Coimbatore: A 49-year-old Somanur resident has become the first double amputee to be fitted with prostheses on both legs at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital’s artificial limb reconstruction centre.
Chinnasamy, 49, became dependent on his family for basic needs like using the toilet and being moved out of his bed after he lost his second leg six months ago due to uncontrolled diabetes.
“Chinnasamy lost his right leg to amputation four years back as it had gangrene formation till the knee. Six months ago, he lost his left leg due to uncontrolled diabetes,” director of the institute of orthopedics at CMCH Dr Vetrivelchezhian said.
"So, we did prosthesis for the first leg around a month back and prosthesis for the second leg, a fortnight back," he added.
The patient has been undergoing training for walking for the past 15 days. “I feel like a toddler who is being taught to walk again,” Chinnasamy said with a smile when asked how he feels to be walking again.
“I may not be able to return to work as a weaver, but I don’t need to use the bedpan anymore or be a burden to my wife,” he added.
Earlier, patients had to struggle travelling all the way to get prosthesis done, or approach private clubs for donations. It can cost up to Rs 3 lakh in private hospitals and centres.