Posts
76
Joined
1/21/2014
Location
Youngstown, OH
US
Fantasy
633rd
mxj621
7/29/2015 12:06am
7/29/2015 12:06am
Edited Date/Time
7/31/2015 3:16am
Hey guys,
Just wondering and trying to get more information and opinions on Below the Knee Amputation. I know a lot of people keep telling me not to do it and that should be last resort and everything, but unless your actually in my shoes or have had experience with this its hard for them to understand. I haven't walked in 14 months and just had my last surgery July 7th. I have had 5-7 surgeries on my foot and ankle in this time. I really wanted to start a GoFundMe account to help me with my bills, but so far I've been to proud I guess to ask for money and have been living off my savings. I am 25 years old and extremely active.
With that being said, my last surgery was complete fusion, as well as I believe 3 bone graphs. Basically my foot is to the point where they fused my forefoot as well so the only part that will ever move again is my toes. So learning to walk again, having custom made shoes, never running, jumping, riding, ect., will never happen again for me. So my question is since the prosthetics now days are so advanced in my situation where I will basically be handicapped is amputation something to consider, from people who have had it done? I have talked to my family, friends, some doctors and everyone is all about it except the doctors, which I understand why, but its easy to say oh my god don't do that when you can walk everyday and live your life to the fullest. Just asking some opinions. I have talked to a few people and it seems a lot of people, once you accept it live life almost normally and are happy, but its definitely something I have been researching heavily and trying to weigh my options. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks guys!!
Just wondering and trying to get more information and opinions on Below the Knee Amputation. I know a lot of people keep telling me not to do it and that should be last resort and everything, but unless your actually in my shoes or have had experience with this its hard for them to understand. I haven't walked in 14 months and just had my last surgery July 7th. I have had 5-7 surgeries on my foot and ankle in this time. I really wanted to start a GoFundMe account to help me with my bills, but so far I've been to proud I guess to ask for money and have been living off my savings. I am 25 years old and extremely active.
With that being said, my last surgery was complete fusion, as well as I believe 3 bone graphs. Basically my foot is to the point where they fused my forefoot as well so the only part that will ever move again is my toes. So learning to walk again, having custom made shoes, never running, jumping, riding, ect., will never happen again for me. So my question is since the prosthetics now days are so advanced in my situation where I will basically be handicapped is amputation something to consider, from people who have had it done? I have talked to my family, friends, some doctors and everyone is all about it except the doctors, which I understand why, but its easy to say oh my god don't do that when you can walk everyday and live your life to the fullest. Just asking some opinions. I have talked to a few people and it seems a lot of people, once you accept it live life almost normally and are happy, but its definitely something I have been researching heavily and trying to weigh my options. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks guys!!
http://racerxonline.com/2009/08/05/between-the-motos-chris-ridgway
The Shop
Below the knee with prosthetics these days aren't too bad. People can maintain very active lifestyles with them. Above the knee is a fair bit more difficult related to mobility.
Demuth is one of the classiest and cool guys to talk to also. I got to meet him at a local hare scramble race and he is very approachable. In one of the races we had, he hit a tree third gear pinned and broke some ribs. Don't worry though, he still got back up and put in another lap or two until his bike quit on him. He's a tough bastard.
MXJ, good luck with your decision. I don't know anything about what you're going through but sometimes a guy has to say enough is enough. Tough decision to make at 25 years old. . .
i'd say do what will give you a better future, which in this case it sounds like amputation is the way to go. i rode 1400 miles through the Baja with Ridge last year and i'll be the first to tell you it hasn't slowed him down at all.
i sent you a pm with his email address, i know he'd be more than happy to talk to you and give you some advice. he's a hell of a guy and very involved with fellow amputee's.
good luck man, i can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be for you.
cheers
On a related note, I forwarded your email to one of my buddies who went to CABO and got robbed by a fat hooker. LMFAO.
Pit Row
what email did you forward?
When we talk in private, I'll tell you how I had to convince the doctors to amputate. In my opinion, it's retarded that the doctors can be satisfied with a non-working, painful foot.
There is a special procedure that kicks ass that I highly suggest you look in to, it's called the Ertle Procedure. Only have one of the Ertle family members do this type of amputation as they are the best.
Cased a 85' gapper, over the bars, shattered my tib/fib and ankle. Two surgeries between the 24th and Thanksgiving, started re hab, tons of pain, back to the hospital, plates shifting, screws stripping...not healing. April 1st 2011, total ankle fusion, took bone from my hip, hurt a bunch, another 5 months of wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. ....Fast forward to April 17th, 2015, I get really sick, ankle is on fire, admitted to the hospital, another ankle surgery, turns out a staph infection has invaded all the remaining hardware and bone. I get two options, another surgery to remove all the remaining metal, heavy IV antibiotic therapy, another week in the hospital, or...Amputate below the knee.
After alot of thought, and discussion with the ortho surgeon, I decided to try and keep my leg. After the procedure and another week of hospital drugs, I got to go home, but had a pic line threaded into my right bicep. Had to return to the hospital every eight hours so they could inject 2 grams of antibiotic, this lasted 6 weeks, returned to work at the end of May. I feel pretty great, my leg looks much better than before, even after 4 surgeries. It will always be fused, but I honestly think I have more flexion and movement after getting rid of all the metal. If you would have told me I would still be dealing with this almost five years down the road, I'd of thought you were nuts. But I still have my leg.
Oh, I'm 54, you are still a young man, but I probably would have made the same decision 30 years ago, but who knows...? The new prosthetics are pretty amazing, but to be honest, the thought of losing my leg scared me, alot. There were times during all of this that I just wanted to chop it off, go on SSI and give up, but I still want to ride and be active in motocross, I still have 4 Vintage and Evo bikes I love riding and working on.
I guess all I can say is to be really honest and realistic with yourself, either way, you are going to be good, although some days you may not think so.
God Bless Ya Bro, be STRONG. If you have any other questions or need some feedback, don't hesitate to ask.
Mark Smith #523
Cz400az@yahoo.com
Imagine submerging your foot in a pool of hot lava, it literally feels like the flesh is melting from my bones. PURE FUCKING HELL!!!! and it never goes away.
Says his leg was holding him back and his life got significantly better once he amputated it. (above the knee)
He has a pretty inspiring story. Check out his Facebook page or Google him.
Post a reply to: Below The Knee Amputation. Anyone?