Book Review: They Want to Amputate

Rolling Inspiration
By Rolling Inspiration
4 Min Read

Author John Paffett shares what readers can expect from his autobiography, They Want to Amputate.

“The book is an autobiography starting with my early, care free, able-bodied lifestyle most are fortunate to enjoy,” John shares. At the age of ten, he experienced shooting pains in his right groin that doctors tried to treat with creams. When the pain endured, he was told he it was psychological.

“At fifteen, I had a biopsy that showed nothing … until the tumour arrived a year later. They could not remove all the cancer and told my parents that I was inoperable and had four to six months to live,” he explains. Fortunately, the doctors were able to come up with an alternative: amputation.

“It was suggested that they removed my whole right leg and part of my pelvis (a hemipelvectomy). There was a 50/50 chance of success. I chose amputation. Life changed overnight for me both good and bad. Good that I was still alive, but bad because I now had to readjust,” John reflects.

The autobiography also explores John’s later life from career to marriage, children and relationships. He explains: “This book, through personal insight, will answer some rarely discussed short term and long term issues for those with disabilities through amputation that affects their circle of family and friends; or those working with people after such trauma.

Author John Paffett

“In life, looking outward is the normal day to day routine, but I have looked inward at myself and really explored the raw emotion and feelings of my disability acceptance. Endeavouring to be honest and pragmatic with how I feel about the simplest things, like seeing myself walking in a shop window reflection to pushing myself to extremes to achieve the best I can do has been difficult yet rewarding. Even though I have not accepted my disability fully.”

John was inspired to share his story in the hope that is will be helpful to others. He shares: “In 1967 when I had my amputation, there was little or no support available, when compared with today. There was nothing written down about what to expect at the time. I want to do this to help and support anyone going through an amputation as I believe many of the things written in the book will resonate with them. I also wanted my children to see my life – not as they have always seen me from their infancy, but as adults now – and the decisions that I made to the best of my ability.”

“I also added that humour that has helped me throughout my life. The book reflects this with sadness at times, but with determination to live the best life I can,” John concludes.

They Want to Amputate is available on Amazon. Click here to view the book.

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