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.

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Muscles & Bones
/ Amputees Support Group

Single BKA, about to be double BKA...

ibbshop
ibbshop

I've been a left BKA since 2004 (diabetes), and circulation issues are finally forcing me to lose the other foot below the right knee. I know thousands have gone thru this and live as normal as possible lives, but for me there are a great many "unknowns".  I'd love to hear from some other double BKA's about some of the things I need to be aware of as I transistion next week.

Lexy_49_Kal
Lexy_49_Kal
It’s been almost 2 months since your post. Did they do the deed? I, too, am a bilateral BTK amputee.
I can answer some questions you may have, but not all, as I am still learning as well.
AKAMouse
AKAMouse
I'm soon to be an AKA. I too feel like I'm in a state of limbo. I'm on the computer nightly doing as much research as possible. My husband Fred and I have decided I'm not going to get a prosthesis. I'm sedentary, 64 years old with bilateral TKA and THA. I also have osteoporosis and am hypotensive (I pass out and fall A Lot). Hence, I fell getting a closed commuted distal fracture of my left femur. I've had two failed attempts to reconstruct it and have decided no more. I want to get on with life and I believe amputation is the way to go. I'm going in to see Dr. William J. J. Ertl in OKC, OK this Friday, October 13 to find out when the surgery will take place. I know it will be at OU Medical Center in OKC. OK. Hopefully if not this month the first of November. If you get on the internet and research everything you can think of about the surgery you'll be much more informed. Believe me I've filled a 3" binder with various subjects about AKA then five 1 1/2" binders each with it own subject, such as; prosthetics, seniors and AKA, Dr. Ertl and his Procedure, etc.
Some of the stuff out there can scare the dickens out of you but most is very informative. go into this with as much information as you can, it'll only make you stronger for it. I know from past surgeries, not as dramatic as amputation, in a few months you'll be able to help others with the same questions and feelings you have now. Sending positive thoughts your way, good luck!