no such thing as a "stupid" question!

I hope your surgery will be a complete success and that you'll be well up to fulfilling your dreams!

[snowyh]

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Mary. As Cheryl noted, you've certainly been through a lot. I had to look up TKA, which either stands for Total Knee Arthroplasty or Totally Kicks Ass, both of which seem to apply in your situation! (and THA = Total Hip Arthoplasty) I admire your attitude of how, even though you've come through so much, you're still ready to take on the next challenge. I certainly can see why you're tired, though... 17 surgeries, a husband, 4 children, 8 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren would be enough to tire out all but the strongest. Good luck with your meeting with the surgeon tomorrow--I'll keep my fingers crossed for you to get an early surgery date. Be sure to keep us informed of your progress.

Helen