Deciding whether to amputate a limb is very traumatic, but when the choice between life and limb arises, the decision usually makes itself. Heinrich GRIMSEHL reports.
One of our most energetic patients, Lynn Bepat, is a bilateral below-knee amputee and thankful to be alive. Early in 2012 she consulted doctors for mild symptoms that were inexplicable. After two previous diagnoses she was told that she had in fact contracted malaria.
Before she knew it she had to be placed in an induced coma, experiencing multiple organ failure. Doctors had to act quickly to keep Lynn alive, and copious amounts of adrenaline had to be administered.
However, at this stage the malaria still had the upper hand – it caused her blood to thicken while the adrenaline caused her vessels to narrow … with devastating effects.
Severe ischaemic necrosis had set in on her feet and legs and doctors had a matter of hours to amputate both her legs or she would have lost her life.
Because of the damage to her veins, vascular necrosis necessitated that she receive bilateral hip replacements in the years that followed.
Lynn survived a severe malaria infection, a six-week coma, multiple organ failure, ischaemic necrosis and bilateral amputation – she is one tough lady!
We believe a positive (and stubborn) attitude towards rehabilitation and amputation makes all the difference here. And of course let’s not forget her supportive husband in the background.
This wife and mother of two enjoys shopping, reading and travelling, and it’s very clear that nothing can keep her down.
She inspires and motivates everyone with whom she comes in contact.
Heinrich Grimsehl is a prosthetist in private practice and a member of the South African Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (SAOPA). email: info@hgprosthetics.co.za
