Table 5.

Medical Decision Making: Doctor’s Role

“I didn’t decide! Hospital decided for me…They all made the decision; I didn’t make no decision on nothin’. I didn’t even see it. All I know is that [my wife] told me that when she came to the hospital they told her that they had to take it off.” -Male, 67 years, primary amputation, 12 years post-injury

“God knows I tried to save this leg with everything I had. And I think [the doctor] when I saw him, he thought [amputation] was the best decision and I respected [his] decision. His opinion was greatly appreciated and weighed highly in my choice.” -Male, 29 years, secondary amputation, 7 years post-injury

“After they did the 6th debridement, the doctor came in, says, ‘The next time we do a debridement on your left foot, it’ll be so weak you won’t be able to stand on it.’ So, he said that they wanted to take it off…I was pretty well out of it more than not. They said I didn’t have much choice.” -Male, 62 years, secondary amputation, 4 years post-injury