Blesma Support Officer sets up ‘valuable’ health discussion group

Healthcare professionals have been sharing their knowledge and experience with Members living in the Wales and West area in Zoom talks.

The Amputee Health Discussion Group, organised by BSO Tom Hall, allows Members to meet and interact with a different health professional every fortnight, giving them the chance to share their stories of pain and resolution.

So far, guests have included Peter McCarthy, the manager of Swansea Limb Centre, and Dr Fergus Jepson of Preston Disabled Services Centre. Guests have offered information and advice on a range of topics, from pain management and nutrition, to prosthetics and self-care.

As a fairly new amputee of two years, Mark Barton has found the group hugely beneficial. “I’ve been getting involved as much as I can to learn from other Members’ experiences and generally be better informed about amputation, prosthetics and pain,” said Mark.

“I’ve learned basic things, like how to cope with sweat in your socket to prevent blisters. You can meet people at activities, but it takes time to share problems. These groups have been specifically designed to start conversations about limb problems and allow Members to swap our personal advice on what works and what doesn’t.”

As well as gaining advice and information, some Members, like Steve Fisher, have been helping the group by sharing their own stories. “Some Members are learning what to do if and when they get pain, but I could write a book about suffering, mental health and alcohol abuse, so I’m choosing to join the group to pass on my experience,” said Steve, who suffered with neuromas for more than 16 years after amputation.

“The talk that Dr Jepson gave about pain and suffering was fantastic, and I was able to relate to everything he said. The group offers a fantastic opportunity for people to listen to other Members and professionals, and seek advice and information. Tom is doing a fantastic job with this Zoom activity.” Tom Hall said:

“The discussion group is really valuable. Some of our Members are really starting to get to know each other because of the initiative, and the sessions give everyone the chance to discuss things openly but confidentially. The hope is to bring in more specialists to give advice and talks on pain management and the treatments that are available, as well as other areas of health for amputees.”

If you would be interested in taking part in a future Amputee Health Discussion Group, contact Tom Hall on bsowest@blesma.org or on 020 8548 7098