ARmy Rumour SErvice

**PFGEN** · 02-06-2012, 15:59

Sorry to hear about your predicament. I don't envy your choice. Advised by friend from the medical fraternity, who concurs with fu2. Your surgeon will weigh up your age and condition against chances of recovery without complications. Having it of (leg that is) is a serious assault on your body and immune system. The younger and fitter you are the better the chances all round. Long term painkillers tend to cause problems elsewhere and don't tackle the root cause. Whatever your choice happens to be I wish you all the best.

**blobmeister** · 02-06-2012, 16:07

I met a chap at Headley Court last year who had elective surgery to remove his leg. He had the conscious decision from the word go, however, the military wanted him to try all the physio.

Speaking to him on the course after the surgery, he said it was the best decision he ever made, it gave better independence. He was fitted with a running blade (that was the course he was attending), he was running for the first time in years.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I wish you all the best, mate.

**exblackrat** · 02-06-2012, 16:22

Dear All, thanks for all your kind advice. I will contact BLESMA and have a word with them, the way I look at it , is that it's another challenge in life to face. I have come through PTSD after a plod shooting incident and the London PIRA bombings in London so sod it, onwards and upwards !!!!

Oi Snail do you need a protection officer, it looks as if I may be a little slower in the future but I would still take a bullet for you !

**wheelchairwarrier** · 08-07-2012, 14:40

Originally Posted by exblackrat

Hi chaps, I am in need of your advice. I as involved in an RTA in 1992 and my right lower leg and knee was pulverised. The surgical team were contemplating amputating it above the knee but they decided on a rebuild using donor bone and what felt like half of my pelvis .

I hobbled around for about 10 years then arthritis struck and I had to have a knee replacement. This only lasted a couple of years before it became loose so another one was fitted, which is still in situ.

This knee replacement has now become insecure yet again and I have been referred to go and see the orthopods. My GP who is very up to speed on the subject reckons that I will be given the following options

1) they will do nothing, give me a wheelchair/ crutches , a shit load of painkillers and told to get on with my life

2) that they will straighten my leg, I don't fancy that,walking around like Herr Flick is not an option

3) amputation above the knee and the fitting of an artificial limb.

I am 57 now, very fit for my age and I am wondering if there are any fellow Arrsers
who have had a limb amputated and could give me any advice in day to day living with an artificial limb. Thanks in anticipation

Hi exblackrat,
from my own experience , option 3 is the one to go for , youre fit, you will need to be for physio, only 57 above knee amputation will get you an exelent prosthetic and you will get accustomed to it , there is lots of help out there both physical and psycological ( yes you will need to come to terms with it no matter how strong you think you are ) but you must ask for anything you need , dont assume everyone knows what you want.

It not good luck you need but resilliance and the will to get back to a normal life.

When and if you get this done remember you can still wear shorts ( great shock value for some ) hear every joke about the spare shoe/slipper/sock . Still be able to drive a car,enjoy a more intimate search at the airport ;) and probably be more mobile and active than you were before.

WW