By David Peel
Everything in you screams “No!”
Assume though, you have been in a motorcycle accident. Your leg was literally shredded.
Surgeons have knitted it back together so that it gets blood supply. But this recovery is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. All this to “save the leg.”
This is where my friend Kent found himself ten years ago. I was by his side, helping him shave his face, and trying hard not to bump the bed. He is type 1 diabetic and has an implanted insulin pump.
Teams of surgeons discussed the 19-21 surgeries that would be required over the next 12-18 months. Skin grafts, muscle harvesting, etc. and it all sounded just awful.
At some point, I asked what is the outcome? When the doctor answered, the reply was disheartening.
He was told that he may be able to work up to be able to walk with a cane in 18 months. He would have to take significant pain medication for the rest of his life.
Of course, my active friend would never again walk without assistance, or ever run, or play soccer.
And when I asked, if something doesn’t go well what happens, he was told that they may not be able to “save the leg.”
Kent also spoke with people who had to have amputations 8 or 10 years after surviving all this because of recurrent infections, a fall, or other problems. One particular man had turned to alcohol and drug abuse to deal with the pain and limitations.
So, we asked the right question. “What if we try NOT to save the leg?”
The doctors were surprised at the question. It clearly had not even entered their mind. But the answers were telling.
To make a long story short, one year later, my friend and hero, Kent, ran a marathon on a prosthetic blade!
It’s amazing what happens, when we ask the right questions.
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding…” Proverbs 3:13
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
