I really hope this post is okay in here, thank you for your consideration and apologies if not!
I had a nasty accident in 2018 where my foot was almost ripped off, but they managed to get it fixed with lots of surgery etc. and all has been kinda well, kinda shit since. Anyway my surgeon doesn’t see my injury getting any better, probably just worse. He’s given me the option to amputate my left foot.
I would really, really appreciate advice from anyone who’s been in this situation- how they have found it, I guess pros and cons to think about that I may not know about from an amputee themselves.
Slight background for context but will keep it short- I’ve got severe arthritis of the ankle joint, major tendon and ligament damage, nerve damage (luckily only flares up at times) constant pain often needing to use crutches to get around. Sometimes I’ll get good spells for months where I’m not too bad but I’m getting hip and knee problems on right side, unable to walk on uneven ground, will never run again. Extreme difficulty riding and caring for my horses (my passion)
I’m aware of phantom pains, but I’m at the stage where I’m thinking I may be more ‘free’ having no joint, as I have to think about every step I take sometimes and when putting weight through the foot, it’s a gamble if I’m going to be okay, or get a major stab of pain from any which part of the limb.
Appreciate advice so much, and appreciate how difficult this must have been, and will be for you all at times!