I want my legs amputated

LittleKitten

I know this sounds dramatic, but I do. However, I also want to do it safely or as safely as is possible.

I hate both of my legs and want so much to have both of my lower legs amputated below the knee. I hate how they look and feel, and how much pain they always cause me. I'm sure that having them amputated would give me relief from the pain.

Can I get them amputated? If so, how? Who do I talk to? How long does the process take?

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

As an amputee myself I wouldn't recommend this drastic action out of choice 

I understand pain but believe me even having one leg amputated is life changing . You struggle with everything in life down to bathing   toileting , getting dressed and so on 

As for process I doubt any surgeon would do this unless last resort 

Alex_Alumni

Hello @LittleKitten how are you feeling today? Thanks for reaching out, that's a positive first step.

I'm sorry to hear about the pain you've been experiencing. Can you tell me if you've spoken to your GP about how you're feeling? You could discuss what options you have for managing pain, or what you feel isn't working for you.

Feeling a lot of pain can have a big impact on your mental health, do you feel you're getting enough support with that currently?

If you're feeling unsure about anything, please do let me know.

Alex

woodbine

Have you asked your GP for a referral to the local pain clinic, amputation sounds really drastic and I'm sure no surgeon would do it unless it was life threatening.
Your best bet is to treat the pain and not the cause of the pain.

poppy123456

I agree with others, it's unlikely any surgeon would agree to this unless it's the only option. Pain clinic waiting times are extremely long even before the pandemic so i can't imagine how long they would be now.

I'd advise you to speak to your GP and hopefully they will be able to help you.

Have you also tried to find other ways to help with your pain? I have fibromyalgia amongst other things and heat helps my pain. It doesn't take it away completely but it does help when it's at it's worst.

Sandy_123

@LittleKitten sorry to read you feel this way, like others have said it's best to see your gp, they may be able to help, with pain relief and refer you if needed to a specialist Dr. Having your legs amputated will be the last resort by any Dr tho. 

HandyAndy

Hi Little Kitten..
I agree with you. Having researched, I find that people do not understand the pain and discomfort that we experience.
They also think that removing a  limb to solve discomfort, pain, mobility and difficulty to use those limbs, is NOT acceptable as the limb "Looks" ok ! when actually we suffer in many ways that other people and surgeons cannot see and does not understand.
this is unacceptable thinking, as we know an amputation would allow us to have a pain free comfortable and better life.
It should be our choice to decide that we have had enough of these pains and inability to use these limbs in the way that a healthy person has no pain and enjoys a healthy life.

Why does any normal and healthy person think they know better than ourselves, for how we feel and how we suffer with pain and discomfort..

Why should a surgeon or doctor think that a potential limb looks fine, and does not accept our pain ?
Why should a surgeon or doctor think "Its not ethical to amputate as it "Looks" fine."

To our medical expert consultants.
Does our limb have to be smashed, crushed, bleeding before an affected limb is acceptable for amputation ?? 
even though our mind, our feelings, our pain, our discomfort, our limb feel exactly the same as someone who's limb looks physically damaged.

Please change your thoughts..
If a limb looks ok, it doesn't mean it is ok.

Ada

Wow 😯 although I completely understand. I have for years said in desperation I want my legs cut off. The pain drains you mentally as well as physically. 
But Everyday I fight it. Because that’s what we do. I hate using a wheelchair or walker I hate the incredible pain. But through many years of my work I saw the devastation losing a limb causes. Inc from those who thought that having limbs removed would be better mentally for them. I have never in my many years taken care of someone who was pleased to lose a limb. Even though it’s saved life’s. 
To completely understand how you feel and I do because I suffer a great deal. Is one thing. 
But to encourage your suffering with a anguish is terrible. What you need is talking with your consultant to find the right pain medication that works for you. And please seek counselling with the pain clinic. I use to get acupuncture on the nhs and that worked completely for me. I now meditate very often which takes patience to learn to do whilst in incredible pain. 
 Your voice needs to be heard. 
Sending hugs 🤗 

poppy123456

This thread is almost 2 years old and the member hasn't been active since August last year.

Ada

poppy123456 said:

This thread is almost 2 years old and the member hasn't been active since August last year.

Hi that’s odd as I only saw it because it was on my first page. I was very concerned 

poppy123456

Ada said:

poppy123456 said:

This thread is almost 2 years old and the member hasn't been active since August last year.

Hi that’s odd as I only saw it because it was on my first page. I was very concerned 

That was because a new member Handyandy commented on the thread, which brought it back to the top. 

LittleKitten

Thank you @HandyAndy, and @Ada for your comments. I still want them amputated, but I am currently working with doctors to try and find the cause of the pain.

I already use a wheelchair when going out, and struggle with a lot of daily tasks due to the pain and fatigue from my feet.