Everything has been going well for me during the past few months. Professionally and personally, I have felt as if all of my efforts have finally been reaping results. For the first time in a long time, it seemed as if I was on a clear path with all of my goals within sight. I was excited about the months ahead and busy making plans for the summer.
I should have known better than to start making plans! Yesterday I went to see my prosthetist and everything changed. I have been experiencing a lot of pain when walking. My limp has become more pronounced, and lately I have been begun avoiding activities in order to favor my sore stump. My socket felt like it wasn't fitting correctly, and I suspected that it was time for a change.
Upon examining my limb I was told that I have experienced a "complete failure" of the skin flap overlay. In essence, the skin that is supposed to be secured to the front of my limb, providing some protection and cushioning for the bottom of the tibia, has fallen. I now have a handful of loose skin dangling behind the bottom of my stump, providing no protection for the tip.
I've noticed recently that the skin has begun to fall, but for some reason I failed to make the connection between the skin flap failure and my pain. I am now waiting for a call back from my surgeon. Between the flap failure and my bone spur/ bursa, I am not going to be able to avoid surgery any longer!
The last thing I want to do is go for another surgery. More than the pain (that is fleeting), I am dreading the recovery. I won't be able to wear my leg. Without my prosthetic, I won't be able to walk through the woods, run with Robby or play in the yard. For a few weeks, I will be limited. I hate being held back by anything, especially my amputation!
This summer, instead of running through the sprinkler and fishing at the stream, I will be relying upon my knee scooter while my limb is bandaged. Getting a revision surgery is NOT my idea of a fun summer. I realize that I'll be relieved when the pain is behind me, but I don't have to be happy about it right now. Sometimes, being an amputee and having to deal with socket issues, prosthetic woes and revision surgeries stink!
Maybe I'll borrow a page from Robby's book. Do you think that screaming as loud as I can while pounding my fists into a pillow will make the looming surgery disappear? What if I threaten to run away, and then hide behind the couch? Nah, I suspect it won't make a difference. After all, it hasn't worked for Robby either!
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'm so sorry to hear that you have to go through this, Peggy.It just doesn't seem fair! But I know you will handle it with grace and style....as you always do. Maybe you and Robby can plan a bunch of "sitting down" activities for the summer. Some quick ideas...books, then watch the movie, painting,playdough ( I have a great recipe) White board with dry erase markers are fun,puzzles,etc.I know you will make the best of it. Please keep us posted...
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! I'm just bummed out about it. (I think I've had my fill of surgeries!!) However, I love your activities ideas. Robby would especially love the dry erase board. Plus, it would help get him ready for the "k" word.
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I'm sorry you have this and I know it stinks but eventually this will be behind you and you will be the new and improved pain free Peggy:0)You may not be able to run through the sprinkler--but you can sit and enjoy Robby doing it, if the timing is rite it might be so hot you might have wanted to 'hibernate' inside anyway. Wish I were there to keep you company--but I know in no time, Super Peggy will find a way to work with what is going on and still have plenty of quality time with Robby :0)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was about 13, I had to have a revision of my first amputation (BK). I was devastated because I thought the amputation was supposed to "fix" everything. I'm sorry you have to go through this again.
ReplyDeleteSince I grew up on crutches, they became my legs. I had 3 good legs and 1 not-so-good. I could out run all the kids in the neighborhood and raced the milkman down the street and beat him, much to the frustration of my mother who thought I should be moving more slowly. The result of that was a great upper body as an adult. Take those walks on crutches, do lots of upper body and core work and you'll be good to go in no time! Stay strong!