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Thank you.

I have been a below knee amp for ten years ( I was 18) and up to about two years ago I have got on very very well playing soccer and golf and generally been very active. The last two years have been slightly more difficult as my back has started to hurt as a direct result of my amputation. I would look at the implications on the rest of your joints/body in later life, Hopefully my back problems are getting better and I have now started horse riding lessons so my problems are more of a temporary setback rather than permanant difficulties. Also worth pointing out I am in the U.K and our national health service is well behind the care you should get.  Good luck and if I can help any further let me know.

All of this info has been great and I need more. I forgot to ask about phanton pain or phantom limbs. Is this a problem that I should expect to deal with as well? One elderly lady I talked to that got it done, said that her surgeon (Witch is also mine.) had her on a high dose pain med to help in the? Elimination/ management of the phantom issues? She said she never had any. I have also read that it is only a temperary thing if it does occur at all.

   Once again thatnk you for all your help everyone.!!!!! Eltigra

Hi Eltigra,

After loads of problems with my right knee and various surgeries it was put to me the next option was knee fusion or above knee amputation.  I opted for the fusion, this was last November and it has made life even more difficult and I am due to have an above knee amputation in the next few weeks. Obviously I am getting rather nervous now as my other leg has lost a lot of muscle so will mainly be in a wheelchair, thing now is I have to use a wheelchair outside but my fused leg sticks out.  Good luck with whatever you decide, my surgeon thinks my decision of amputation is a very positive way forward.  Love to all.  Jill (Peggy2512)

i have never had phantom pains in the ten years I have been an amp but it does leave you with a very strange sensation which I am really only aware of when I think of it, I can still wriggle my toes and feel my foot but luckily it never itches or hurts.  I do however know people who do get very bad phantom pains which are really not nice at all.  I don't know what advice to give you but whatever you do decide I really hope it all works out for you.

I am pretty much decided that from all I have heard, I will be getting the leg amputated. But I will make the final in 3 weeks once I get the cat scan. I have not heard any thing good about fusion yet. Is there anyone out there that has had a good experiance with fusion? any one at all ? My surgeon said that he has had patience that are very happy with fusion. But I like I said have not talked to/read about any one that is happy with it.

  What happened to all the advise I was getting?? I need morer of it .....

When I first had my operation I was told to expect a pain free life and to have no problems with my stump. This has been far from the truth and if i'm honest every step hurts, But it is a pain that is easy to ignore and live with still having an active life, I have 3 children and play sports and have a physical job.  I will answer any more questions you have and my thoughts are with you.  Take care