Alex is a voluntary LAK, RAK, and RBE amputee* and is now also stubbing the fingers on his right hand (I mentioned the interviews a few days ago but if you want to know more, for starters read this interview with my late friend Chaz about voluntary amputation — you may also want to read this to see what kind of guy he was before you judge him and other voluntary amputees). He used ice to do the initial DIY anesthesia and then cleanly chopped it off. There was almost no bleeding, but definitely lots of pain. Click on through if you want to see the remainders.
That reminds me, if you want to see a free video of a DIY amputation, view the final Uvatiarru trailer (yeah, the movie is still in its ultra-extended production cycle, sorry).
* Left above the knee, right above the knee, and right below the elbow.
Comments
868 responses to “DIY Finger Amputation”
100 – Who said there has to be a line to what a person does to himself?
100 – Who said there has to be a line to what a person does to himself?
At the end of the day, BME seeks to document as board a range of body modifications as possible. It doesn’t judge, and it certainly doesn’t marginalize
If I chose to lop off my leg, that would be my choice, and I’d expect everyone else to be respectful of that choice.
What I wouldn’t expect, however, is support from healthcare professionals (eg. the NHS here in old blightey), as my wound is purely self-inflicted.
For me, this mod crosses the line between a personal modification, and forcing your modification on others.
People can choose to look away from a labret or a septum piercing, but a healthcare professional can’t stand back and allow a DIY amputation to become infected and endanger the life of the amputee. To do so would go against everything they stand for.
Mods, in my view anyway, are a personal thing, and foisting (yes, I just came out with that word) responsibility for them onto others when things go wrong is wholly unfair.
At the end of the day, BME seeks to document as board a range of body modifications as possible. It doesn’t judge, and it certainly doesn’t marginalize
If I chose to lop off my leg, that would be my choice, and I’d expect everyone else to be respectful of that choice.
What I wouldn’t expect, however, is support from healthcare professionals (eg. the NHS here in old blightey), as my wound is purely self-inflicted.
For me, this mod crosses the line between a personal modification, and forcing your modification on others.
People can choose to look away from a labret or a septum piercing, but a healthcare professional can’t stand back and allow a DIY amputation to become infected and endanger the life of the amputee. To do so would go against everything they stand for.
Mods, in my view anyway, are a personal thing, and foisting (yes, I just came out with that word) responsibility for them onto others when things go wrong is wholly unfair.
At the end of the day, BME seeks to document as board a range of body modifications as possible. It doesn’t judge, and it certainly doesn’t marginalize
If I chose to lop off my leg, that would be my choice, and I’d expect everyone else to be respectful of that choice.
What I wouldn’t expect, however, is support from healthcare professionals (eg. the NHS here in old blightey), as my wound is purely self-inflicted.
For me, this mod crosses the line between a personal modification, and forcing your modification on others.
People can choose to look away from a labret or a septum piercing, but a healthcare professional can’t stand back and allow a DIY amputation to become infected and endanger the life of the amputee. To do so would go against everything they stand for.
Mods, in my view anyway, are a personal thing, and foisting (yes, I just came out with that word) responsibility for them onto others when things go wrong is wholly unfair.
At the end of the day, BME seeks to document as board a range of body modifications as possible. It doesn’t judge, and it certainly doesn’t marginalize
If I chose to lop off my leg, that would be my choice, and I’d expect everyone else to be respectful of that choice.
What I wouldn’t expect, however, is support from healthcare professionals (eg. the NHS here in old blightey), as my wound is purely self-inflicted.
For me, this mod crosses the line between a personal modification, and forcing your modification on others.
People can choose to look away from a labret or a septum piercing, but a healthcare professional can’t stand back and allow a DIY amputation to become infected and endanger the life of the amputee. To do so would go against everything they stand for.
Mods, in my view anyway, are a personal thing, and foisting (yes, I just came out with that word) responsibility for them onto others when things go wrong is wholly unfair.
well said Dan.
well said Dan.
well said Dan.
well said Dan.
hahahahahaha
just cause they study something doesn’t mean they don’t let their personal feelings get involved in and distort it, again homosexuality used to be considered a disease by a lot of people in the medical community (and still is by some) but that doesn’t make it true. holding a degree doesn’t necessarily mean much. and on top of that, who are they to make judgments on people that are participating in activities they have no first hand experience with.
what if someone with a degree came up to you and started telling you what the big disc in your lip or that big stick in your septum meant and told you their opinion was right cause they had a degree and studied the subject, but that your opinion, even though you’ve been living with these modifications, didn’t really mean much because you were part of the ‘educated elite’
hahahahahaha
just cause they study something doesn’t mean they don’t let their personal feelings get involved in and distort it, again homosexuality used to be considered a disease by a lot of people in the medical community (and still is by some) but that doesn’t make it true. holding a degree doesn’t necessarily mean much. and on top of that, who are they to make judgments on people that are participating in activities they have no first hand experience with.
what if someone with a degree came up to you and started telling you what the big disc in your lip or that big stick in your septum meant and told you their opinion was right cause they had a degree and studied the subject, but that your opinion, even though you’ve been living with these modifications, didn’t really mean much because you were part of the ‘educated elite’
hahahahahaha
just cause they study something doesn’t mean they don’t let their personal feelings get involved in and distort it, again homosexuality used to be considered a disease by a lot of people in the medical community (and still is by some) but that doesn’t make it true. holding a degree doesn’t necessarily mean much. and on top of that, who are they to make judgments on people that are participating in activities they have no first hand experience with.
what if someone with a degree came up to you and started telling you what the big disc in your lip or that big stick in your septum meant and told you their opinion was right cause they had a degree and studied the subject, but that your opinion, even though you’ve been living with these modifications, didn’t really mean much because you were part of the ‘educated elite’
hahahahahaha
just cause they study something doesn’t mean they don’t let their personal feelings get involved in and distort it, again homosexuality used to be considered a disease by a lot of people in the medical community (and still is by some) but that doesn’t make it true. holding a degree doesn’t necessarily mean much. and on top of that, who are they to make judgments on people that are participating in activities they have no first hand experience with.
what if someone with a degree came up to you and started telling you what the big disc in your lip or that big stick in your septum meant and told you their opinion was right cause they had a degree and studied the subject, but that your opinion, even though you’ve been living with these modifications, didn’t really mean much because you were part of the ‘educated elite’
weren’t part*
weren’t part*
weren’t part*
weren’t part*
Sae – Err. I would ask them what level of degree they had and whether it was higher than mine. 😛
Sae – Err. I would ask them what level of degree they had and whether it was higher than mine. 😛
Sae – Err. I would ask them what level of degree they had and whether it was higher than mine. 😛
Sae – Err. I would ask them what level of degree they had and whether it was higher than mine. 😛
Transabled.org says this about BIID and treatment
“In looking at treatment, there are several main “tools” or steps that may be effective. A combination of each “tool” may have successful result for different people to different degree. Some of the tools may have no effect at all. Some other may raise other unrelated issues. Each step may be followed/used in any order desired, except for surgery, which always should be a last resort.
Medication
Psychotherapy
“Pretending” (full or part time)
Surgery “
Transabled.org says this about BIID and treatment
“In looking at treatment, there are several main “tools” or steps that may be effective. A combination of each “tool” may have successful result for different people to different degree. Some of the tools may have no effect at all. Some other may raise other unrelated issues. Each step may be followed/used in any order desired, except for surgery, which always should be a last resort.
Medication
Psychotherapy
“Pretending” (full or part time)
Surgery “
Transabled.org says this about BIID and treatment
“In looking at treatment, there are several main “tools” or steps that may be effective. A combination of each “tool” may have successful result for different people to different degree. Some of the tools may have no effect at all. Some other may raise other unrelated issues. Each step may be followed/used in any order desired, except for surgery, which always should be a last resort.
Medication
Psychotherapy
“Pretending” (full or part time)
Surgery “
Transabled.org says this about BIID and treatment
“In looking at treatment, there are several main “tools” or steps that may be effective. A combination of each “tool” may have successful result for different people to different degree. Some of the tools may have no effect at all. Some other may raise other unrelated issues. Each step may be followed/used in any order desired, except for surgery, which always should be a last resort.
Medication
Psychotherapy
“Pretending” (full or part time)
Surgery “
LONG LIVE BME help people with higher degrees
LONG LIVE BME help people with higher degrees
LONG LIVE BME help people with higher degrees
LONG LIVE BME help people with higher degrees
Dan – “What I wouldn’t expect, however, is support from healthcare professionals (eg. the NHS here in old blightey), as my wound is purely self-inflicted.”
Irrespective of whether you wanted it or not that help would be forthcoming, however those treating you may hold a dim view if you chose to do something that only added to their workload and further stretched resources.
Dan – “What I wouldn’t expect, however, is support from healthcare professionals (eg. the NHS here in old blightey), as my wound is purely self-inflicted.”
Irrespective of whether you wanted it or not that help would be forthcoming, however those treating you may hold a dim view if you chose to do something that only added to their workload and further stretched resources.
Dan – “What I wouldn’t expect, however, is support from healthcare professionals (eg. the NHS here in old blightey), as my wound is purely self-inflicted.”
Irrespective of whether you wanted it or not that help would be forthcoming, however those treating you may hold a dim view if you chose to do something that only added to their workload and further stretched resources.
Dan – “What I wouldn’t expect, however, is support from healthcare professionals (eg. the NHS here in old blightey), as my wound is purely self-inflicted.”
Irrespective of whether you wanted it or not that help would be forthcoming, however those treating you may hold a dim view if you chose to do something that only added to their workload and further stretched resources.
Giles I just looked at your IAM page. Honestly I know quite a few people out there that would say the same thing you’ve been saying. However this time it’s about you. I know many people that feel that stretching piercings, and hell even piercings themselves are a form of mutilation. Some even feel that they should be outlawed even. They like you honestly don’t understand why a person would piercing, brand, perform scarification, and amputate limbs. Everyone has their own personal reasons for doing these modifications to themselves. I’m sure you have yours, and this person had theres. NOBODY has the right to judge another person on their modifications.
Plus seeing that you personally don’t know this person. You’re swinging a stick blindly in the dark, at something you feel is a threat. In reality you truely know nothing is about. This all comes down to a few things 1. If you don’t like it fine.. Don’t look at it. A closed mind should come with a closed mouth. 2. This isn’t your choice to make, this person isn’t hurting you in the lest. Leave him be. 3. Some body modifications aren’t for everyone. Would I personally amputate a section of my body.. No but I’m not going to call anyone mentally disabled for doing so. If you don’t like something fine.. Don’t get it done..
Giles I just looked at your IAM page. Honestly I know quite a few people out there that would say the same thing you’ve been saying. However this time it’s about you. I know many people that feel that stretching piercings, and hell even piercings themselves are a form of mutilation. Some even feel that they should be outlawed even. They like you honestly don’t understand why a person would piercing, brand, perform scarification, and amputate limbs. Everyone has their own personal reasons for doing these modifications to themselves. I’m sure you have yours, and this person had theres. NOBODY has the right to judge another person on their modifications.
Plus seeing that you personally don’t know this person. You’re swinging a stick blindly in the dark, at something you feel is a threat. In reality you truely know nothing is about. This all comes down to a few things 1. If you don’t like it fine.. Don’t look at it. A closed mind should come with a closed mouth. 2. This isn’t your choice to make, this person isn’t hurting you in the lest. Leave him be. 3. Some body modifications aren’t for everyone. Would I personally amputate a section of my body.. No but I’m not going to call anyone mentally disabled for doing so. If you don’t like something fine.. Don’t get it done..
Giles I just looked at your IAM page. Honestly I know quite a few people out there that would say the same thing you’ve been saying. However this time it’s about you. I know many people that feel that stretching piercings, and hell even piercings themselves are a form of mutilation. Some even feel that they should be outlawed even. They like you honestly don’t understand why a person would piercing, brand, perform scarification, and amputate limbs. Everyone has their own personal reasons for doing these modifications to themselves. I’m sure you have yours, and this person had theres. NOBODY has the right to judge another person on their modifications.
Plus seeing that you personally don’t know this person. You’re swinging a stick blindly in the dark, at something you feel is a threat. In reality you truely know nothing is about. This all comes down to a few things 1. If you don’t like it fine.. Don’t look at it. A closed mind should come with a closed mouth. 2. This isn’t your choice to make, this person isn’t hurting you in the lest. Leave him be. 3. Some body modifications aren’t for everyone. Would I personally amputate a section of my body.. No but I’m not going to call anyone mentally disabled for doing so. If you don’t like something fine.. Don’t get it done..
Giles I just looked at your IAM page. Honestly I know quite a few people out there that would say the same thing you’ve been saying. However this time it’s about you. I know many people that feel that stretching piercings, and hell even piercings themselves are a form of mutilation. Some even feel that they should be outlawed even. They like you honestly don’t understand why a person would piercing, brand, perform scarification, and amputate limbs. Everyone has their own personal reasons for doing these modifications to themselves. I’m sure you have yours, and this person had theres. NOBODY has the right to judge another person on their modifications.
Plus seeing that you personally don’t know this person. You’re swinging a stick blindly in the dark, at something you feel is a threat. In reality you truely know nothing is about. This all comes down to a few things 1. If you don’t like it fine.. Don’t look at it. A closed mind should come with a closed mouth. 2. This isn’t your choice to make, this person isn’t hurting you in the lest. Leave him be. 3. Some body modifications aren’t for everyone. Would I personally amputate a section of my body.. No but I’m not going to call anyone mentally disabled for doing so. If you don’t like something fine.. Don’t get it done..
>>117
Interesting website, Giles (transabled). I’ll definitely have to read around in there.
Honestly I find the “but if you express reservations about self-amputation, people might say the same to you about your piercing” to be a slippery slope argument.
There are any number of lines that can be drawn. Exactly where they are, and whether or not to cross them, is a very rich subject for discussion. Saying “you can’t draw lines, it’s all bodymod, losing a leg or getting a brand, it’s all the same you can’t judge” just takes that entire possible discussion and shuts it right down, just as much as the “but I don’t wanna see these pics on the site you guys are all sick” does. It’s the same reflexive needle, just pegged the other direction. I’ll admit (possibly it’s only my own bias, we’ve all got one) that some of the discussion that runs to that direction strikes me as a bit of a race to see who can show they’re the most open minded, the most tolerant, whatever it is. It’s boring.
Even only talking tattoos, many places won’t do a face tattoo, or even a hand tattoo, as a first tattoo. Generally one is considered more “extreme” than the other. There’s a reason, involving reactions and how the day to day life is impacted. There’s a reason people ask first, “what about employment, do you have a good track record already?” etc.
Many people view piercings as “easier first step” than tattoos, because at least when small, usually they’re removable without much aftereffects. You can have it for a while and then change (and yes, there are many people who want to do just that). There are discussions about “how far can I stretch my ears before they won’t shrink back” etc. So, even in the community, people acknowledge different impacts, even while fully allowing that anyone is free to get the mods. Part of BME is labelled “extreme,” again, someone’s drawing a line there.
There’s visibility, permanence, functionality changes, that all come into play. Self-amputation hits all of those, and particularly when it comes to functionality changes, it’s beyond the other stuff (if it’s large, particularly). I do recall the guy who ended up with the giant keloid restricting his movement in front, but that wasn’t the intended result of the mod (and happily he had it improved).
Me, I find the lines interesting, I guess. Completely apart from any discussion of if they should be crossed or not. Denying there’s any lines at all, to me, sort of cheats the argument.
>>117
Interesting website, Giles (transabled). I’ll definitely have to read around in there.
Honestly I find the “but if you express reservations about self-amputation, people might say the same to you about your piercing” to be a slippery slope argument.
There are any number of lines that can be drawn. Exactly where they are, and whether or not to cross them, is a very rich subject for discussion. Saying “you can’t draw lines, it’s all bodymod, losing a leg or getting a brand, it’s all the same you can’t judge” just takes that entire possible discussion and shuts it right down, just as much as the “but I don’t wanna see these pics on the site you guys are all sick” does. It’s the same reflexive needle, just pegged the other direction. I’ll admit (possibly it’s only my own bias, we’ve all got one) that some of the discussion that runs to that direction strikes me as a bit of a race to see who can show they’re the most open minded, the most tolerant, whatever it is. It’s boring.
Even only talking tattoos, many places won’t do a face tattoo, or even a hand tattoo, as a first tattoo. Generally one is considered more “extreme” than the other. There’s a reason, involving reactions and how the day to day life is impacted. There’s a reason people ask first, “what about employment, do you have a good track record already?” etc.
Many people view piercings as “easier first step” than tattoos, because at least when small, usually they’re removable without much aftereffects. You can have it for a while and then change (and yes, there are many people who want to do just that). There are discussions about “how far can I stretch my ears before they won’t shrink back” etc. So, even in the community, people acknowledge different impacts, even while fully allowing that anyone is free to get the mods. Part of BME is labelled “extreme,” again, someone’s drawing a line there.
There’s visibility, permanence, functionality changes, that all come into play. Self-amputation hits all of those, and particularly when it comes to functionality changes, it’s beyond the other stuff (if it’s large, particularly). I do recall the guy who ended up with the giant keloid restricting his movement in front, but that wasn’t the intended result of the mod (and happily he had it improved).
Me, I find the lines interesting, I guess. Completely apart from any discussion of if they should be crossed or not. Denying there’s any lines at all, to me, sort of cheats the argument.
>>117
Interesting website, Giles (transabled). I’ll definitely have to read around in there.
Honestly I find the “but if you express reservations about self-amputation, people might say the same to you about your piercing” to be a slippery slope argument.
There are any number of lines that can be drawn. Exactly where they are, and whether or not to cross them, is a very rich subject for discussion. Saying “you can’t draw lines, it’s all bodymod, losing a leg or getting a brand, it’s all the same you can’t judge” just takes that entire possible discussion and shuts it right down, just as much as the “but I don’t wanna see these pics on the site you guys are all sick” does. It’s the same reflexive needle, just pegged the other direction. I’ll admit (possibly it’s only my own bias, we’ve all got one) that some of the discussion that runs to that direction strikes me as a bit of a race to see who can show they’re the most open minded, the most tolerant, whatever it is. It’s boring.
Even only talking tattoos, many places won’t do a face tattoo, or even a hand tattoo, as a first tattoo. Generally one is considered more “extreme” than the other. There’s a reason, involving reactions and how the day to day life is impacted. There’s a reason people ask first, “what about employment, do you have a good track record already?” etc.
Many people view piercings as “easier first step” than tattoos, because at least when small, usually they’re removable without much aftereffects. You can have it for a while and then change (and yes, there are many people who want to do just that). There are discussions about “how far can I stretch my ears before they won’t shrink back” etc. So, even in the community, people acknowledge different impacts, even while fully allowing that anyone is free to get the mods. Part of BME is labelled “extreme,” again, someone’s drawing a line there.
There’s visibility, permanence, functionality changes, that all come into play. Self-amputation hits all of those, and particularly when it comes to functionality changes, it’s beyond the other stuff (if it’s large, particularly). I do recall the guy who ended up with the giant keloid restricting his movement in front, but that wasn’t the intended result of the mod (and happily he had it improved).
Me, I find the lines interesting, I guess. Completely apart from any discussion of if they should be crossed or not. Denying there’s any lines at all, to me, sort of cheats the argument.
>>117
Interesting website, Giles (transabled). I’ll definitely have to read around in there.
Honestly I find the “but if you express reservations about self-amputation, people might say the same to you about your piercing” to be a slippery slope argument.
There are any number of lines that can be drawn. Exactly where they are, and whether or not to cross them, is a very rich subject for discussion. Saying “you can’t draw lines, it’s all bodymod, losing a leg or getting a brand, it’s all the same you can’t judge” just takes that entire possible discussion and shuts it right down, just as much as the “but I don’t wanna see these pics on the site you guys are all sick” does. It’s the same reflexive needle, just pegged the other direction. I’ll admit (possibly it’s only my own bias, we’ve all got one) that some of the discussion that runs to that direction strikes me as a bit of a race to see who can show they’re the most open minded, the most tolerant, whatever it is. It’s boring.
Even only talking tattoos, many places won’t do a face tattoo, or even a hand tattoo, as a first tattoo. Generally one is considered more “extreme” than the other. There’s a reason, involving reactions and how the day to day life is impacted. There’s a reason people ask first, “what about employment, do you have a good track record already?” etc.
Many people view piercings as “easier first step” than tattoos, because at least when small, usually they’re removable without much aftereffects. You can have it for a while and then change (and yes, there are many people who want to do just that). There are discussions about “how far can I stretch my ears before they won’t shrink back” etc. So, even in the community, people acknowledge different impacts, even while fully allowing that anyone is free to get the mods. Part of BME is labelled “extreme,” again, someone’s drawing a line there.
There’s visibility, permanence, functionality changes, that all come into play. Self-amputation hits all of those, and particularly when it comes to functionality changes, it’s beyond the other stuff (if it’s large, particularly). I do recall the guy who ended up with the giant keloid restricting his movement in front, but that wasn’t the intended result of the mod (and happily he had it improved).
Me, I find the lines interesting, I guess. Completely apart from any discussion of if they should be crossed or not. Denying there’s any lines at all, to me, sort of cheats the argument.
read the “you may want to read this” link, if its true then its impressive. dont jump to conclusions
read the “you may want to read this” link, if its true then its impressive. dont jump to conclusions
read the “you may want to read this” link, if its true then its impressive. dont jump to conclusions
read the “you may want to read this” link, if its true then its impressive. dont jump to conclusions
Can I just clarify here that I have never used the term “mental illness” and that I do not see those who practice self amputeeism as being mentally deficient in any way.
What I have said is that I believe those that do this should seek psychological counselling first to address the issues of BIID and that there is research showing it to be an extreme form of self harm.
It is however quite different (to me at least) from other modifications.
There is a fantastic (but long) read enclosed below on the subject.
http://www.biid.org/bladerunner.pdf
Enjoy.
Can I just clarify here that I have never used the term “mental illness” and that I do not see those who practice self amputeeism as being mentally deficient in any way.
What I have said is that I believe those that do this should seek psychological counselling first to address the issues of BIID and that there is research showing it to be an extreme form of self harm.
It is however quite different (to me at least) from other modifications.
There is a fantastic (but long) read enclosed below on the subject.
http://www.biid.org/bladerunner.pdf
Enjoy.
Can I just clarify here that I have never used the term “mental illness” and that I do not see those who practice self amputeeism as being mentally deficient in any way.
What I have said is that I believe those that do this should seek psychological counselling first to address the issues of BIID and that there is research showing it to be an extreme form of self harm.
It is however quite different (to me at least) from other modifications.
There is a fantastic (but long) read enclosed below on the subject.
http://www.biid.org/bladerunner.pdf
Enjoy.
Can I just clarify here that I have never used the term “mental illness” and that I do not see those who practice self amputeeism as being mentally deficient in any way.
What I have said is that I believe those that do this should seek psychological counselling first to address the issues of BIID and that there is research showing it to be an extreme form of self harm.
It is however quite different (to me at least) from other modifications.
There is a fantastic (but long) read enclosed below on the subject.
http://www.biid.org/bladerunner.pdf
Enjoy.