Bill Latham concludes the saga of
the ordeal which changed his life.
After the removal of my right leg
just above the knee in November, 2000, and the amputation of my left foot
on New Year's Eve, by late January, 2001, I began to suffer terrible pains
in my left ankle and gangrene was diagnosed.
Once again, my surgeon explained in detail what was wrong and why a
further amputation was necessary, but this time just above the ankle. Perhaps
I should have asked for a "football boot fitting" in the first
place? Same story as before - no food or drink, down to the theatre, count
to 10 and awaken once more.
Recuperation seemed to be an ongoing evil in my case, as I had now spent
10 consecutive weeks in hospital. Time was wearing very thin and I was
becoming bored - but I had no thoughts of trauma - even after 3 amputations.
Well, it is all finished - just try to get over the next week or so. I
dreamed of being back in my house, sitting in the garden under the lumyai
fruit trees. I had built my own house 2 years previously in
Sarapee, about 10kms south of town. I missed the tranquillity and looked
forward to being discharged.
Along came mid February 2001 and I started to suffer terrible pains
in my left calf - it was like having completed a long distance run but
50 times worse - except for the fact that I had never been out of bed!
The pain was indescribable and went on for many days. One morning whilst
my excellent surgeon Ajaan Kamphol was on his daily visit I pleaded, yes
pleaded, with him to remove the calf section of the left leg.
I am not ashamed to say at this point tears were running down my cheeks.
The pain was excruciating - and he agreed to yet another amputation. I
did not mind if he removed it below the knee, above the knee or up to my
waist - just get it done! Within 24 hours I was back in my room and, I
am pleased to say, that fourth amputation has been the last.
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On the 19th of March 2001 - exactly 19 weeks later - I was collected
from the hospital at 5.30am by 2 colleagues, Peter and Jacqueline, and
taken straight to Chiangmai Airport. As none of the international airlines
would let me fly alone in my condition, Peter accompanied me on our flights
to Bangkok, London and finally Manchester. I was taken to N.Staffordshire
Hospital where I was to spend 5 weeks. I was in a bright, airy ward with
5 other patients - and I am pleased that I was able to comfort 3 of them
and dispel some of their fears.
No bedside manners
One patient was a gentleman of 81 years, quite strong, with good vision
and hearing. He told me some of his traumas and experiences in the World
War 2 and afterwards how he had met and married a young Greek lady, settling
down with her in England. He was expecting that bad news might have to
come one day, as he had problems with one of his feet.
One afternoon his surgeon came and quite promptly said to him "My
associate and I regret that you will have to lose part of one foot, including
all the toes. I shall see you in the morning. Alright?" The surgeon
walked away. I had clearly heard every word and was amazed at the abruptness
of the surgeon's visit! The old gentleman spent the whole evening with
his face buried in his hands, talking to himself. The dark hours of night
can be slow moving and so lonely when one has a problem - family, health,
finance - many problems.
It was just after midnight when I heard him whimpering. I transferred
into my chair and in the semi-darkness wheeled over to his bedside. He
was terribly frightened and the word 'distressed' would be an understatement
to describe his condition. I have the greatest respect for elderly people
and I felt so very, very sorry for him. We talked in whispers for almost
an hour and I went over some of my experiences in hospital here in Chiangmai,
relating some of the conversations I previously had with my own surgeon,
telling him what my thoughts were on my future without any legs, how I
had always wanted to plan my retirement - which was now an obvious disappointment.
I endeavoured to explain why certain things happen, speaking firmly but
calmly.
When I awoke the following morning and looked across the ward, he was
sitting bolt upright. He gave me a broad smile, extended his right arm
and raised his thumb. He was ready! Following his amputation, his wife
came to visit and I was slightly embarrassed when she held my hand and
started to express words of thanks. I quickly changed the subject and told
her that my son-in-law's mother was also of Greek origin. When I mentioned
her name it transpired that these 2 ladies had been close friends for almost
50 years. Small world!
A further 6 months recuperation were spent with my daughter, Jane, to
whom I am eternally grateful, also to my dear friend and ex-colleague Linda,
who took me out for day trips and meals. I returned to Chiangmai on 4th
November last year. A total of 356 days had elapsed since I went through
my front gate - 9 days short of a year. And what a year it had been!
I am now fit and well - although I do not, as yet, have my prosthetic
due to some healing and muscular problems, my mind is fresh and alert.
I do not hold any grudge or bitterness for what has happened. Luckily my
house is all on one level, including my terrace where I spend most of my
time.
Power from the people
I get to Chiangmai every 7 or 8 days to do shopping and am amazed at
how kind people are to someone in a wheelchair - both locals and farang
- giving way, opening doors and lots of smiles. The only sad thing is that
I have to wheel around streets and sois, trying to avoid motorcycles and
tuk-tuks passing me by at break-neck
speed! Has anyone noticed the sad condition of the pavements/sidewalks
here - and their height above street level? Virtually impossible in a wheelchair!
(I do hope that our Governor or Lord Mayor reads this, or at least someone
who "maintains" our walkways!).
I had visits from so many people - my colleagues, office and factory
staff, local Thai and foreign residents, friends up from Bangkok, 2 friends
from Germany, one from Sydney, even customers from as far away as Texas
and New Jersey! Every day I would receive at least 3 or 4 visitors, some
of whom I previously considered as simply acquaintances - but who have
now become part of my life! I really appreciate their concern and value
their friendship in more ways than I can describe. They will never know
how much power these visits gave me while lying in bed for 19 long consecutive
weeks - or the fortitude they instilled by assisting me to look forward
to tomorrow.
I have to thank my surgeon, Ajaan Kamphol Laohapensang, who came to
see me every day, except for a brief holiday. I wonder why he took the
trouble to give up his spare time on a Sunday morning, his only free day
from a very exhausting schedule? A truly dedicated professional. Our numerous
discussions, where he explained in detail what was happening and the remedial
steps to be taken, were constructive in giving me the strength to keep
going, to dispel any fears over the 4 amputations, always being open minded
and totally frank.
I have to thank my companion Khun Noi, absolutely my right arm for the
whole duration, who stayed over with me every evening on a most uncomfortable
couch for a total of 132 nights! She endured my (sometimes) not-so-good-moods,
which I put down to severe pains and occasional frustration, also tending
to my personal needs of shaving, food and clean clothes. Before entering
hospital I used to joke about her "3 grey hairs", but now I am
sorry to say that she has 200, which I know was due to that terribly long
period in tending to my needs. In all I made 16 visits to that operating
theatre, but I am so grateful that in my early 60's I was physically able
take all of this treatment. I could not have done it mentally, however,
without the help and support of so many good people.
To anyone who reads this and experiences symptoms similar to my original
numbness and leg pains, I would implore you to visit your doctor as early
as possible.
This could result in your doctor arranging for you to undergo an
angioplast whereby the main arteries can be painlessly cleared, without
any surgery.
In most cases this can give relief for many years and may not involve
the use of any by-pass operations. If, however, by-pass surgery is necessary,
then the patient can expect to overcome the circulatory problem following
such surgery - except in my case where I haad a peculiarity of blood clotting,
now controlled simply by daily aspirin! You can help yourself by avoiding
fatty foods and smoking - which I did to excess over the years and now,
regrettably, am paying the price!
Finally, for those who may have to undergo an amputation, there is nothing
to fear - it is not the end of the world! I never felt life threatened
in any way, primarily through the daily discussions I had with my surgeon.
Today's modern prosthetic are
of excellent quality and the persons employed in limb fitting and physiotherapy
are well-qualified.
Never be nervous in talking openly and frankly with your medical
practitioner - they are human, just as we are. Ask questions. Why does
this happen? Why is amputation necessary? Is there an alternative? How
do I get prosthetics? After
all, they are your limbs!!
To anyone who feels numbness and leg pains as I did, I would
implore you to see your doctor immediately! With an angioplastyour main arteries may be cleared painlessly - and with no
surgery required.
Copyright
Bill Latham 2002
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