Brittney Gilliam Living Life as an Amputee - Video

My name is Britney Gilliam, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I
grew up in a single parent household. My mother worked hard to provide
for all four of her children. Involving myself in the Christian Church at a
young age, I now withhold values such as having faith, loving others, and
treating others as one wishes to be treated.
I pursued nursing and became a licensed practical nurse back in
2014. I have worked in the medical field since I was 19 years old. I
empathize with helping others that are in need, especially in life changing
situations. Working as a nurse allows me to open the compassionate side
to me as I care for others. I realized that delivering quality care is an
important aspect in the health care industry. Quality over quantity is often
overlooked within the field.
I was once in an abusive relationship, and a part of my mission is to
reach out to others that have been victimized in domestic violence
relationships. Part of my mission is to engage in community outreach
programs that include volunteering at local shelters that serve women and
their children who have become victims of domestic violence. Coping for
me, includes speaking out about my past domestic issue, counseling, and

journaling my feelings. Perhaps I can assist others with coping skills to
recognize troubling situations that may lead to any type of abuse.
On March 18, 2020 I was injured due to a car accident. The popliteal
artery in my right leg was severed causing compartment syndrome and I
had an open dislocation of my right ankle. I needed emergency surgery in
which a fasciotomy was performed at St. Mary’s hospital located in Livonia,
Michigan. I was admitted to St. Mary’s hospital and I was there for a one-
month period. There were more than 10 surgeries performed on my right
ankle in an attempt to save my right leg. At one point I had a fixator on my
right ankle for a period of 4 months in an attempt to correct the foot drop of
my right foot. Physical therapy and occupational therapy were highly
recommended in which my weekly routine revolved around medical
appointments and therapy sessions. I have had many complications with
my right ankle due to an ongoing infection called osteomyelitis. The
intravenous antibiotics would only work for a short time then the signs and
symptoms of infection would surface. I was at risk for sepsis therefore the
doctors advised for a right leg amputation. At the end of September of
2021, I had a below the knee amputation of my right leg.

From March of 2020 up until now my life has dramatically
changed in a tremendous way. During this journey my mental health
suffered as I had to learn how to adapt to my new lifestyle changes. This
included coping with depression, learning how to walk and managing my
care for activities of daily living. My mental health directly affected myself
motivation within the recovery process. I went through a multitude of
duress, stress and impacted self-image. My priorities shifted from my
passions to my overall recovery with my physical and mental health. As of
today, I am blessed to be in a much better head space mentally. I utilize all
my resources of support. I thank God for allowing me to live on and
continue to heal.