Living with an amputation can be tough – but immense support is available

Sep 08, 2019 News

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A visit to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC) can offer anyone a wealth of information. A walk through its corridors on any given day of the week, one can see the several persons living with amputations who meet there for weekly therapy.
PRRC is a non-profit organization providing rehabilitation services for children and adults with physical/developmental disabilities, amputees and persons with hearing impairment.

Kaieteur News was able to sit with Colin Holder, a 62-year-old individual who resides at lot 19 D’ Urban Street Lodge. Holder has been living with part of his foot amputated since 2017.
According to Holder, “I can remember that day like it was only yesterday. My leg was amputated on December 17, 2017. This was because I am a diabetic.”
With a smile on his face Holder related his experience from simply walking on the road to lying in a hospital bed with one foot severed. Holder stated that he had an abscess on his right foot and remembered while walking down Regent Street one day he stumped his toe on the very foot.
“I took it for nothing and the abscess was treated but two days later I found blood beneath my foot and I was right back at the doctor. The doctor told me that the foot was infected and it was spreading so they have to amputate.”
Holder highlighted that he was fearful however, because he is a religious person he prayed for strength and courage. “The courage and strength came so much that I was actually looking forward to the amputation,” he said.
“I was patiently waiting on the doctors to take me in the theater and at one point I was like wait man they forget me or what. I keep telling myself that it was better my foot to go rather than my life.”
Coming home to family and friends was hard time. Holder indicated that in the few days after his amputation it was very difficult since he now had to wait for someone to bring an item for him or to be able to move around.
“It was very difficult but my wife was there with me through it all even to a day like today. Her nephew usually comes over to give her any male assistance needed. I know it was not easy but she was there always.”
A week after his amputation, Holder joined the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC). “Coming here was like the best thing that could have happened to me after my amputation.”
“I started off with therapy and I’ve seen a lot of improvement since. The nurses are very good. There is always someone to give a helping hand and while going through the therapy sessions they are very caring and patient with you.”
Holder was very eager to speak of his appreciation for the service received from the nurses as he observed that he has never seen a nurse tired of a patient.
“I never heard any bad feedback or anybody talking about the nurses because I can personally say they treat you like family. They work with you until you get through your therapy sessions and even after. They even go over and over and over with you so as to give you that support to manage life as an amputee.”
After what seemed like 10 long months, Holder became eligible for a prosthetic limb. He related that he was very much overwhelmed to hear that he was eligible.
The cost of his limb which had to be joined just below the knee came at $210,000. However, because of his National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions which covered 80 percent of the cost, he only paid $42,000.
Although living a life of an amputee is difficult, Holder is pleased that systems are in place for such individuals. “I feel great knowing that jobs and educational courses are offered for persons living with an amputation or disabilities and the Government is looking out for us.”
According to Holder, having a prosthetic leg is 95 percent like a human leg and even though it is a substitute, the prosthetic leg is better than not having any at all.
He went on to say that being at the centre has helped him to greatly accept his amputation. He added that after finishing their rehab process persons can leave. However, the majority choose to stay and give the support to newcomers.
“If you take a look around here we are like a family. Sometimes because of our family members at home having to attend work or other basic life necessities, we don’t have much to do at home.
Therefore you would find persons are here every day and all day,” said Holder.
He added, “I don’t believe I will leave the center, I look at it as a long term process because daily you can come here and reach your brothers and sisters so why should you turn away from a place like this.” (By Trishan Craig)

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