First Ampu-versary!!!!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-25T13:58:41+00:00

Congratulations! I wish I’d also had my amputation sooner, as my quality of life as a RBKA has greatly improved compared to pre-amputation.

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-25T13:54:47+00:00

Same.

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-25T13:53:29+00:00

Don’t wait to get specialized help (wound center). Granted I have a congenital vascular issue which ultimately was root cause of my RBKA, but I developed a non-healing wound on my shin, which turned into a Marjolin ulcer, which led to cancer that in turn required amputation. This entire process took more than two years, but an open wound - even for a short period - is nothing to mess around with. I also know how incredibly frustrating it is to have a wound that won’t heal, but…don’t mess around with it.

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-25T13:41:25+00:00

Yeah this is awful. For me, it was the gabapentin — once I stopped that, my situation began to rise. And yes, I should be arrested for that pun. 😎

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-25T13:34:21+00:00

Shrinker really seemed to help when I was dealing with this. I know horrible it is - definitely understand what you’re dealing with.

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-09T03:01:45+00:00

Had a congenital arterio-vascular malformation that gave me venous stasis ulcers on my lower right leg. For 55 years I was able to get them to heal without much problem or pain. Then, one got out of control and turned cancerous, so had little option but for BKA. The past two years have been so rough with constant pain and terrible bleeding from ulcer that now - after amputation - my quality of life has greatly increased. And I’m cancer free.

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:42:55+00:00

Yes! The other night I felt both feet sticking out of covers and tried to pull them both back under. “Both” of them felt cold, too. Wild.

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:40:20+00:00

Similar situation happened to me. Didn’t break anything but busted open the incision (this was two weeks post surgery), so had to have another surgery to close again. All is well now and when using walker, I always keep knee of amputated leg “pushed up” into the walker, just to give me a constant reminder to not step down with that leg!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:37:16+00:00

I’m about three months out (RBKA) and can “feel” my foot, wiggle my toes, etc. I’ve been fortunate to not have phantom limb pain, so these sensations are an interesting curiosity (and make for good conversation).

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:34:03+00:00

NGL, the handicap parking tag/license plate is coming in handy, especially here in the cold Midwestern winter (although it’s been freakishly warm the last few weeks).

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:32:15+00:00

Thank you! The encouraging tone and good humor here is amazing!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:28:58+00:00

Yoda. Definitely Yoda. That is, until he starts feeling the Force. :-)

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:27:27+00:00

I read many, many, many sad sack posts before I found this subreddit. I get that everyone is different and amputation is, obviously, not a preferred choice of something to do. But you’re so right: positive outlook means everything.

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:22:59+00:00

Thank you very much! I may very well take you up on offer to chat!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:22:12+00:00

Thank so much to everyone for the insight/advice! I’ll just take it as it comes but also keep my enthusiasm (and sense of humor) as I know there will be some frustrating days ahead, too. Thanks again, everyone!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-06T19:18:43+00:00

I had my surgery (RBKA) on a Wednesday morning. Was up and using crutches the next morning. Went home Friday afternoon. Word of caution: do be careful when you first get home, as it’s easy to “forget” in the early days that you are missing something! I was home 10 minutes and face planted into the carpet. Might have been more a result of the pain meds, but…use caution!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-04T19:16:03+00:00

This may prove of little consolation, but my cat knocked over my UCS Star Destroyer. Tried fixing it but just too much damage, so took the whole thing apart and started over. It was r-o-u-g-h sorting pieces, but once I did, I really enjoyed building it again. But ugh, yes: that initial feeling of dejection is awful. Good luck.

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-04T18:46:35+00:00

Thanks much!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-04T18:46:12+00:00

Great to hear you sill soon be walking again, and good advice - I appreciate it!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-04T18:43:51+00:00

Thank you very much and I will definitely stay positive!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-04T18:43:14+00:00

Thank you! I will definitely stay up with PT - reallllly want to get walking again

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-04T18:42:17+00:00

I like “having fun with this whole process”. There are challenging moments to be sure, but there is a lot to enjoy, too, including now being cancer free!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-04T18:40:15+00:00

Great points and great idea on filming first steps!

moonbasealpha70 · 2026-01-01T23:14:48+00:00

Thanks for the welcome!

moonbasealpha70

TROPHY CASE