Prosthetic Leg

[Admiral_Young]

As some of you know who have followed my medical updates over the course of the past four or so years (perhaps longer, I don't remember when I started posting them) I suffer from a club foot, specifically the right foot is deformed. This has caused many different chronic pain problems all through my body upper and lower.

The first time I went to see my physio doctor he told me that if I had come to see him first about my foot he would have recommended (demanded even) that it be removed and replaced with a prosthetic. He stated the deterioration was that severe and even the reconstructive surgery I had wouldn't be enough to save my foot over the long run.

I was pretty shocked by this, scared of course. Now though some time has passed. My land lord is a former physical trainer with a injured ankle and has basically been told the same thing and he is considering getting his leg replaced next year or the year after. I have been doing some considerable thinking about this over the last couple of month and am slowly coming to the conclusion that perhaps this is the course of action I'm going to have to take to relieve the bulk of the pain and restore my quality of life.

I am under no illusion that this procedure is going to be some kind of miracle procedure and that I'll have some pain remaining but if a prosthetic can help levitate the bulk of the pain then I'm seriously considering doing this. I am planning on consulting my parents this weekend to get their views...they've kind of wanted me to do this before as well but it's always been my decision and I put it off the last time. This is a huge decision...one of the biggest in my life and I think the psychological ramifications are preventing me from ultimately coming up with the decision to do this. I'm well aware of the amazing advances in the technology, that is part of the reason why I'm even remotely considering this now.

Anyways...long post I just wanted to get that out and perhaps illicit any suggestions or comments from you guys. I think I've pretty much made up my mind already, but it'd be nice to hear an outside perspective. Of course if anyone out there actually does have a prosthetic I'd love to hear from you too. Thanks guys!

 

[SG-17]

Where would the amputation take place? Above or below the ankle? And how far for either?

Either way prosthesis can range in sophistication from being incredibly simple to incredibly complex, even to the point of completely restoring movement to both the ankle and toes. Of course it all comes down to price.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Have you sought a second and third medical opinion? A procedure of that magnitude should be weighed only with multiple opinions from people who have a strong reputation in their field, who are qualified to give you a solid go/no-go opinion.

 

[Admiral_Young]

They have talked about removing the lower half of my right leg below the knee cap, the entire leg is affected, but the most damage is below the right knee cap. They would remove the lower leg, foot and ankle.

I've discussed this with a couple of other doctors, both considered highly respectable in their field and were recommended by the physio doctor. They've both suggested the procedure to me. In fact I keep getting astonished WTF looks from doctors when they see my x-rays. My foot is that bad and they don't understand how I've let myself be in this much constant pain all these years. Let's just say my pain threshold is extremely high.

 

[Gary Mitchell]

I don't have an experience with what you're going through but if you decide to get the prosthesis I hope that you will eventually be pain-free.

 

[ancientone51]

A hip replacement is nowhere near what you are considering, but it is the only thing I can compare it to; go for it. I didn't realize what a high threshold for pain I had developed until I had the work done.

Your biggest problem, if it runs like mine, will be the constant mental monitoring you will do. I had mine done the Monday after Thanksgiving years ago and, once I was off the walker, thought about it daily until end of June when we had a flood and other problems got priority.

I say get it done. And don't hit yourself over the head too often for not doing it sooner. My two cents worth for whatever it may be worth to you.

Good luck and we will all be pulling for you.

 

[ed629]

Have you considered going to a local VA if there is one by you? Considering that a VA probably has a good share of injuries that require prosthetic replacement, you could get some very good opinions. I do know a teen that had his right lower leg damaged by a riding mower, they tried to save it for 2-3 years, he finally chose to have it removed due to the pain and difficulties he had walking and using his leg. He is happy with his decision.

 

[Kestra]

It sounds like it's the right thing to do, if several professionals have all agreed. I know it's a huge leap psychologically speaking, but I think we're more resilient than we realize. I don't remember if it was a study on amputees or people who were partially paralyzed, but I remember reading about how researchers asked them about quality of life at the time of whatever the incident, and then a certain amount of time later. And while initially people thought their lives would be ruined (I think it may have been partial paralysis), later on their measures of happiness and quality of life had rebounded essentially back to "normal."

Okay, I know that's really vague and probably not helpful. But I think you'll be okay, and I hope whatever you decide, you'll be in less pain.

 

[backstept]

these days, prosthetics can be an upgrade in some cases
materials and designs that improve upon the normal leg capability
take Oscar Pistorius for example

I've often thought it would be cool to have a set of those . . . but then I remember the feeling of soft carpet, or mud between my toes

remember this will be a permanent decision
don't decide anything based on what random trek fans on the internet say
it's been said before, but get many opinions before you commit

I hope whatever decision you make brings you comfort

 

[Admiral_Young]

^ Thanks everyone. Yeah I've been shown the latest technologies, like I said in my original post that is one of the reasons why I've recently been seriously contemplating this now. My landlord has told me some positive outcomes with former clients of his. Ironically enough yesterday when I was out I ran into a bus driver who pretty much had the type of prosthetic that I would be getting and he said it was life changing but in a very good way. He walks with a noticeable limp but said it is worth it and the pain pretty much is non existent.

Right now this is the closest that I've considered this type of procedure. We'll see what my parents say. I know from brief conversations with them in the past that they have wanted me to do this a long time ago, they've basically waited for me to come to my own conclusions. I'm not worried about the work or physical rehab afterwards. I've done enough of that in the past to have a realization of what that will be like. The house I live in currently has no real obstacles for me.

 

[sojourner]

Hey, in pretty much the same situation here. About 4 years ago my foot became infected and I ended up in a hospital for about 3 weeks and then weekly wound care for 2 years. I am left with no muscle control in the foot resulting in severe "drop foot". tactile sensation is also severely reduced. At this point I wear a brace to walk that leaves me in constant pain due to the position of the foot. I get random "phantom pain" on occasion that feels like someone is touching parts of my foot with a white hot poker. At this point the quality of life with my "saved" foot is, I believe, much worse than if an amputation had been done. As with you, I am on the fence about having it removed. It's a big step to take. No pun intended. I am putting off the decision for now do to financial issues, but when the opportunity comes, it will be a difficult choice.

 

[RJDiogenes]

Considering how miserable you've been because of this, it looks like the amputation and the prosthetic are the way to go. It will definitely be traumatic to lose part of a limb, though. The only thing that bothers me is that the doctors you used for your second and third opinions were both recommended by your physio; I would get another opinion from another doctor who doesn't know him at all.

 

[Deckerd]

I have no advice to offer you since it's completely outwith my sphere of experience. I would say, however, that there are a ton of people here ready to back you up whatever you do.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Considering how miserable you've been because of this, it looks like the amputation and the prosthetic are the way to go. It will definitely be traumatic to lose part of a limb, though. The only thing that bothers me is that the doctors you used for your second and third opinions were both recommended by your physio; I would get another opinion from another doctor who doesn't know him at all.

That was kind of my thought as well--seek "independent counsel" without connection to the first (i.e. no "conflict of interest"). You'd have to do your research first to really find out what their reputation in the field is.

I would then see if their advice is the same or different, and what their reasoning is.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Considering how miserable you've been because of this, it looks like the amputation and the prosthetic are the way to go. It will definitely be traumatic to lose part of a limb, though. The only thing that bothers me is that the doctors you used for your second and third opinions were both recommended by your physio; I would get another opinion from another doctor who doesn't know him at all.

That was kind of my thought as well--seek "independent counsel" without connection to the first (i.e. no "conflict of interest"). You'd have to do your research first to really find out what their reputation in the field is.

I would then see if their advice is the same or different, and what their reasoning is.

Well, why even see a doctor at all, then? You make it sound as though they are all untrustworthy and just looking to chop off people's legs for a quick buck.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

And that is not what I said at all; please don't inject an opinion that is not there. I think that one should simply do due diligence before any major procedure. I would do the same if the first group was advocating not going forward with the procedure as well.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

He's had three doctors recommend amputation. How many do you think he should go through before his "due diligence" is done?

 

[{ Emilia }]

I think Nerys is implying that the first doctor just referred the original poster to his buddies who are all in it to make a quick buck.
Therefor he should see somebody "independent". Personally that's too much paranoia for me but meh, can't hurt.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I think Nerys is implying that the first doctor just referred the original poster to his buddies who are all in it to make a quick buck.
Therefor he should see somebody "independent". Personally that's too much paranoia for me but meh, can't hurt.

Right, but I think it's more than a little insulting to the OP's intelligence to imply he wouldn't do his "due diligence" unless someone tells him to. It's his leg, I'm sure he's not considering it lightly.

 

[Admiral_Young]

I understood what Nerys meant. I will be seeking out further opinions other than the two doctor's recommended by the physio doctor. This is not a rash decision as I've indicated in my posts. I'm still conducting research, I've just come to the conclusion that this finally needs to be done.