Amputee

Hi @ayalanydtampa, you're in the right place. Can you tell me a bit more about your story to help me connect you with others? What led to your being a double amputee?

Hi, Thank you for contacting me. I became a BTK double amputee because of Peripheral Vascular disease. My right leg in 2012 after 2 failed bypass grafts and my left in 2014 also after bypass grafts. I tried prosthetics but couldn't get accustomed to them. Now I am 81 yrs. old and I am always sitting. I get around in a motorized wheelchair. I wonder if constant sitting affects my bowels. I am always constipated. I have recurrent uti's for which I have been admitted 5 times in the last 6 mos. I am going to see a Uro/gynecologist this Thursday. I was wondering if there were other double amputees my age I can connect with. Thank you again.

I'd like to invite @lillee back to Connect and this discussion as they also discussed being a double amputee and all of the complications that come with it. I'd like to invite @charlena, @tc4mayo, @tricia777, and @ej0104 who all mentioned managing peripheral vascular disease as well.

@ayalanydtampa - What sort of things has your medical provider suggested as far as trying to remain active in some way? Is there a way to get in a pool or some water as a possibility? You mentioned not being able to use prosthetics, was that due to being uncomfortable or not good fits? I personally know a handful of amputees and have had them explain the delicate balance and complications with prosthetic limbs.