'I chose to have my leg amputated' - BBC London

Helena Stone was just 22 years old when she opted to have her leg amputated.
She was dreaming of becoming a professional kayaker until she had an accident that resulted in her having complex regional pain syndrome.

Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic condition with no cure, which causes pain to be 100 times worse than what it actually is.

Helena had CRPS in her leg and so she saw no choice but to have it amputated. She is now hoping to do all the activities she once couldn't and finish university.

[keyboarddancers]

This video came up under the search heading "body integrity dysphoria". It has nothing whatsoever to do with this very articulate young woman's extremely difficult and brave decision in the face of chronic acute pain. YT algorithms are not always appropriately discriminating.

[cunt]

title was misleading, it was actually very smart and brave of her to decide to have her leg amputated

[kikithepupper]

I think she had every reason to make that decision. The leg didn't even work and caused her so much pain she was bedridden.

[drcidd]

At least she had a valid reason. Instead of "I just feel like I need to have 1 leg instead of 2"

[shelbi]

As someone with CRPS I completely understand why she made this decision. I’m mad it came up when I searched for body integrity disorder. You’re very strong and brave

[arcticeditz]

My heart goes out for her. ❤❤❤ Good for her for taking the steps she needed. ❤❤❤ She is so so so brave. ❤❤❤ Keep going!❤❤❤ You are such an inspiration!!! ❤❤❤ Have a great day!!! ❤❤❤

[troye.]

I stepped in a Rutt in my driveway and broke my ankle in 1991. I had 7 surgeries trying to fix it with no luck. I was tired of taking all the narcotics for pain so I decided to have my left leg amputated below the knee in 1999. I don't regret doing it but I wouldn't make that same choice again.

[bunnymcbunnyface]

I didn't think it was going to be a good decision but it actually looks like the best decision someone could make

[sebastianstyles]

She’s really brave and intelligent, I love how she makes life sound simple it’s kind of refreshing. Very determined and strong minded. Good work

[sharonshamedje]

I've had the privilege to know this young lady through our Athletics club. Helena is inspirational especially as I'm a full time carer for my mum who had her left arm amputated as a result of a car accident. Another brave & inspirational woman.

[harrisidris]

This is very inspiring❤️. Rather than the BIID that I've been watching, those make me sick 🤮. She did this so she could enjoy her life rather than being bedbound

[danwells]

I've tried everything. I have been wheelchair bound though my crps, I now have to beg the nhs to take my lower leg off as the way I see it, if its not successful and I'm still in pain, I'm already in a wheelchair so it's definitely worth the risk, it's nickname is the "suicide disease" due to countless hours and days crying in pain in bed, even on a pain meds cocktail that could sedate an elephant, it doesn't touch it, I now live alone on the sofa when I used to be an outgoing hardworking guy. I really hope the nhs start taking patient's seriously that want... no need an amputation to save their lives in more ways then one...

[crieverytim]

I have nerve damage and extreme RLS. i've definitely considered having them amputated :/

[Treemeadow]

My concern with CRS amputation is whether the pain is centrally neuropathic or locally- if the pain is localised, then removal helps. If the pain is from miscommunication between the nervous system and brain, amputation could do nothing to stop the pain.

Obvs it's got to be assessed case by case

[trevorserfontein]

Good morning Lady! What a brave and logical decision you had to make! I had to have my left leg amputated above the knee due to diabetes and getting gangrene! I've adapted very well too it AND it's NOT the end of the world! My wife's friend is living with a spider bitten leg for about twenty years now..but she's refusing amputation and prefers to drag this useless leg around with her! I must use your video to try and motivate her! I'm very agile with mine while I patiently wait for a prosthetic leg! It's just another way of life to adapt to! Strongs and best wishes to you! 💪👍🤝

[Chirpingcherub]

The title is quite misleading she has a medical condition which led her to either be in pain or “choose” amputation

[fafakk]

Poor mom poor parents, thats really sad.

[davidcolledge]

How do you go shopping for shoes they come in pairs of shoes what do you do with the other shoe

[troyrobinson]

I got my right leg amputated above the knee due to PAD vascular disease 2 years still don't like it

[amycarter]

holy moly that must of hurt a bunch if she had to get it amputated!