DISABLED is NOT for ME! Amputation time!
Donation protected
I am a 51 year old Female Type 1 Diabetic, on an insulin pump, with Charcot Anthropathy in my right foot. I was taken out of work on June 27th, 2012. http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/diabetic-foot/Pages/Charcot-Arthropathy.aspx
The metatarsals were beginning to come through my
foot. I had been seeing a Podiatrist here in Ocala on a regular basis, as I had
bunions on both feet that were creating pressure sores. I had had a bone scan
with dye, in May, and the man doing the test told me my right foot lit up like a
Christmas tree. It was VERY painful to walk on, and my job as a Certified Nurses
Assistant kept me moving the full 8 hours of
my shift. I told my Podiatrist that it was killing me, but he didn't doing
anything to address this break down until the bruising occurred a month
later.
I was ordered OFF my right foot, and sent to
Hanger Prosthetics in Ocala for a CRO Walker boot. They also had made my
Diabetic shoes. I have begun weight bearing on my foot, still walking with a
crutch, or using my knee walker for longer distances in stores. I received my
"Social Security Disability Approval" in October. Which I started receiving in January, at $924.00 a month.
I own a 10 acre farm, my 2 Arabian Horses
are my passion,
they have been my reason to keep on keeping on. One is my Baby, the other was my Mom's horse, she died of Cancer in 2003 and I have struggled to keep him as well, Mom LOVED Ebony! I haven't been able to ride for over a year and a half
because I had torn my ACL, MCL, and the cartilage in my Left knee the day after
I turned in my notice at Life Care Nursing Facility in Lecanto. I went to
TimberRidge Nursing Facility from Life Care, with a brace on my left knee, and
never had the opportunity to get the surgery done for that.
I still LOVE my old
folks, and continue to make visits and deliver my famous brownies to them. They
want me back at Life Care, but as I am, I can NOT do the job. The thought of
amputation is looking like a REAL option for me now!
I went to the ER last week because my Insulin pump stopped working last Saturday, they called my brothers up from Clearwater, and thought I wasn't going to make it from my DKA episode, my kidneys were shutting down.This past week in the ICU gave me pause to think about what I wanted to do with my life! I REALLY can't stay "Disabled" any longer! My belief in God, and knowing He wants me to be useful to Him, made me realize it was time to deal with my foot, which will never really "heal" for me......it is time to LOP IT OFF!!I
I found some information on the best possible option for me, and found a procedure that is HUGELY successful in amputation. I have been reading about
Ertl Reconstruction, and I believe I am seeing a light in my life again,
YAYYYY!!
"Amputation should not be looked at as a failure. It should be looked
at as a reconstructive procedure that will provide the patient with a functional
residual limb that can be fitted well with a prosthesis and improve the
patient's quality of life."<< This statement gave me
reason to believe I can have my life back, to a degree that would make me feel
useful and able to be what God needs me to be!! The statement came from the ERTLReconstruction site. I then started looking for a Prosthetic maker that was familar with the ERTL Procedure.
I found a Prosthetic maker that is THE BEST in the area, contacted them over the weekend, and they got back to me this morning! YES!!! Here is what they wrote me~
Hi Renee,
Thank you for getting back to me! We're more than happy to help any way we
can!
First of all, you are EXACTLY right when you quote "Amputation should
not be looked at as a failure. It should be looked at as a reconstructive
procedure that will provide the patient with a functional residual limb that can
be fitted well with a prosthesis and improve the patient's quality of life."
We have SEVERAL patients who were plagued with chronic health issues,
circulation problems and/or poor healing from a previous accident, etc. Every
one of these patients who lived in daily pain and discomfort only get mad at
themselves that they had not looked into amputation as an option sooner.
Obviously you want to be rid of the chronic pain and get back to an active,
productive lifestyle and a good amputation and great fitting, comfortable
prosthesis would help tremendously!!
Our chief prosthetist, Bill Copeland, is an amputee himself so he's well
aware of what you would be experiencing and he offers a wealth of experience,
information and compassion.
I just spoke with Bill about your email and he would like to refer you to
Dr. Roy Sanders. I know you're in the Ocala area, and may want someone closer,
but Bill said he's the best at the Ertl procedure. Should you consult with Dr.
Sanders, please tell him Bill Copeland at Copeland Prosthetics referred you,
should he want to consult with Bill on the procedure/level of amputation,
etc.
Additionally, if you would like to set up a no-cost consultation with Bill
or if you'd like me to have him give you a call some time this week, you can do
that and at least get a better idea of what would lie ahead.
Please don't hesitate to contact our office if you have ANY questions at
all. We're here to help! We do have a toll free number you can call and it's
[phone redacted].
I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Regards,
Jennifer
PS Dr. Sanders number is [phone redacted] and he's with the Florida Orthopedic
Institute
What they wrote me made me cry with JOY!
I called Dr.Sanders to see if I can get an appointment with him, she told me I needed
$3000.00 just to see him, as I am on Medicaid, and they don't take it.This $3000.00 will get me started; I don't yet know how much more it will cost for the Prosthetic, the Physical Therapy, and any other costs incurred throughout this "adventure"!!!
I am VERY optomistic about my life today, it's amazing what a "Near Death Experience" can do for you! Ha Ha! So...... I am here to see if there is ANYONE out there that can help me out here..............PRETTY PLEASE ????
I have the rest of my life to live, and I want to be USEFUL, and take care of others as I have always done before, not have to have someone take care of me.
God Bless You for any help you can provide for me, I am truly humbled!
Sincerely, Renee L. Reedy
Organizer
Renee L Reedy
Organizer
Dunnellon, FL
