Yesterday was another long and emotionally draining day, spent at Gosford Hospital’s Emergency Department following concerns about several wounds on my right foot that have been leaking pus and fluid.
For most people, a foot wound may seem like something relatively minor. However, given my medical history and the fact that I lost my left leg below the knee in 2022, any issue involving my remaining foot is something that must be taken very seriously. The possibility of infection, poor circulation, and further complications is always at the forefront of my mind.
My support worker, Bodie, picked me up at 8:00am and accompanied me to the hospital. What followed was a very long day of waiting, testing, consultations, and uncertainty. We remained at the Emergency Department for the entire day, and by the time it was over, both physically and emotionally, I was completely exhausted.
Throughout the day, I underwent a number of investigations. Medical staff inserted a cannula, took multiple blood samples, collected swabs from the wounds for testing, and arranged X-rays of my foot. Given my extensive vascular history, the Emergency Department also contacted the vascular team led by Dr Bourke, the same team that has been treating me for more than nine years and who performed my left leg amputation in 2022.
Late in the afternoon, members of the vascular team attended the Emergency Department to assess my condition. They performed an ultrasound examination of my right leg and foot to evaluate blood flow. Unfortunately, the results indicated that there is very limited blood flow reaching the area, which is understandably concerning and raises questions about the health and viability of the foot moving forward.
Following their assessment, a decision was made to admit me to hospital on Monday for further testing and investigation. In the meantime, I have been sent home with a five-day course of strong antibiotics in the hope of controlling any infection while specialists continue to determine the underlying cause of the problem.
While the physical aspects of the day were difficult, it was the conversations towards the end of the day that proved the most challenging emotionally. During discussions with the medical team, the possibility of another amputation was raised.
Hearing those words was devastating.
The thought of potentially losing my remaining leg and becoming a double amputee is something I struggle to even comprehend. Losing my left leg in 2022 was one of the most significant challenges I have ever faced, requiring enormous adjustments both physically and mentally. The prospect of facing another amputation brings with it fear, uncertainty, and countless questions about what the future may hold.
At this stage, no decisions have been made, and there are still further tests to be completed before any conclusions can be reached. However, simply knowing that this possibility exists has made the wait until Monday incredibly difficult.
One positive throughout the day was having Bodie by my side. He remained with me for the entire hospital visit and provided support when I needed it most. Hospital visits can often feel isolating and overwhelming, particularly when discussing serious medical issues, and I genuinely do not think I could have made it through the day without his support.
I am grateful that Bodie has also been rostered to support me during my hospital admission on Monday. Having someone I know, trust, and feel comfortable with during this process will make a significant difference. It is a level of support that I did not have during many of the challenges I faced in 2022, and I am thankful to have that continuity of care this time around.
For now, all I can do is wait for Monday, undergo the additional testing, and hope for the best possible outcome. The uncertainty is difficult, and it is impossible not to think about the potential consequences. Nevertheless, I am doing my best to remain positive, stay strong, and focus on one day at a time.
I will provide further updates when I have more information.
Until then, thank you to everyone who has reached out, checked in, and offered support. It is greatly appreciated during what is proving to be another challenging chapter in my journey.
Note: written with the help of ChatGPT
