Five years ago, I was sitting in a hospital bed with a very hard decision to make. Do I keep my leg and spend the rest of my life in pain, in and out of hospitals? Or do I have a below-the-knee amputation and live somewhat of a normal life? The decision came quickly; I knew what would be best for me.
I won't soon forget the day of my surgery. My two sisters had just returned from my niece's destination wedding and had taken me down to the sunroom to view the wedding pictures. With the nurse telling me I had fifteen minutes before surgery, my sisters said to me, "And here is a picture of your new apartment". What new apartment? I had no thoughts of moving. My sisters had however decided that my present apartment would not be suitable for an amputee, so they had found a new one for me. I admit they were right. So as the Nurse was coming to take me to surgery, my sisters where pushing a new apartment lease under my nose for my signature. The tears where streaming down my face. I felt like a whirlwind had hit. Later, my sisters and my brothers-in-law packed up my old apartment and set up my new one. The easiest move I have ever made!
About a week after my surgery, I was told I would have a visit from someone who would tell me all about a prosthesis. The day of the appointment as I was told that it would not happen, and I was so disappointed. To my surprise, later that same day a head popped through my door. It was Dave from Barber Prosthetics stopping on his way home from work. How am I so lucky to be connected with the Barber Prosthetics Team? Dave spent at least an hour with me answering all my silly questions. One question I remember well: "What will my life be like with a prosthesis?" Dave's answer, "You will be able to do whatever you set out to do." Those words have stuck with me all these years, words that have helped me through some of those not-so-good days.
I thought I would never get out of the hospital. I was stuck in rehab, with exercises and more exercises. As much as I didn't enjoy it, I thank the rehab team for their support and encouragement. They pushed me to learn a new way of living and to get strong. I knew that they were all doing this with my best interest. If they weren't going to give up on me, then I was not going to give up. All throughout this my mother's voice was in my head. Mom was always quoting the fairy tale story, "The Little Red Engine That Could." I think I can, I think I can, said the Little Red Engine—except Mom always said, “I know I can, I know I can.”
I'm now on Buddy #13. That's what I named my prosthesis. My leg kept shrinking and shrinking, I thought it would never stop. It's with thanks to Dave, Brittany, and Malena for their patience, expert knowledge and never giving up. I think my leg has finally admitted defeat and has settled down. I'm sure Daryl is tired of seeing my name on one more cast to make one more socket! Thanks for your craftsmanship.
I'm famous! hah! hah! Brittany has shared my case at the many lectures she has given. She has also written an article about me in one of the scientific magazines.
Two months after my surgery, I was cleared to go back to work. I was so scared. You see, I worked out at UBC and live on the North Shore. So it meant a 1.5 hr journey by Bus then SeaBus then Bus and lots of walking. I asked myself, am I crazy? But nothing ventured, nothing gained. So off I went. One thing I soon learnt was I had my best friends with me: a pair of walking poles. I highly recommend them. The bus drivers quickly kneeled the bus when they saw me and my poles. Bus riders quickly gave me their seat. People rushed to open doors for me. And they gave me that extra push up all those hills.
I was sure lucky at work as they have a great Back to Work team that works with you and constantly monitors your progress. I started out with two hours a day and slowly, as I got strong, worked my way back up to a full eight-hour shift. My job was a Food Service Supervisor in charge of several cafes, with two to fifty staff members to take care of. I can't say enough thank yous to my staff. Right from the start, I was very open to them. I told then about Buddy and even showed them that black iron rod I was standing on. Their support was overwhelming. Most times I didn't have to ask for help; they were one jump ahead of me. They couldn't do enough.
I am retired now, after 40 years of service and enjoying every minute of it. The best part is not having to get out of bed at the crack of dawn to face that bus ride in the pouring rain and snowy, slippery sidewalks. The days are mine to do whatever I wish to. I go to exercises three afternoons a week and have checked off one of my bucket lists. For some silly reason I have always wanted to try line dancing. So I joined the Seniors Centre where they offer it. I admit, I will not be the World's Line Dance Champion but I am having fun! Some of the steps are a challenge, but I find ways around them. The best part is being out in the real world, socializing and being accepted as normal. So many people have come up to me and said how they can't believe I have a prosthesis. They tell me I inspire them; I encourage them; I challenge them; if I can do it, they feel they should be able to do it. They don't know how much their kind words mean to me and how much it encourages. I have also been on several bus trips with the Seniors Centre; small Vancouver staycations. My next bucket list item is to travel, but I guess that will now have to wait for next year. Drat!
I have some words of wisdom to share that I have learnt over my 5 years as an amputee.
Patience. Slow and steady will always win the race.
When you reach the end, you will be much stronger for it.
Listen to your Support Team and follow their instructions. They are very knowledgeable.
Give yourself a simple goal to work towards. When you reach it, celebrate.
My first goal was to walk the Ambleside Seawall. Done that.
My next goal was to return to work. Done that.
And after that, my goal was to ride a stationary bike. Done that.
Now, my goal is to ride a bike around Stanley Park. I know it will take some time, but I know I will get there.
Remove the word NO from your vocabulary and replace it with YES. Say yes with thanks to all those Family, Friends, and Strangers who want to lend a hand to help you. It will put a smile on their face.
Above all, stay positive. You can accomplish anything you set out to do.
Wishing you all the best. Cheers!
Heather
