My Journey Becoming an RBK Amputee

In December 2024, I made the decision to have a right below knee amputation after finding an extraordinary orthopedic surgeon to help me, all the support and love from my family.

At the time, it was the most difficult decision I had ever faced. I had spent nearly two years fighting to save my leg through surgeries, wound care, hospitalizations, IV antibiotics, bone biopsies, and countless medical appointments. The thought of losing my leg was terrifying, and I struggled with the reality of what life as an amputee might look like.

However, I also had to consider the alternative. Continuing treatment meant more surgeries, more months on a PICC line, ongoing uncertainty, and no guarantee that the infection would ever be eliminated. Even with aggressive treatment, there was still a possibility that I would ultimately require an amputation in the future.

On January 13, 2025, I underwent a right below-knee amputation.

What surprised me most was what happened afterward. For the first time in a long time, I was no longer fighting a constant battle against infection. The endless cycle of surgeries, wound complications, hospitalizations, and uncertainty finally came to an end. Instead of focusing on saving a leg that continued to deteriorate, I was able to focus on healing, rehabilitation, and rebuilding my life.

While amputation was not the path I would have chosen at the beginning of my journey, it ultimately gave me my life back.

I will always wish that my injury had never progressed to this point. But I do not regret my decision. Choosing amputation allowed me to move forward, regain my independence, and reclaim my future.

On February 27, 2025, my surgical stitches were removed following my right below-knee amputation. This was a significant milestone in my recovery because it marked the end of the initial healing phase and the beginning of my journey toward rehabilitation and mobility.

By March 2025, my incision had completely healed. After months of surgeries, infection, wound care, hospitalizations, and uncertainty, seeing my residual limb fully healed gave me hope that I could finally focus on rebuilding my life rather than fighting infection.

For me, amputation was not the end of my story. It was the beginning of a new chapter.