Gamini Darmasiri

Introduction

Gamini is a 55-year-old amputee living with his wife in Alawwa. He worked for a private company and enjoyed playing volleyball. Now, he dreams of starting his own small business.

He grew up in the Kurunegala district, studying up to the 10th grade. His father passed away, and he has lived with his wife in the same village as his two siblings.

It was his diabetes that prevented the small wound on his foot from healing. After multiple trips to the hospital during which it was treated with medicine, incised, and drained, his doctor recommended an amputation.

Gamini has not been able to work since he lost his leg 1 year and 2 months ago. “I have a wheelchair and use it to get around. I also use crutches. Even with crutches, it’s hard for me to walk,” he said. “I fall down.”

“It would be a big help if I can get a leg,” he added, mentioning that he is motivated to maintain a prosthesis. “I want to do my day-to-day activities by myself.”

Follow-up (6 months)

What challenges did you face with the new leg?

“I initially developed a wound on my leg stump. They had to adjust the prosthesis to better fit my leg. Now I am able to walk without much trouble.”

What are you planning to do now?

“I am in the process of starting my own store.”

How has it impacted your life?

“I am now able to visit friends and family. It has really helped improve my social life. I am able to walk to the store which is close to my house.”

This message has been translated from Sinhala to English.