Living Family Archive

Davenport, Iowa

Davenport, Iowa

Stories set here

Facing Surgery and Finding Pride in a New LegAfter diagnosing localized scleroderma and abandoning treatments, doctors decided to amputate Diana's left leg, apparently to save her life. Her mother's practical explanation initially excited her, but her father's angry response left her ashamed; older siblings later told her he cried after the surgery. Diana recalls terror during ether anesthesia, pain in the absent leg afterward, restraints, and her initial refusal to use crutches. A therapist-led tour of other patients prompted her to walk. After discharge, her father closely followed construction of her first prosthetic leg in Davenport and learned to adjust it. His fascination and pride became a distinctive source of bonding.

Events here

After returning home from the hospital
Diana receives her first prosthetic leg
Her father took her to a prosthetist, watched construction of the leg, and learned to adjust its tension and eliminate squeaks.

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