I’m an Amputee AMA

[FrownyFaced]

I’m a below knee amputee, any questions?

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

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

What was the reason for the amputation?

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

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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

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