Aa
what about amputation?
Hey yall,
So Im a dissabled Navy Vet who had three ruptured disc in my back that damged the nerve and I have now had foot drop in my right foot since Nov 2009. To be honest I don't think its as bad as some people have but the damage is permanent according to my Nurosergen. I suffer with constant uncontrolable craming throughout my right leg, especially the calf area, and about once a month I get this really weird pain on the inside of my foot that I can only describe as an ice pick being jabbed literally in the center of my foot. not on the surface, but inside the damn thing. It wakes me up usually between 12am midnight and can last throughout the entire next day. the worst part is that it comes in intervals of pain and I've actually counted the seconds between the intervals and have gottn to about every seven seconds for up to 12 hours on my worst days! My question is this. I dont walk right, the pain is very sever, and I honestly dont want this leg or foot anymore. Im wondering if anyone knows if doctors would actually amputate from the knee down so I wont feel the foot pain or muscle cramping anyomre. My condition has brought me to a point where I would rather not keep my leg or foot and just use a prostctic. If anyone can tell me if amputation is either an option or uncommon please let me know. Im at my wits end with it and about ready to cut it off myself. It causes me nothing but pain and depression and Im just trying to figure out my options.
Thanks, Mike
Hello Mike, I am new to this group and I too have foot drop. Mine is due to a nerve cancer I had in my leg. I completely understand the pain you are feeling because I too have felt those pains. I call it nerve pain because it feels to me like they are electric shocks and it can make me literally cringe/squint my eyes in pain/ and cuss in a moments notice. The doctors have given me meds in the past to help with these pains (which it has) but the side effects were so bad. I finally decided to just deal with the pain. Although I have had my foot drop since 2003, I still have the pains. They are not as frequent and sometimes not as bad but I still get them and probly will for the rest of my life.
I too considered amputation. In fact I had my mind set on it. Having to accept being disabled was difficult and I felt that with a prosthetic, I could not only walk but run and people with prothetics can do some amazing things these days.
I then hooked up with someone who had a prosthetic leg so I could see what she went through on a daily basis. I then decided I would just accept my disability and deal with the mental acceptance and the pain.
I don't know what the right decision for you would be or if you already have done the procedure (which if you have, I would love to hear how your doing) but for me I feel that I made the right decision because there is nothing like your own body parts. Don't get me wrong I still to this day miss being able to do things able bodied people can do and I do have days where I am really depressed but I have just learned to make the best of it.
You didn't say if you were wearing a brace at all but that may help with support and to help get you back moving. I used to walk with forearm crutches, then a cane, and now have rehabilitated (on my own) to walking unassisted. It has taken me many years to do this and I still walk with a limp and if I walk with out my brace or shoe, I trip on my own toes/foot constantly.
I would love to hear an update on your situation since you posted about a year ago. I don't know if this helps but that was experience in making such an important decision. Hope to hear from you! Take care.
I too considered amputation. In fact I had my mind set on it. Having to accept being disabled was difficult and I felt that with a prosthetic, I could not only walk but run and people with prothetics can do some amazing things these days.
I then hooked up with someone who had a prosthetic leg so I could see what she went through on a daily basis. I then decided I would just accept my disability and deal with the mental acceptance and the pain.
I don't know what the right decision for you would be or if you already have done the procedure (which if you have, I would love to hear how your doing) but for me I feel that I made the right decision because there is nothing like your own body parts. Don't get me wrong I still to this day miss being able to do things able bodied people can do and I do have days where I am really depressed but I have just learned to make the best of it.
You didn't say if you were wearing a brace at all but that may help with support and to help get you back moving. I used to walk with forearm crutches, then a cane, and now have rehabilitated (on my own) to walking unassisted. It has taken me many years to do this and I still walk with a limp and if I walk with out my brace or shoe, I trip on my own toes/foot constantly.
I would love to hear an update on your situation since you posted about a year ago. I don't know if this helps but that was experience in making such an important decision. Hope to hear from you! Take care.
I can't really imagine what you're going trough since my foot-drop is almost totally painless. And i have no other issues with my foot or calf twitches. I understand your frustration and how it is when you feel like there is nothing left to do. But amputation seems a bit extreme. Maybe it would be good if you try to seek as many professional opinions as possible, seeing chiropractist if possible...just explore every option. I don't know if that was helpful but I hope you're getting better and you will make the ''right'' choice...
Take care, Matic
Take care, Matic
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