Modern Wisdom #022 - BT Urruela - Overcoming War, Elective Amputation and PTSD
Jul 23, 2018
BT Urruela, a U.S. Army combat-wounded veteran, elective amputee, author and co-founder of VETSports. He recounts surviving a devastating IED blast, the medical saga from medevac to Walter Reed, and the choice of elective amputation. He describes intense prosthetic rehab, struggles with reintegration and PTSD, and building community through VETSports and creative reinvention.
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Timely Medical Chain And Blood Saved His Life
- Rapid escalation of care (combat hospital to major military hospital) and timely blood transfusions saved BT despite losing two-thirds of his blood.
- A doctor held pressure on his femoral to stop spurting blood and surgeons reconstructed an artery using a vein graft.
Elective Amputation Followed Years Of Rehab And Recovery
- After initial surgeries BT developed compartment syndrome and necrosis, losing lower limb function despite bone grafts and tendon transfers.
- He spent four years of rehab, elected to amputate his damaged lower leg, and then relearned walking and running with a prosthesis.
Research And Commit Fully Before Elective Amputation
- Do thorough research and undergo a mental evaluation before choosing elective amputation; BT spent six months deciding and consulting other amputees.
- He emphasises committing fully once decided because the rehab and outcomes require sustained effort.