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Common
Themes Relating to the Future of
Amputation and Limb Loss
CAUSES
Looking back over the last few years
there are a number of significant "causes"
of amputation and limb-loss. However two
issues seem to stand out: in the northern
hemisphere diabetes is on the rise and is
the main cause of amputation; in the
southern hemisphere land mines are doing a
great job of increasing the planets
amputee population.
Diabetes
If the SJU Amputee Mailing List is any
guide to go by, we are seeing an increase
in the number of subscribers who owe their
amputation(s) to diabetes. Whilst the
common misconception is that diabetes
affects the older generation, there are a
significant number of amps out there under
the age of 50.
A cure for diabetes is certainly
needed, one can only hope that diabetes
related amputation can be reduced and the
care for those receiving an amputation is
maintained. Until a common cure for
diabetes is found we shall see an
increased number of amputations performed
because of this disease.
Landmines
Whilst the atrocities of land mines was
brought to public attention by the late
Diana Princess of Wales, significant
strides have been made to locate and
destroy existing landmines. The efforts of
various international organisations have
made a dent in the manufacture and usage
of land mines. The care of the existing
casualties will be an ongoing effort which
seems to unfortunately fallen by the
wayside. There seems to be a
disproportunate number of organisations
dedicated to the removal of landmines
compared to the few dedicated to helping
survivors. In fact the only only
organisation by and for landmine survivors
is the Landmine Survivors Network founded
by Jerry White. This dedicated group
continues to provide support for the
survivors of landmine related injury.
EDUCATION OF MEDICAL
PROFESSIONALS
Surgeons have to talk to each other
more, the ones with the skills have to
talk with those who don't and the ones who
don't have the skill have to admit it.
With the internet there is no reason why
the techniques of the worlds top surgeons
can be available online. The internet
might not be able to stop amputation but
at least it should be used to give
amputees a good start. Surgical technique
whilst relatively simple is not exactly
popular, too often it is seen as a
necessary last measure surgery. It should
be seen as a surgery that gives new hope
and direction. We as amputees have to take
a leading role in educating medical
professionals as to the true needs of
amputees.
INCREASED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
AMPUTEES
As more and more amputees get online,
there will be an increase for more online
service oriented to amputees. Where 3 or 4
mailing lists existed and sufficed and two
dozen web pages ran in the 90's, we shall
see an increased number of these media in
the new century. What we talk about in
these media is up to us. We shall also see
a corresponding collective influence of
the online community in the real world.
SOCIAL PERCEPTION
Amputees have operated media outlets,
chaired large corporations and have been
elected in to office. Yet the perception
of amputees in society is still low
compared to reality.
In North America amputees have long
suffered from the Hollywood stereotype. In
moviews the amputee is often portrayed as
evil and vindictive. Hollywood has changed
their ways somewhat, but old stereotypes
die hard. Hopefully one day someone who
uses a hook will not be percieved as evil.
On the flip side too often amputees are
portrayed as "supercrips". Whilst a few of
us are superb athletes society seems to
believe there is no middle ground, we are
either super over achievers or evil
geniuses.
Children still ridicule other children
with disabilities on playgrounds around
the world, whilst we cannot patrol the
nations playgrounds, children often
reflect parents perceptions on the
playgrounds and in school classrooms.
Experts say a child belief system can be
established as early as 5 years of age.
Add this to the reinforcement by the
various media and our work is cut-out for
us.
In smaller less fortunate nations,
social acceptance of amputees is even
further degraded by other social issues
taking presidence. It is more important to
have a well-stocked military then it is to
have a high level of social welfare in
many less-developed nations. Even though
there are proportionately a higher number
of amputees per capita, the needed
"first-step" is not in place to enable
amputees to be nothing more than beggars
on the street.
Whilst social perception can be changed
to some degree via laws and regulations,
true social change only comes about after
years of work. Everyone, from the
individual to the largest structures of
society are equally responsible.
We have seen how society changes
rapidly, sometimes for the better,
sometimes for the worst, one can only hope
that the changes that occur for amputees
are for the better. That, in combination
with the development of new technologies
we can rid ourselves of those negative
stereotypes that plague us in the last
days of the 20th century.
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