Seeing as we’re back on the topic of amputation, I decided to contact a surgeon that has performed multiple amputations and a person with a background in physiotherapy and physical rehabilitation.
Here is a written response I received:
View attachment 2747437
That said, Jack’s existing conditions—his diabetes, what we can assume is hypertension—put him at greater risk for more severe complications. Therefore, going through with amputating a limb would only be considered if his doctors determined it paramount to him living a long, healthier life. First and foremost, they would want to make sure they had exhausted every possible way to palliate the limb before considering its removal. Jack isn’t a healthy person, and his body’s ability to heal itself is, at best, poor. Many doctors might consider the dangly dead arm to be what’s best for him, especially if it poses no immediate threat to his overall health or greatly increases his risk of dying.
From a physio standpoint, which this thread discussed previously, Jack should have been wearing a sling years ago. For instance, a sling would immediately help with his balance—something with which he already struggles.
But with all this said, Jack has bodily autonomy related to his medical care, and considering how stubborn Jack has been toward even the most benign forms of therapy and treatment, does anyone honestly believe he’d let
them take
his arm?
Always remember, folks: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure.”
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