The Pandemic And The Amputee

Mar 21

Unless you literally live under a rock, you are aware that we are currently facing a global pandemic. The last few weeks and especially the last few days have been an uncertain time and this is causing people to panic. In response to that feeling of panic, many are going out to buy as much as they possibly can. Overbuying of items like toilet paper, sanitizing supplies, and food has left many others without these staples. It has only recently been brought to light that the elderly and those with disabilities, often find empty store shelves as they are not as easily able to get to stores or may not have the strength or energy to wait in long lines. Although some grocery stores have just added an "elderly only" shopping hour I can't help but feel this is not enough. I feel that many people have lost focus of the idea of helping others and have shifted their thoughts towards an irrational reaction of selfishness. Some parents can't find formula or milk for their babies. Amputees (ME!) can't find rubbing alcohol to slide on the silicone liners needed to wear their prosthetics. The very grandparents who taught us to be kind and considerate and gave us so much love growing up aren't being considered. As if this weren't absurd enough, people are fighting in Walmart parking lots over water bottles and paper towels.

Being a cancer survivor myself, I know of several immunocompromised people who simply cannot risk going out to the overly crowded stores to find that there is nothing left to purchase anyways. Germs are being spread unnecessarily by those who do not need a surplus of supplies. Many say the media is creating this sense of panic. Although I certainly agree that the constant coverage of such a scary topic can create anxiety, I have not seen a single news station tell viewers to go out and buy as if a nuclear bomb is going off and you will not be able to leave your home for the next 10+ years. My nurse friends would also like you to avoid going to the emergency room unless you are experiencing an actual emergency. These are trying times and many hospital workers are getting very sick due to the lack of protective equipment available at this time. Drive-up COVID-19 testing is set to begin shortly throughout most states and should help make things a bit easier for everyone.

My amputation surgery changed me and I feel it has only brought me a more clear view of what is truly important in life. While nothing is certain, what I do know is that we are all in this together whether we like it or not. No matter what language we speak or what part of the world we live in, our world is turned upside and there is no better time than the present for us to come together and support one another. I ask all of you to please think with your hearts the next time you go to Target to get supplies for the toilet paper fortress you plan to build in your garage. I also ask that you leave some wine on the shelves for all the exhausted mothers out there who will have their very bored children home with them for at least the next few weeks while schools are closed.

Here is a link for a toilet paper calculator to help everyone purchase reasonably.

Cdc.gov provides up to date information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones and guides you through steps to take if you believe you are sick.