Amputees Support Group
Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. Many have undergone amputation or have been living with a missing limb since birth. In either case, life as an amputee can be challenging. This is the place to find others going through the same experiences as an amputee. Share your thoughts, troubles, and solutions with the community.
Hi everyone.
After 5 unsuccessful foot surgeries that have left me deformed, in pain, unable to live my life, and my 2nd toe already amputated, I'm considering a BKA. Could anyone possibly recommend an MD in the San Francisco bay area who has done amputations? (either elective or not.) If not, anywhere in CA or on the west coast would be awesome.
I'd rather get some recs on a doctor with this type of specialized experience rather run (hobble) than the first ortho in my network who probably wouldn't have the experience.
A bit about me. I'm only 43, otherwise healthy, a former marathon runner and long distance cyclist. What was supposed to be a simple bunion surgery left me disabled, with a destroyed left foot, 9 toes, and barely able to walk. PT, orthotics, revisions surgeries have not helped. Just want to be able to walk (I'm willing to forego the marathoning at this point) and live a normal life.
Thank you, and best wishes to you all.
-Jenny
Not convenient to your stated location, but given your prior activity levels and what sounds like a desire to remain active... recommend at least a consult with one of the Dr. Ertl's who perform the procedure that bears their family name. Dr William Ertl practices at OU Physicians, (or OU medical?), OKC, OK or Dr. Jan Ertl in Indianapolis.
Disclosure: I'm a Dr William Ertl patient, RBK, 20 months out and 14 months on new leg. I've returned to hiking, biking, and walking (distance) for exercise. I'm looking into a running leg and getting back to 10-12-ish miles / week (was once 30 - 35, but my knees aren't as young as they used to be.) I'm active again, bearing up to full weight on my limb, and comfortable. (also no phantom pain or nerve pain, which is huge.)
It's a procedure that reconstructs the residual limb, providing a bone bridge as a stable foundation for a strong, stable, and solid residual limb. Muscles are rejoined to maintain capillary-level circulation, muscle health, and a limb that provides excellent proprioception (phantom sensation, which is an big aid to activities and walking comfortably). The nerves are also "buried" in soft tissues to avoid incredibly painful neuromas.