Tsunami amputees<\/p>\n
In reference to an article on Jan. 18, as a one-legged man
\nmyself I can confirm that limb amputation is the most traumatic
\nexperience a person can have, but I would like to reassure those
\nunfortunate victims of the tsunami that new life and hope is
\npossible with artificial limbs.<\/p>\n
The pain of amputation is extreme for the first month, even
\ngiven reasonable doses of morphine. In the second month
\nwheelchairs are most desirable and crutches necessary. By the end
\nof the third month a prosthesis can be made and the scary first
\nwalk is taught. This is the time when skillful disability center
\npeople perform their craft.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately there does not seem to be such a center in
\neither Medan or Banda Aceh. No doubt both places will establish
\ntemporary facilities within the coming weeks, and hopefully make
\nthem permanent for the long-term needs of the many amputees of
\nthe tsunami.<\/p>\n
Oxfam springs to mind to provide continued support until the
\ngovernment takes over.<\/p>\n
If the above is so, I would very much like to help one
\nof these centers.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the comments in this letter can be passed on to the
\nsuffering to give them some hope and reassurance about their
\nfuture. They will join a special club of special people who do
\nall sorts of things in due course of time, including cycling,
\nswimming, soccer, climbing ladders and much more.<\/p>\n
The younger the better as regards to coping, but of
\ncourse patience is the main factor as it takes perhaps
\ntwo years to fully stabilize.<\/p>\n
DAVID WALLIS, Norwich, UK<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tsunami-amputees-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }