"Felt I was more than just a patient"

As a consequence of long term diabetes I lost both of my legs (below the knee) within six months of each other about two years ago. This consequence is undoubtedly life changing but at the time you have no way of knowing what these changes will be or how you will be affected. It's like a grieving process where you experience a range of emotions, for example, anger, frustration, anxiety, guilt and blame. It's natural to focus on what you think you will not be able to do and you can become entrenched in negativity. I was lucky. The day before my first operation I listened to a report on the radio about British soldierrs returning from war in the middle east who had lost limbs as a result of IED's. That got me thinking about paralympians and their amazing achievements. These guys had their whole lives in front of them. They accepted their situation, adapted and lived to their full potential, At 66 years of age what did I have to complain about?. I managed to change from being negative to positive and set myself four goals; I wanted to walk, drive, work and sail a yacht again.  Two years down the line and I'managed all four.

The care that I received in the ward from the doctors and nurses was excellent. I felt that I was included in every aspects of my treatment. I felt that I was more than just a patient, I was central to everything that was happening.

While the physiotherapists and the prosthetist were equally excellent I was conscious of their lack of resources primarily in terms of staff.

I have recently been introduced to a local charity, 'Finding your feet' that I think can be a major asset for people like me.