I met my surgeon for the 2nd time on monday 24th August to discuss the surgical options for my leg and make a final decision on what was going to happen. Mr Grimer explained to me that there were 3 options
Option 1 was to remove the fibula bone, part of my shin bone and remove the tumour. This would leave me with a unstable ankle. He explained i would find it hard walking on rough surfaces and going up hills and would have to have a splint under my sock to support my leg.
Option 2 would involve the same removal procedure as option 1 buit Mr Grimer would also fuse my ankle joint to my shin bone leaving me with a stiff ankle. I would be able to move my ankle side to side but not up and down.
Also both options 1 and 2 would involve post-operation radiotherapy because of the location of the tumour which has some nasty side effects to the healthy bones surrounding the tumour.
I have decided to go with option 3. This is a below knee amputation, this may seem odd to alot of people as some people say they would rather die than have an amputation. The amputation is the best option clinically, physically and post-operative. It is the best option clinically because it removes the diseased part of my body and tumour completely. Physically it is the best option because with a prosthetic leg i will have better mobility than with what would be left of my right ankle joint. It is also the best option for after the operation because i wont have to have any radiotherapy.
Its not everyday you have to decide between having an amputation or having a limp and stiff ankle for the rest of your life. In the end it wasnt a hard decision for me because at 20 years old i dont want to have limited movement i would rather have a false leg and be able to do everything i want to like football, running and cycling.
I wouldnt have thought 8 months ago i would have to decided that having an amputation is the best medical option for me. Ive come to terms with it and will be walking as soon physcially possible after the operation
Matt
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Hi Matt, wow, you truly are amazing to make that decision. It really is something you have to decide for yourself as Bradley eventually did. He knew it was the best for his future mobility and was up and walking with the first of his prosthesis within 4 weeks, then over the next year or so and several sockets later he was walking and no-one realised under his jeans that the prosthesis was even there. Good luck to you honey, Take care and good luck with it all.
ReplyDeleteMichaela and Bradley.