Book Review

Challenged By Amputation - Embracing a New Life, by Carol S. Wallace, M.S., CRC. (Inclusion Concepts Publishing House, 1995, $14.95)

Reviewed by Nancy Carroll, InMotion Editor, Amputee Coalition of America

  Fear of the unknown can be devastating to the person who faces amputation. Painful questions swirl through your mind and cloud your emotional vision. How will you cope? How will your friends and family react to you? Will your spouse still find you attractive? Will you lose your job?

  Writer Carol Wallace has walked the walk and tackled the fears. An amputee since age 36, she lost her left leg at mid-thigh level due to a childhood tumor that turned malignant. Carol never forgot the isolation she felt and the lack of emotional assistance available in the healthcare setting for people who are experiencing what she calls, "one of the most devastating traumas anyone can face."

  Motivated in part by a sincere desire to fill this emotional void for others, as well by a need to share her experiences and achievements with her peers, Carol Wallace has penned a well-written, sensitive and insightful book that traces the feelings commonly experienced before and after amputation and along the road to recovery.

  The issues she explores are real-life scenarios, presented with compassion, honesty and humor. Chapters on Going Home and Dealing With Grief give a vivid picture of the private agonies endured by new amputees and offers ways to experience the depth of feelings, work through the anger and move on with life.

  The book explores relationships with family and friends as well as love and marriage. It sensitively discussed the forces that can cause an amputee to view his or her body as hopelessly flawed and avoid sexuality and intimacy.

  Finally, Carol addresses the physical challenges of returning to work and regaining your independence -- outlining the steps you need to take to a fully functional life.

  Challenged By Amputation is an inspirational book and a "must read" for anyone struggling with recovery from physical loss.

Challenged By Amputation can be ordered for $14.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling from the Amputee Coalition of America, 900 East Hill Avenue, Suite 285, Knoxville, TN 37915 Phone: 423-524-8772. Fax: 423-525-7917.