Sean's Story
Amputation
Sean Lemus, a 40-year-old IT professional originally from Indiana, was having an ordinary day at home when the ultimate battle of his life began.“I was walking to the kitchen to grab something to eat, took a step and a wound tore open on my foot and started bleeding profusely... I panicked [until] I came to my senses... and called 911,” recalled Sean. He was taken to Advent Health hospital.
Multiple tests, including X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, revealed Sean had osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection in his left leg. "The podiatrist told me it had been going on for over a year," Sean said. According to the National Institutes of Health, osteomyelitis occurs in 20%–60% of people with foot ulcerations.
To prevent the spread of infection and save his life, surgeons recommended a left below-knee amputation. Sean called it "the big chop."
Once Sean stabilized at Advent Health, he was transferred to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple for specialized care. The surgery left him physically unable to walk and emotionally drained. "There was a lot of despair, and I wasn’t taking it very well," he admitted. The introduction of phantom pain made the adjustment even harder.
When he was ready for the next level of care, his physicians recommended a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program to help him navigate life after an amputation. Sean researched rehabilitation centers and found comfort in the reputation of Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation. "I found out they were nationally renowned, which put my mind at ease," he said.
Upon admission to Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (BSWIR) - Lakeway, Sean set clear goals: regain his strength, become mobile with a walker and prepare to use a prosthetic leg. His physician-led rehabilitation team created a care plan to help him reach these goals. His therapists focused on strength building, balance and mobility. Sean learned how to stand from different heights, navigate with a wheelchair and adapt to new physical challenges.
Physical therapy sessions helped build Sean’s strength, endurance and balance by standing and hopping in the parallel bars. He also began to do exercises to strengthen his glutes and hips in preparation for wearing a prosthetic. “I didn’t enjoy exercises lying down due to them being the most difficult,” Sean said. “It showed where I was lacking in my strength.” Other activities, such as boxing with weights and throwing medicine balls against a trampoline, were more enjoyable.
In occupational therapy sessions, Sean worked on upper body strength to make transitioning from sitting or lying to standing easier in a variety of environments (toilet, shower, bed, vehicle). To practice safe vehicle transfers, he used the car simulator in the gym at BSWIR - Lakeway.
Sean continued to experience phantom limb pain, a common phenomenon of feeling pain in the part of the limb that has been removed. To help with these conditions, his team taught him de-sensitization techniques, mirror therapy and non-pharmacological pain management methods.
In addition, BSWIR - Lakeway has a network of peer mentors that are available to help current patients adjust. An amputee support spokesperson who had also experienced limb loss was able to connect with Sean to share experiences.
Sean found progress in big and small milestones. Whether it was standing up from a new height, achieving better balance or going to the bathroom by himself, Sean said, “Each achievement gave me more wind in my sails." A turning point in his recovery was being able to get into a vehicle that was 37-inches high, which included a standing pivot and a hop.
His family provided significant emotional support. Sean lost his mother to cancer a few years ago and, since then, he has been especially close with his father and brothers. In fact, Sean looked forward to joining his father in Indiana after discharge. "I’m excited to start the process of getting my prosthetic," he said.
Sean credited the entire team at BSWIR - Lakeway for helping him reach his goals. "The nurses were extremely kind, helping me with everything I couldn’t do," he said. Other staff members, including the dietitian and custodial team, also contributed to his positive experience. "Everybody has been extremely kind, helpful and fun to be around," Sean said. "I feel like I could genuinely be friends with the staff."
After relocating to Indiana, Sean continued to do the exercises he learned at BSWIR - Lakeway and started outpatient physical therapy. He recently got his prosthetic. “My new therapist was very pleased that I was as far along as I am. He projects that I will likely be walking unassisted within the next month,” reported Sean. “I am already capable of doing most everyday activities – albeit slowly – but I am quite capable.”