I have not truly shared the struggle as an amputee or really let people know how much pain I am in while I walk because I can either complain or try to find a way to make life better. My physical therapist and my MFB (Mary Free Bed) team suggested osseointegration. Osseointegration is a surgical procedure that will attach an artificial limb directly to my bone. It's a reconstructive surgery technique that can improve mobility, function, and quality of life for people who have had an amputation, like me!
The best doctor performing this procedure happens to be in New York City. I am in the beginning stages of this process and will likely need to travel to New York around 5 times during this process. My first appointment is approaching very quickly, February 18th. I should be able to cover all medical costs, but will need support around travel costs and unknown costs as I venture down this new path!! Any amount will help! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering!
A little more about my amputee journey and why I want to take this next step with Dr. Rozbruch.... Many of you know my back story, but for those new to my story, here you go. I became an amputee December 2, 2022. My journey to this new life was unexpected and sudden. After finding a blood clot in my leg my amazing vascular doctor tried everything she could to save my leg and remove the clot. However, the clot was stubborn and would not be removed. This led to the removal of part of my tibia and my foot making me a below knee amputee. The next several months were filled with revision and debridement surgeries weekly, a wound vac and changes 2 times a week, the third time was always Friday surgery. These months were a battle to keep my knee and as much of my tibia as possible. Having this hurdle meant that I was unable to get my prosthetic leg for seven months after my amputation. I have had a prosthetic leg since June 29, 2023.
I am on my fourth socket and this last socket has not worked well in a very short amount of time. This was absolutely not the fault of my prosthetist, who is phenomenal when I need help or an adjustment or even a new socket in less than a month, here comes socket number 5. Beyond having socket sizing issues I have also had trouble with socket pressure and neuroma pain with every step (A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue that can occur anywhere in the body. It can feel like a pinched nerve or a ball-shaped mass. Neuromas can be painful and limit movement in the affected area). So while I have shown that I started to run- which I had to stop doing due to the socket issues-, I went back to work-I can't spend an hour in a classroom teaching without ending up in pain-, and even though I do some pretty great things while at the gym or physical therapy- I often have to stop or not go to the full extent. I have yet to walk more than a half a mile without having to stop due to being in pain. That is not the life that I want to have as an active adult. Please consider helping my journey of osseointegration and a return to my active lifestyle.
***the picture is of a fellow amputee who has osseointegration and me & my prosthetic leg***