Amputation- Good idea or not?

[mjq1602]

THANX Jennyb you're a star

Mike

[swhite1]

Three of my Dr's team of ten have asked me to consider it. I was so shocked I had to leave the office and walk around for about two hours. I've suffered lots and lots of traumas none quite like this. Had I awoken in my hospital be and it were gone that may have been different. I can not for the life of me walk in set my arm on a table and say wack it off. I'm two years out, my shoulder, arm and hand are going through wicked changes, none for the better. The pain makes me sweat so much I can hardly stand it and people near me can't figure out how I can sweat when it's almost snowing and quite honestly when I'm alone I am in near tears with pain and indecision. I'd hate to give it up and find out through stem cell research it could be saved than to keep it and find out it could not be saved.
This to me is a decision made only by me and I am afraid to do that.
That's where I am with it.
Peace and love to all.
Scott
http://www.freerice.com/

[Ripp]

I'm only 14 months post-accident but have seriously considered having the left arm chopped many times. Very slow improvement in the use of my elbow and wrist are encouraging but the pain just gets unbearable sometimes. Like Scott said, it can almost bring me to tears and it's impossible to explain to someone who hasn't been there. As already stated by many, though, I've been told the phantom pain wouldn't necessarily go away. It's a rotten "catch-22" for sure and a very personal decision to be based on very individual circumstances. Best of luck to all.
Scott Ripp in Iowa

[mjq1602]

Hi everyone,

I've not posted on this site for quite some time. The last time was when I was considering amputation. Well that reality has come a step closer as I have got my consultant and wife on board with it. I am therefore on the good old NHS waiting list and could have it done and dusted by the end of August.

Although I feel 100% about getting this done it is not too late to change my mind.

I therefore invite anyone who has had a negative experience having their arm off to post and let me know what it was that went wrong?

If i do get it done then i'll be sure to post and recount my experience.

best wishes to you all

Mike