Introducing Mr. W, 71 year old male status post left below the knee amputation secondary to diabetes, peripheral vascular disease. Initially attempted to save the left leg (right leg amputated in 2004 for reasons as stated) via a bypass of the femoral artery in the leg, however, during surgery he had a heart attack, requiring a coronary artery bypass graft.
So now introduce me, a first-year therapist who's never worked with a person with bilateral lower extremity amputations, nevermind one who's had a heart attack and major heart surgery. But this is the beauty of this work... our lives collide and we try to make the best of it.
After the initial evaluation I went home and hit the books looking for treatment ideas, goals, and some idea of what the heck to do with this man. The notes and pictures gave me very vague impressions, I needed more. I needed an image, a moving image to see how this guy might be moving around in the next few months/ years. He asked me if he'd ever play golf again... "Umm, sure?"
Then it hit me, "YOU TUBE!" Type in amputee and golf and BAM- there's a person in action at the driving range! And yes, with bilateral lower extremity amputations. Voila- introduce possiblity, nice to meet you!
Disclaimer- I do take potential with a grain of salt and didn't rush off and tell this man he'd be golfing in no time. But I can confidently say that it's been done before and that might be all it takes.
Happy Birthday Mom!
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