Hi there. I was looking for some people who have experience with working with below knee amputees.
I was involved in a severe accident as a child that left me with a crushed left leg. I went through about 5 years of antibiotics, external and internal fixation, muscle grafts, bone grafts, skin grafts, central lines, 50+ surgeries....it was hell. I was left with a left leg that was 1.5" shorter than the right and decreased function. I am unable to walk without a brace.
Anyways that all cleared up in 2001 when I was 19 and since then I have gone on to get married, run a few marathons and most importantly graduate nursing school. Since 2005 I have worked in the Emergency Department. I did my first few years in a busy level one and never let my bum leg get me down or stop me. And now, within the past 6 months I have been having intense pain in that foot.
After seeing a couple of specialists and discussing quality of life and long term solutions we decided a below the knee amputation was the only real permanent solution. I have come to accept this. It hurts and I'm pretty scared about the whole thing but what I am most scared of is returning to work. What is that going to be like?? As supportive as my coworkers are, how will they act when I come back? Will I be able to keep up??
Any insight would be appreciated. My surgery is scheduled August 20.
You are a truly gracious person I admire your ability to always speak from the heart and with compassion Next time I'm in a stressful conversation I'm going to take a deep breath and think what would esme say?
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Surgery went well, will be getting my prosthetic this week and will be returning to work Nov 11 on light duty until dec 9 when doc will reevaluate my restrictions. Pain is gone. No phantom pains either.
I am so happy for you!!!!!! Thank you for letting us know!!!!
I continue to end prayers and positive thoughts for your complete recovery and return to work.....I am so very happy for you! ((HUGS))
An update on me: I work my three 12 hour shifts per week on the floor with no restrictions/accommodations and have been doing so for the past 2 years. Last year I even went back to grad school for my DNP and have been doing that full time as well as my hours at work. :)
LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN
8,429 Posts
Awesome!!!! That's really good news!