I’m an Amputee AMA

[FrownyFaced]

I’m a below knee amputee, any questions?

[SneakyGremlins]

Do you forget it's not there? As in, does your body sometimes cause an itch in your foot?

[FrownyFaced]

Hi Sneaky-yep I still dream in 2 legs occasionally! For a while after the amputation I would get out of bed and fall flat on my face (always fun!)
It’s been over 10 years I still get pain and itching sometimes

[Mmmmdanone]

What was the reason for the amputation?

[FrownyFaced]

I had a motorbike accident. A 4x4 hit me and I took the full impact with my right foot. I was 19.

[Gracey79]

My toddler ds would likely (loudly) ask why, what would be the best thing to do in this situation?

[FrownyFaced]

My son is now 10, he grew up with me taking my leg off and on and being in and out of my wheelchair, his friends did too-kids are generally easier to talk to about this stuff than adults.
In regards to what do you say to your kids-that lady has a special leg as she must have had problems with her real one. If I overhear questions I’m usually happy to have a chat to both kids and adults about it.

[CookPassBabtridge]

My neighbour has the same amputation, he says he is in pain every night with phantom
pains and has trouble sleeping, and it was over 20 years ago. I feel for him. Do you have that?

[MrsPear]

My sister may yet have her leg removed - she wonders how much do you have to use a wheelchair? Can she use a false leg daily or is it an occasional thing? Lastly and she knows this is personal so do not feel you have to ask but were you in a relationship or did you have problems forming one?

Thank you

[FrownyFaced]

Poor chap-I have phantom pain occasionally but not every night. I take a cocktail of painkillers daily though which prob helps! I have secondary disabilities to the amputation, osteoarthritis in several joints and fibromyalgia too.
I’be been wheelchair bound for 7 years and have only recently started the process of getting mobile again- it’s kind of like all my nerve endings have woken up all over again!
I am a natural wriggler and I still find it frustrating not being able to do what I want to do when I want to.

[FrownyFaced]

Mrs Pear my apologies I wrote my response whilst you were posting. May I ask at what level will she have the amputation if it goes ahead? It’s so variable-age and general health play a massive part as I’m sure you are aware. I have swung wildly from wearing my limb all day every day to not wearing it for years at a time.
In regards to relationships I am married to the man I was dating at 19 before I had my accident. A lot of people’s relationships do break down

[FrownyFaced]

Do feel free to pm me I’m happy to discuss in more detail if she wants; with you or her directly

[MrsPear]

Thank you for your kind words. She was hit by a motorbike at 16. She has had numerous surgery to try and fix - she landed one two like a cat - but the pain is there constantly. Amputation has been mentioned. It will be below the knee. She is very active considering - avid bike rider - although can’t run. She is single and is embarrassed to say will anyone find me attractive - my leg looks bad enough but a stump?! Anyway thank you for sharing. I will pass on your words