OUR PURPOSE
Amputations Suck! is a far reaching slogan and campaign aimed at empowering patients and educating the world about amputation prevention. As many as 50% of amputations occur without a workup to determine how good the blood flow is and the blockage can be fixed. Native American, Hispanics, and African Americans experience the widest disparity in amputation prevention. Previous efforts to curtail limb loss have FAILED. Our aim is not meant to disparage those that have undergone amputations! We want to help save at risk limbs that are sometimes needlessly cut off.
THE FACTS
For bilateral amputees (a patient that has had both legs amputated), there is a 50% chance of death at 2 years and most if not all double amputees are dead at 5 years!
About 8.5 million Americans ages ≥40 are affected by peripheral arterial disease.
The highest prevalence of PAD is among the elderly, Blacks, and American Indians/Alaska Natives[1]
Blacks are most likely to have PAD followed by American Indians/Alaska Natives, Whites, Hispanics and Asians.[2]
Hypertension (a risk factor for cardiovascular disease) prevalence in Blacks in the US is among the highest in the world
Close to half of women (43%) and men (40%) have hypertension (elevated blood pressure) compared to 30% of Caucasion men and women.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for multiple diseases and can be even more dangerous in people who also have diabetes
Compared with Whites and Latinos, African Americans develop hypertension at a younger age and have a higher average blood pressure.
Blacks nearly have double the high blood pressure mortality of Whites[1]
American Heart Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2015 Update
American Heart Association, Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes, updated Jan, 2013
How can I be empowered as a patient?
*When you hear the word amputation, ask if there are any other options.
*If you have a foot wound or take a long time to heal a wound, you could be at risk of having an amputation.
*Ask for a vascular ultrasound if you have numbness in your feet or toes
*Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion
*Know where to look for functional limb salvage experts in your region. Limb salvage experts are typically board certified in Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, or Interventional Cardiology
About the Founder
Amputations Suck was founded by Dr. Bryan Fisher Sr., MD. He is a board certified Vascular Surgeon and Chief of Vascular Surgery at Tristar Centennial Medical Center. Dr. Fisher leads a team of specialists who are highly skilled and passionate about preventing amputations in the southeastern United States. He applies the most advanced techniques available and plays an important role in the development of technology aimed at preventing limb loss. Want to hear a real life story about the impact Dr. Fisher and his team are having in the region, watch Mr. Hernandez’ story!
Contact Information
Email: diverseintellectual@gmail.com
Purchase Gear
Raise awareness by purchasing a T-shirt for $20.