Almost immediately after my amputation I struggled to find the correct "term" for my residual limb. I read online to see what other terms amputees use to describe the newly formed limb. Some individuals recommend giving the limb a "pet name" such as Lilly or Julie. I quickly concluded that the advice had to come from a man. Men tend to name appendages whereas women do not.
No, Little Peggy just didn't seem like an appropriate term for my limb. Residual limb is the commonly utilized term among amputees. For whatever reason, residual limb just doesn't roll off my tongue naturally.
I don't particularly like the word "stump" although I don't find it offensive. There is just something ugly about the word. Initially I repelled the term. Time has eased my feelings and I no longer cringe at the term.
I refer to my amputated limb as my stump simply due to the lack of a better term. It took awhile before I was able to casually refer to the limb as my stump. I think that my use of the word forced me to accept that I was, indeed, an amputee. I can remember looking down at my leg and saying, out loud, "I have a stump."
We live in such a judgmental world. Judgment persists within the amputee community. Some above knee amputees resent below knee amputees, deeming us to be somehow "unworthy" of the amputee label. Hip disarticulation amputees think that above knee amputees have it easy. The cycle continues and stops with the quad-amputee (the individual missing both arms and both legs), whom everybody seems to agree lives the most difficult life.
Let us not continue to divide our already small brotherhood between those who do and do not use the term stump. I respect those who are uncomfortable with the term. They have every right to utilize whatever terminology that makes them feel comfortable.
I tend to intermix stump and residual limb in my blog. It has come to my attention that some amputees are offended by my use of the word "stump." Please know, when you are reading my blog, that I mean no disrespect by using the word stump. I figure that, since I have one, I am entitled to use the term.
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
I think you have the right to call your leg whatever you want to call it. Whenever someone refers to my leg as a stump I say, "residual limb." And I correct then till they get it. It's personal! At first it was jarring to me that you called your leg a stump, but I'm not offended. However, if you called my leg a stump I'd let it roll off my back since you and I are in the same boat. Not some two footed person who doesn't know what it's like to live this life!
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin! I'm glad I haven't offended you!
ReplyDelete:)
The amputee community is so small to begin with... "we" already pick each other apart and further divide ourselves among "degree" of amputation etc..
I hate that the use of a word causes more division.... As a lobbying group, I really think we would be more powerful and viable if we weren't so internally divisive.
Oh well. Maybe one of these days I'll change the world..
:)