Phantoms

I reserved today for the question and answer session that I had after my talk at The Boys and Girls Club, specifically so I could go into detail, thinking maybe you might have similar questions. I would love to answer those questions. If there's something you would like me to go in more depth about, feel free to ask. It's more than likely everyone will be interested.

• How did they remove my leg?

They had to cut through the tissue and muscle to reach the bone. Then they used a bone saw to sever the bad from the good and remove it

• What did they do with my leg after the surgery was over?

It was badly infected and contagious, so the Hazardous Material Team incinerated it. This was to make sure that the MRSA bacteria would not invade anyone else's body.

• What is Phantom pain?

Phantom pain is pain that feels like it's coming from a body part thats' no longer there. There is also a Phantom itch. These are called Phantom sensations. Your nerve endings have been severed, but they still send signals to your brain as though everything is intact.

• Are these Phantom sensations real?

Phantom sensations are very real. In fact 80% of amputees experience this sometime in their lives.

• Do I experience these sensations?

Yes! I have constant Phantom pain. I also have the Phantom itching. Neither can really be relieved.

• What does Phantom pain feel like?

For me it feels like my leg is on fire, while a steam roller is parked on it. My big toe feels as though it has a steady pounding of blood flowing into it, giving me the sensation that it will explode. This is excrutiating!

To this day there are times when I feel my leg itching or in pain and I reach to scratch or soothe it. It is a weird feeling, realizing that your brain can easily forget something so traumatic. Even now, seven years after the amputation, the Phantom sensations have not subsided. If anything, they have gotten worse, keeping me from functioning at times.

Night pierces my bones; my gnawing pains never rest.

Job 30:17

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

PS If you're interested in seeing an amputation surgery here's an excellent site to go to: Medicalive.net/316_above_knee_amputation,surgical_operation