On July 25, 2023, I underwent right ankle surgery that included an ankle arthrotomy and tenosynovectomy at Banner Baywood Medical Center. I did have two follow up appointments to remove the stitches in September of 2023 and a week later the podiatrist scalpel off the scab from the surgical site the incision expanded at (BMG Health Clinic – Gilbert POD #206) and then he sent me to Banner Baywood Wound Clinic the same day for help. In November 2023, I returned to my podiatrist’s office to obtain a referral for physical therapy.
In April 2024, I began experiencing increasing pain in my ankle. What initially seemed like a setback in my recovery quickly became a growing concern as the pain worsened and was accompanied by swelling, wound complications, and a lack of healing.
On May 22,2024, my ankle was wrapped with an ACE bandage by my podiatrist but I was left wondering whether additional diagnostic testing, imaging studies, laboratory work, infection screening, vascular evaluations, or referrals to other specialists should have been pursued as my condition continued to deteriorate.
I continued searching for answers about why my ankle was not healing and why my symptoms were becoming increasingly severe. The whole week of May 2024 I sought help at different ER’s. Looking back, I continue to question whether earlier testing and intervention could have identified the underlying problems sooner and potentially altered the course of my treatment.
My purpose in sharing this experience is not only to tell my story, but also to raise awareness about the importance of patient advocacy, timely diagnosis, and thorough medical evaluation. Through sharing my journey, I hope to encourage patients to ask questions when symptoms are not improving, seek second opinions when necessary, and ensure that persistent pain, swelling, wounds, and signs of infection are fully investigated.
While I cannot change what happened to me, I hope my experience empowers others to advocate for themselves and become active participants in their healthcare. No patient should feel unheard when their condition continues to worsen.
Throughout my recovery and rehabilitation, I found a level of care, communication, and support that restored my confidence in the medical system. Based on my personal experience, The CORE Institute is the only podiatry and orthopedic team I trust with my care. Their commitment to my recovery helped me navigate one of the most difficult chapters of my life.
My Journey Becoming an RBK Amputee 