Bill's Story...

Back in the early 80's I started to notice muscle aches in both legs when doing any sustained walking. Because my father had arterial sclorosis and had bypass surgery some years before; I thought it best to consult with a cardio-vascular surgeon. An angeogram procedure indicated that I had a large, arterial blockage in both legs. The surgeon recommended by-pass surgery in both legs, starting with the left. This was done with complete success.

However, when the by-pass was performed on the right leg, circulation was restored for only three months before the artery collapsed and the blockage returned. The surgeon suggested we wait some time before attempting another by-pass, with the hope that the remaining veins would somehow compensate for the lack of blood flow in the arteries. After a year, the surgery was repeated with the same disastrous affect. Since, at that time, I was still able to get around and function normally, we decided to leave things and see what developed. With that, I returned to work and my usual activities.

In early 1996, I experienced a massive collapse of the veins in the lower leg. Because the pain was unbearable, the surgeon admitted me to the hospital and an emergency by-pass was performed. This last-ditch effort too, was unsuccessful. The only recourse now open to me was amputation.

In August, I underwent a below-knee amputation. All seemed to go well. During a routine examination four weeks later, the orthopedic surgeon noted that the incisions were not healing normally. I was then re-admitted to the hospital and went on anti-biotics and then an irrigation procedure was performed. These efforts were all of no avail. The tissue at the point of amputation proved not to be viable. The only solution was revisional surgery and on August 31, I became an above-knee amputee.

Following the surgery, I had no idea that it was normal to experience post amputation depression. When it did occur, I was convinced that I would never recover from this dark pit of despair and that it would last for three months, until I entered rehab.

When I finally did begin rehab, things started to improve. My rehab took place at Chedoke Hospital, here in Hamilton. Although I didn't know it at the time, the Chedoke amputee program is probably the best in Ontario.

The staff there instilled the notion that a positive attitude and acceptance of how things are now is a crucial part of successsful rehabilitation. During this time, I was also fortunate to have the support of friends and family; in particular, my partner Don, who's encouragement, support and help was without limits.

Some time following my rehab, I got a call from Cass Watson, social worker at Chedoke. She suggested that a group of us amps get together and discuss the possibility or desire to create a support group for amputees. At that time, there was no peer support for amputees in the Hamilton area. A group of us met and set about forming the Chedoke Amputee Peer Support Group.

We were all enthusiastic in forming our group because we had all experienced the despair of feeling alone following amputation. The health care professionals can heal the body and even pschological treatment can be beneficial; but we firmly believe that it takes another amputee talking to that patient to make the real and emotional connection.

So, how are things now for me? I can honestly say that I have more purpose and contentment today than I ever had in the past. It has been proven to me again and again that those of us who experience amputation, or any other life-changing disability, can find a new, enriched life. Yes, a life that may be changed, but none the less, enlightened.