Hey Ken,

So first to introduce myself..I'm Allen, I'm 51 and I've been a right below the knee amputee for just over a year. The year before that I spent fighting 5 separate bone infections, the fifth one led to my amputation.

Sounds like it is time to have a serious sit down with your doctor and maybe a surgeon that performs amputations and discuss the pros and cons of an amputation and specifically how they apply to you. Talk to him/her about what the realistic long term prognosis for you and your leg is...obviously you won't get foot mobility back...but what about your knee? Is that steadily going to get worse and then lead to other issues, like back problems? Is it just a matter of time that one of those infections sneaks in and becomes a bone infection and are you going to be continually battling an infection what every 4 or 5 months for the rest of your life?

The flip side...where would they have to amputate due to your leg issues? Is the knee still in good enough shape that with some pt it can be corrected? Both those questions will go a long way to determining if it would be a below the knee or above the knee amputation. A bka is a bit easier to get back on your feet than an aka (since there is a little more to learning to walk again since you would have an artificial knee). And there are living issues (showers, late night bathroom trips, driving) when you have an amputation but I imagine you already deal with those issues anyway.

Some amputees struggle to get back on their feet once they get their prosthetics and a few deal with some serious phantom pain. so those are also things to consider (again you are already dealing with pain anyway). For me personally... I didnt have any real issues (a couple bumps over the last year) and my life is pretty close to normal (like pre-infection normal).

And..don't be afraid to get a couple of doctor's opinions. Personally, it sounds like amputation would give you a lot of your life back and get rid of some serious medical issues (like the infections), BUT I'm not a doctor and not there so I am talking out of my backside a bit. So talk to the doctors and get an honest opinion of your long term prognosis and if an amputation would give you a chance for a better life.


Good luck..and feel free to ask more questions if you like.


Allen

Thank you Allen my main concerns are my wife is pregnant I want to be able to run around and play with my kids because of the pain and lack of movement I'm overweight which makes thing much harder I dont qualify for disability because I work full time because I cant afford to so otherwise I'm on my feet upwards of 8 hours s day and by the end of the day I'm basically crawling through the door from pain I dont have health insurance. Cause I cant afford it and I dont qualify for medical assistance what so ever for some reason

Ouch...no insurance, one thing my experience opened my eyes to was the whole insurance thing. Actually for the prosthetics there maybe programs to help pay for that, it was one of the first things my prosthetist mentioned, but you'll need to talk to a prosthetist, he can tell you what help is available. Of course, I'm sure you know, the bigger issue maybe getting the amputation surgery done. But, first things first....talk to the doctor(s) and see what they think.

Yea, I hear ya about being out there with your kids. Like I said I think the amputation/prosthetics would improve your life and health...but, I don't have a vote.

Hi Kenneth. I'm David LBKA 1-16, due to ostemolytis, necrotizing fascitis, and gas gangrene. As soon as the surgeon saw it he took it off the next day in emergency surgery. You bring up a lot of concerns, which is perfectly normal. I agree with Allen. You need to consult your primary doctor and/or an orthopedic surgeon. You say you dont have insurance, you can go to an ER and they cant turn you away if it's a charity hospital. That is what I had to do when I had my foot amputated. My total bill from the hospital was 89,000 dollars. The hospital wrote it all off.
As for being overweight, I was too, until I had my amputation, After the amputation I was in the hospital from approx 1 week and then transferred to the Rehab hospital. When I go the Rehab Hospital I had lost 50 lbs.
As for disability, I spoke to the Social Worker and she said I would not qualify for it due to being able to do a desk job.
I have seen others though get it, therefore it may be a good idea to speak to a SSI attorney. He takes part of your back SSI, therefore you dont have to pay anything upfront.
As for prosthethics after the amputati0n, talk to your state Rehab Comission, they may be able to help you, Also reach out to the Amputation Collition they are a great resource.
You also mentioned being able to play with your kids. Dont let an amputation deter you from allowing that to happen. The first day I got my prosthetic, I was put between 2 parrel bars to see how it felt and if any adjustements needed to be made. I stood up between the bars with no hands. My leg lady nearly had a fit. LOL
I just recently had to be refitted for my prosthetic. In 2 weeks I have gone from a walker to a cane, and now i can sometimes walk without it.
If I can help you please reach out to me