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Fellow Travelers - StumpsRUs

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My Fellow Travelers,

My name is Gabrielle Gogarty Wilson…most pretentious!  Call me Gaby Wilson. I want to continue a conversation I’ve been having for almost 2 years. On a visit to my prosthetist (cobbler) for a tune up on my leg, I asked him, “Paul, why are all the amputees I run into around town your patients?  Do you cater to the party crowd?”  His response stunned me, “Too many amputees are uncomfortable or find it painful to wear their leg. Many of them are housebound and stay in the chair”” My amazement was because Paul is the only cobbler I have ever had.  

Back Story

I was fortunate that my amputation was a choice because of a crappy QOL and I just wanted it gone…15+ years with unbearable pain and I was done. So in 2013 I found an amazing orthopedic surgeon (Home Depot Types) who consulted and planned with my cobbler for the best possible outcome. Of note the VA scheduled me with a general surgeon. That was crazy, to me. Considering the many “salvage” surgeries I had, it seemed a little underwhelming to me: an appendix at 7:00am and amputation (BKA) before lunch. Fortunately, I am Navy retired (TRICARE) and collect SSI disabled (MEDICARE) so the bureaucracy of the VA was off my radar for the most part. (More on that later) (Much More) However, VA patient care providers remain among the best I have ever encountered. They too experience a moral injury when they are unable to provide the care required.  Thank You ALL For Your Service!

So, long story forever…in 1996 I was in a MVA deemed line of duty, while stationed in Rota, Spain. My Home Depot repairs were extensive and ongoing. In 2013 I was no longer interested in providing a life support system to a multiply fused, excruciatingly painful right ankle.  Done and done…although I was very disappointed to discover once it’s unattached it’s a biohazard. Very sad…I had to cancel my appointment with the taxidermist. (Who promised me a fabulous forever pedicure.)

As I mentioned, Home Depot and Cobbler planned everything so that I was up using a prosthetic, not full time, in under 4 months. One thing Paul told me was that if anything hurt to come see him immediately!

The first few weeks, Bob, my husband, must have driven me to Cobbler Paul’s office, across town, 3 times a week. That level of care is absolutely crucial in order to heal, get used to the 300 lb leg and become as mobile as realistically possible. I was unable to amputate until I was 50ish. It may have been a whole different ball game if it was done at 35, when initially scheduled.

So…that’s the prologue, so to speak. I have continued to receive excellent care and while mountain climbing isn’t in my future (as if it ever was…lol) and I can’t wear high heels…very sad…My life is BadAss. I want that for you too. So, ipso facto: stumpsrus. Because no matter what I couldn’t call Stumpy a Stump for several years. (Now I embrace it.) Instead I called it Hershal. That’s a TWD easter egg…You’re Welcome.

I am currently a volunteer at a non-profit organization that has a focus element of Peer-Mentoring. Mind-Blown!

It is my dearest wish that if someone undergoes an amputation; planned or traumatic, one of “US” will be there when you’re ready.  Some people need a beat to absorb their new life (see my silly essay called Wait! What?) but when you’re ready; you will have a Peer-Mentor. 

For those of you who have been in possession of a “Stump Puppet” and would like to share your experience, strength and hope…there are opportunities to serve with purpose and joy!

Additionally, I am going to implement an element for our caregivers. They may benefit from the experience, strength and hope of their peers as well. I mean, I’m not always easy…I can trip on thread! This will give them an opportunity to express their frustration in a safe and open environment. And, as my husband is the King of Contraptions, he will share his wealth of knowledge and how NOT to use Bungee Cords. I’m tired of trying to explain stuff and imagine I’m not alone. Not my lane…they may talk among themselves.

One last thing…I have spent almost a year researching, procrastinating, and thinking about what I wanted to create to meet the needs within the Pensacola/Gulf Coast community and beyond. I was overthinking everything…this really needs to be a collaborative project. I need YOUR input and feedback. There will be a space or something where we can comment and chat. We will have Hybrid meetings, in person and I’ll figure out how to do Google Meets and YouTube. (Any cyber assistance will be much appreciated,)

I envision Something that isn’t a bureaucracy and governed by someone else’s Rules. We are stumpsrus! Arms, Legs AKA or BKA and any other existing stumps still attached.  So…

May your sleeve fit and your liner never farts.

Blessing on our future…

Cheers-Gaby

P.S. How or why you’re an amputee is irrelevant. Hero, careless or a criminal…you’re still in the club. As for political correctness, I think stumpsrus says it all. However, personal attacks will not be tolerated. I will review, as context matters and eventually someone else may assume that role. And that is very important…this is not my “rice bowl” I’m more of a trough feeder myself and the size of the trough is universal. 

Our Vision

To provide the help and support that an amputee needs once they lose a limb.

Our Story

We are amputees, doctors, and prosthetic specialists who have come together to for one common goal. That is helping fellow amputees navigate a brave new world without their limbs.

our mission

To provide peer-to-peer support for amputees. To work with orthopedics and help potential amputees make the right decisions. To be that bridge from patients to doctors.

Our Foundation

We are a combination of doctors, amputees, and volunteers that have a heart for men and women who are dealing with losing limbs. We work within the limitations and provide answers and opportunities.

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