TITS, TATTS & FLAPS

lottey:

“When I was born in Latvia, I was pulled out sideways twisting my leg and dislocating my hip. The Doctors then made a stupid mistake and put my leg in a plaster and left it on for too long, which killed the nerves and stunted the natural growth, resulting in my leg being 7cm shorter and much thinner by the age of 6.”

“After that I had 9 major operations up until the age of 11, including 3 lengthening operations, and one operation when I even died! On the whole these operations were a series of terrible medical mistakes in Eastern European hospitals that made the problem worse, instead of better.”

In 2006 Viktoria  finally convinced her  Surgeon that she was determined and knew amputation was what she wanted. Her only alternative would be years of more surgery, and the likely result of both knee and back problems in the future. Viktoria felt it was the best medical option and would finally enable her to walk and function a lot better.

“I now feel more complete, more confident, and feel that I’ve taken away something that was wrong, not lost something healthy. I now feel natural and normal.I’ve also just found out that the NHS prosthetic legs are now as advanced as anywhere and I can get realistic colour matched legs, and a mix of flat and high heel legs, and even swimming and running legs. A whole wardrobe of legs! So I couldn’t be happier and more excited. I’m dreaming of the shoes I can wear for the first time!”

- Viktoria shortly after her amputation surgery.