Welcome to part IV of our mini-series. The physical limitations that often go hand in hand with an amputation are only one aspect of living with a disability. Stigmatization and social exclusion are other aspects that need to be overcome. CoRSU is working with a wholistic approach to assist people with disabilities to fully participate in all the activities of their communities and live a life in dignity. Providing amputees with a prosthetic device is often only the first step in a long rehabilitation process.

In 2016, Jimmy started to feel a pain in his left foot. The pain kept growing and moving upwards towards his hip. His parents started to treat his leg using locally available medicine and herbal shrubs. The pain did not stop, rather, his leg got even more swollen. His parents took him to a nearby clinic several times to treat the leg, but all in vain. When his parents could no longer afford the clinical bills, they returned to using local herbs to manage the pain.

One of our partner organization found Jimmy and referred him to CoRSU for assessment. He was diagnosed with osteomyelitis which necessitated an amputation. At first, his mother was traumatized with the thought that her son would lose a leg. Her sanity was returned based on the promise that Jimmy would be able to get an artificial limb. 

A year and a half after his amputation Jimmy returned to CoRSU to receive his artificial limb. He hopes to be a doctor one day; a doctor specialized in serving person with disability. His mother is grateful to CoRSU for fitting him with an artificial limb. “My son was laughed at by people because he had only one leg, but now he has both legs and can finally play with the friends with more ease.”