Monday, March 14, 2011

My Medical Stash

A few of my (least) favorite things
These are the multitude of supplies I've used - and then some - as I've been involved in The Battle of the Socket. I had no used any of these since my marathon and technically still haven't, but did use a band-aid today from the office on the back of my knee. It is one of the two places my liner bunches up. This happened in my old pre-vacuum socket in several places, but over time the skin seemed to accommodate the pinching with some help from Aquaphor. I suspect the same will hold true this time.

Owie tattoo from socket
I have gone longer than ever before with such an injury; I also had my first (left!) foot blister a week ago since my amputation. So whereas blisters are unwelcomed, having the ability to actually get a blister from running is truly spectacular!

*******

I know I have taken a short break from blogging. It really wasn't voluntary, I think with all I have been through with culminating with the marathon finish, I just needed a break for a battery recharge.

I've been talking to several people considering elective amputation, which has given me pause to think over what I feel I need to say to those, like me, who want their lives back, free of pain and drugs and neverending surgeries. If only medicine looked as far ahead as is does backward sometimes...I am shocked at the absolute medieval practices that is still employed in the OR. To believe that a life on painkillers, every increasing in strength to ward off the paranoid monster that is pain, is somehow preferably to a life without a limb...and pain's constant companionship.  More on this later, but part of the reason of my absence here.

Life calls, do not miss it.
Posted by Richard Blalock at 8:53 PM

4 comments:

  1. runnergirl trainingMarch 14, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    Good post. I haven't had an amputation but I've dealt with some health issues. I know the terrible fear of when pain is so unmanageable you are forced to be on narcotics day & night, which alter so many facets of life. It seems like a bad domino effect. I can only imagine how life altering your journey has been. Keep on, keeping on! You inspire me!

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  2. Richard BlalockMarch 15, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    It comes down to choice, but a question anyone needs to ask their surgeon who intends to "fix" things with surgery is how many have you done this to and were they able to resume a normal or even close to normal, active life? After 10 or 15 or 25 plus surgeries there is little chance things will get better, more likely get worse because of scarring and meds.

    Many have had it far worse than me, first an accident and then surgery after surgery after surgery. Ultimately it is up to the individual to advocate for themselves, but knowing others have gone down this path helps them know what can be done, and that they are not alone.

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  3. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    i'll echo runnergirltraining and say good post. it's interesting and scary that narcotics can be someone's life. that's a terrible way to live!

    and yay for you getting a blister? hahah :)

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  4. Richard BlalockMarch 15, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Thanks Karyn...never thought I'd be so happy to have blister. :)

    ReplyDelete

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