Please select:   Geoff Tyrrell

Geoff Tyrrell

What was the reason for your amputation and which limb/s were affected?

I lost my right leg below the knee in a farming accident. I stepped over a spinning shear pin on a peanut digger to clean bushes off and my sock got caught. Within seconds my leg was dragged off by the rotational action of the machine.

How did your family react?

My new wife was just glad I was alive as she thought I might not have survived. My parents were devastated as was the rest of my family.

How did it affect your work/family life?

It was a long road to recovery to start with due to the nature of the accident. I spent quite a lot of time on crutches in the early stages, which was hard. At this point I had to rely on a lot of help but you soon learn how to do many things on crutches. I am about to return to the workforce, which I am looking forward to.

What did you find the hardest thing about becoming an amputee and how did you overcome this?

I think realising things have changed and may no longer be possible. Things like the ability to run and jump etc. Many amputees are able to do this and although I have struggled to do these things many other opportunities have come about. The fact that I am alive and there is always someone much worse off has made me realise that really I am quite fortunate.

What tips do you have for new amputees?

Don’t try and do it on your own. Express your feelings and talk about it if you feel like it. Make sure you manage your pain well in the early stages as this can help reduce pain in the long term.

What level of support did you receive from Doctors, Nurses and Queensland Amputee Limb Service (QALS) and were the processes outlined to you?

I was very fortunate in that I received great support from nurses and doctors with regard to pain management and rehabilitation. The processes were not outlined to me and I had little knowledge of what was ahead so it is probably important to ask many questions. I found there was very little overlap in services in that doctors were not aware of what happens when you leave the hospital.

Were you supplied with an amputee start pack and an Information Handbook?

It was not until I started rehabilitation at the Royal Brisbane Hospital that I was able to get access to any information. The handbook proved very useful and we are now in the process of improving the information new amputees receive so they have a comprehensive list of information available.

Do you suffer from any pain eg Phantom pain and how do you control this?

I still sometimes get nerve pain for no apparent reason. Most of the time it does not worry me too much and does not last long. My stump sometimes gets sore when I overdo it but I suppose that is natural. Phantom pain is not common to me and I put this down to how well the pain was managed in the initial stages although it seems some people get it quite bad and others not so bad.

Do you have a prosthesis and if so how long can you wear it?

I have prosthesis for my right leg below knee. I now wear it all day and all night if I wish although I usually prefer to take it off for a break come nighttime.

Does this limit you to certain things?

I am able to do most things including driving a manual vehicle with no modifications. It does get a little uncomfortable at times when I am riding a horse.

Was if difficult to learn to use it?

Learning to walk was not too bad, it was more the pain I had putting weight on my leg due to the nature of my accident. All of a sudden I seemed to be able to walk unaided which was very rewarding.