Limb Loss Due To Medical Condition Podcast
Latisha Judkins’ Journey: Surviving Flesh-Eating Bacteria and Thriving After Amputation
Mike Bolland sits down with Latisha Judkins, who shares her harrowing yet uplifting story of resilience. After losing her right leg below the knee to a flesh-eating bacteria, Latisha faced incredible challenges but emerged stronger than ever. Tune in to hear how she overcame physical and emotional hurdles, found support, and rebuilt her life with determination and hope. Latisha’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s power to thrive in adversity.
Overcoming Adversity: Jeanette Jones’ Journey as a Cancer Survivor and Amputee
Mike Bolland sits down with Jeanette Jones, a childhood cancer survivor who shares her remarkable story. Diagnosed with cancer as a child, Jeanette faced years of treatment in an effort to save her left leg. At age 16, she underwent a hip disarticulation — a complex amputation that removes the entire leg, including the femur, from the pelvis. Jeanette's resilience and determination in the face of these challenges will leave you inspired. Tune in for her powerful insights on adapting to life after amputation and thriving beyond adversity.
Life After Limb Loss: Susan Fumagalli on the Transformative Power of Osseointegration
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Susan Fumagalli, a true inspiration and advocate for amputees around the world. Susan opens up about her personal journey through limb loss and her experience with osseointegration—a groundbreaking technology that has changed her life and could reshape the future of prosthetics for countless individuals. Susan shares her story, from the physical and emotional challenges of losing limbs to the hope and transformation that osseointegration has brought to her life.
Empowering Communities with Inclusion: Interview with Rachel Simukonda
In this episode of the *We're Not Stumped* podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Rachel Simukonda from the City of Flagstaff to discuss the city's efforts in promoting inclusive and accessible communities. Rachel shares her insights on Flagstaff's commitment to creating opportunities for people of all abilities, along with her personal experiences in advocating for equity and support in public services. Tune in for a powerful conversation on inclusive employment, adaptive living, and how Flagstaff is leading by example.
Peer Support, Adaptive Living: Empowering Amputees with Dan Moses & Rachael Simukonda
Join us for an inspiring episode of "We're Not Stumped," hosted by Mike Bolland, as we welcome two incredible guests: Dan Moses, a bilateral below-knee amputee, and Rachael Simukonda, a left below-knee amputee. In this episode, we dive into the importance of peer support and adaptive living for the disabled community. Dan and Rachael share their personal experiences and discuss how these initiatives are making a real difference in the lives of amputees and others with disabilities.
From Workplace Injury to Six Knee Replacements: Jakob Kepka’s Journey of Resilience
In this episode of "We're Not Stumped," host Mike Bolland sits down with Jakob Kepka to discuss his remarkable journey. Jakob's life took a drastic turn after a workplace injury in 1979, leading to years of treatments, including repeated Cortisone shots, and ultimately six knee replacements between 2001 and 2013. Listen in as Jakob shares his story of resilience, overcoming physical challenges, and how he's turned his experiences into a mission of hope and inspiration called the "Hoperaising Expedition".
About Limb Loss Due To Medical Condition
Limb loss due to a medical condition refers to the loss of one or more limbs (such as arms or legs) as a result of a medical condition or disease. Unlike traumatic limb loss, which often occurs due to accidents or injuries, medical conditions leading to limb loss are typically caused by underlying health issues that necessitate surgical amputation to improve the individual’s overall health, prevent complications, or enhance their quality of life. Some common medical conditions that can lead to limb loss include:
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): PAD is a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries, usually in the legs, due to atherosclerosis. Severe cases of PAD can lead to insufficient blood flow to the extremities, resulting in tissue damage and the need for amputation.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to a range of complications, including peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation. Diabetic foot ulcers that do not heal properly can become infected and, in severe cases, necessitate amputation.
- Cancer: In some cases, cancerous tumors or sarcomas in the limbs may require surgical removal, resulting in limb loss. This is often done to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
- Infections: Severe, uncontrollable infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis or gangrene, can cause extensive tissue damage and may require amputation to prevent the spread of infection to other areas of the body.
- Vascular Diseases: Various vascular diseases, such as Buerger’s disease or thromboangiitis obliterans, can lead to arterial inflammation and blockages, ultimately leading to limb ischemia and amputation.
- Congenital Conditions: Some individuals are born with congenital conditions that affect limb development or function, and in certain cases, amputation may be necessary to improve mobility or address complications.
- Complications of Orthopedic Conditions: Chronic orthopedic conditions, such as severe osteomyelitis (bone infection), extensive osteoarthritis, or Charcot joint disease, can lead to joint destruction or bone deterioration, sometimes requiring limb amputation.
Limb loss due to a medical condition is typically a medically necessary intervention aimed at preserving the individual’s overall health and preventing further complications. After amputation, individuals often undergo rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and prosthetic fitting, to regain mobility, adapt to their new circumstances, and improve their quality of life. The medical team, including surgeons, prosthetists, and therapists, works together to ensure a comprehensive and personalized approach to care for individuals who have experienced limb loss due to a medical condition.
