Having spent a medical career caring for patients with vascular disease often requiring surgical interventions, I applaud the insightful publicity afforded to Bert Newton and his battle with diabetes. (Bert’s life or death decision,11/5). The decision to proceed to limb amputation is made in many hospitals Australia-wide on a daily basis. Mr Newton’s plight is perhaps one of the worst complications of diabetes. However, what has not been highlighted in his story is the enormous relief from night pain that is afforded by the surgeon’s intervention. In the weeks and months after surgery, their gratitude masks the depths of painful anguish from which they were saved. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta. 12May2021.
Commentary : Rather than bemoaning the process of amputation, people should see it as providing enormous relief.