Eighteen Years Later - Word of Warning Contains Graphic Images

It has been eighteen years to the day since I had my right leg amputated.

Kotz Prosthesis

Kotz Prosthesis

September 11th will no doubt bring back memories for lots of other people for a very different reason,  that being the Terrorist attacks in New York on the World Trade Centre and the Twin Towers 11/09/2021

For me, 2007 was to be the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life. Having been diagnosed with a giant cell tumour in my right tibia, this was around the May of 1995. The tumour emerged about a month after I witnessed a horrific murder just down from my parents' house.

WORD OF WARNING CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

Following the attempt to surgically remove the tumour, it eventually returned over the course of a 7 month period, and I was left with one of two options: limb salvage or amputation. I opted to try and save my leg and had a Kotz prosthesis surgically implanted to replace my diseased bone.

Home after more surgery to remove my knee cap

Wound starting to break down

Years and years passed by, where I was in constant excruciating pain, and due to infection after infection, and with a limited range in my now disfigured limb, I suffered terrible depression.

It wasn't until after many years of unsuccessful surgeries and both the feeling and of being isolated, and having had a particularly bad year from 2006 leading into 2007 and another failed surgery, that a friendly community nurse came to visit me and offered words of wisdom. It's strange to think back because at the time I was totally lost, and I will always remember, yet not understand, how this friendly nurse's words managed to have such a profound impact on my mindset. Basically, the nurse asked did I know why people got depressed, and went on to say something like "It is because we all live either looking too far off into our past, or too far off into our future, we have to live for today". Going on to say my leg was now my enemy and as such holding me back from having a life, and asking me to consider my options and amputation.

Open Wound with Discharge

Starting to split apart the staples

Man this was so painful

Following listening to these words of advice, I was off to get things sorted with my consultant, having made up my mind to have my right leg amputated, and excited about moving forward and reclaiming my life.

The rest is history, which you can read about in my book "Lost2bFound". Don't get me wrong, since the amputation of my leg, everything has not been all sunshine and rainbows, but that said, at least I have been able to rebuild and go on to be presented with some wonderful opportunities, as well as meet some wonderful people and gain new friends. It is weird how the universe works at times. From negative situations, positive things can emerge. I guess sometimes we are just so wrapped up in our inner turmoil and need a helping hand to discover options and opportunities to then set us on another path.

 

Vac Dressing & Pump

Vac Dressing fitted

I guess this, in a sense, isn't just a post to those who read my blog, but a reminder to myself to be grateful and understand how far I have come and what I have both faced and achieved. It is also a message to just say, "Hey, it's okay to reach out when you are struggling". 

Vac Dressing unsuccessful

So much pain from this wound

Looking into the hole, I could see the metalwork to replace my bone

Anyhoo, Happy Ampuversary to me. I may have to buy a cake to celebrate...