I have a lot of great interviews in the queue right now, from mild to wild, but I’m absolutely thrilled with the one that’s going up today, “One Hand Jason“, an interview which discusses Jason’s decision to amputate one of his hands in order to deal with what he had always perceived as a devastating birth defect — that is, being two-handed. Click through to read it now, and come on back here to comment (but please, read it before commenting).
Comments
260 responses to “One Hand Jason Interview Posted”
Lily’s point is very valid. There are strong similarities between anorexia and BIID from a psychological perspective.
I believe Sean O’Connor said himself that BIID sufferers (i.e. it is a medical condition that causes suffering) should always consult the medical profession first.
Self harm used to make me happy too.
Lily’s point is very valid. There are strong similarities between anorexia and BIID from a psychological perspective.
I believe Sean O’Connor said himself that BIID sufferers (i.e. it is a medical condition that causes suffering) should always consult the medical profession first.
Self harm used to make me happy too.
#16 Lily – I think it’s an interesting question, particularly given that Jason himself mentions that those with BIID (at least in his experience) would do anything to prevent someone from talking them out of wanting to get rid of their chosen body part.
If they were truly talked out of it, then you’d think they would be happy (to be rid of the BIID, and liking having the part now) but I guess the underlying thought is, they don’t think they truly can be, they would return to wanting that part gone.
Just one of those (sort of threadjack, I guess) philosophical things, what if there’s something you definitely don’t want, but a future self afterward might? All wrapped up in identity too (what if you could be someone else, you’d lose who are now, but were guaranteed that the new you would be happier and never miss your current you?).
#3 Dredloks – Surely that’s part of the reluctance to “tell,” particularly after everyone worried. I definitely sympathize with him on that one, I don’t know if I could ever tell, in that situation. An earlier profile here of someone missing a leg and other parts, some voluntarily, he mentioned he didn’t “tell” either. I can easily imagine people getting mad and saying he abused their sympathy, etc, even if it wasn’t a money thing.
I do wonder – was he left handed before? Given that he felt the right hand was alien?
#16 Lily – I think it’s an interesting question, particularly given that Jason himself mentions that those with BIID (at least in his experience) would do anything to prevent someone from talking them out of wanting to get rid of their chosen body part.
If they were truly talked out of it, then you’d think they would be happy (to be rid of the BIID, and liking having the part now) but I guess the underlying thought is, they don’t think they truly can be, they would return to wanting that part gone.
Just one of those (sort of threadjack, I guess) philosophical things, what if there’s something you definitely don’t want, but a future self afterward might? All wrapped up in identity too (what if you could be someone else, you’d lose who are now, but were guaranteed that the new you would be happier and never miss your current you?).
#3 Dredloks – Surely that’s part of the reluctance to “tell,” particularly after everyone worried. I definitely sympathize with him on that one, I don’t know if I could ever tell, in that situation. An earlier profile here of someone missing a leg and other parts, some voluntarily, he mentioned he didn’t “tell” either. I can easily imagine people getting mad and saying he abused their sympathy, etc, even if it wasn’t a money thing.
I do wonder – was he left handed before? Given that he felt the right hand was alien?
wow! thats one hell of a story. really happy for jason that he is finally happy with his look. however this interview didn’t satisfy my interest in how he was preparing for that and the surgery itself. would have been great if there were any pictures or even a video.
wow! thats one hell of a story. really happy for jason that he is finally happy with his look. however this interview didn’t satisfy my interest in how he was preparing for that and the surgery itself. would have been great if there were any pictures or even a video.
Also – there’s BIID that doesn’t involve limbs but rather other handicaps. If you google on “transabled” one of the first links is a collaborative blog about it, some of the authors wish to be paralyzed (but with all limbs intact), some people apparently wear blind contacts, etc.
(Found that link from last go-round of voluntary amputation threads, which led to some fascinating reading. Truly interesting stuff to be found here!)
Also – there’s BIID that doesn’t involve limbs but rather other handicaps. If you google on “transabled” one of the first links is a collaborative blog about it, some of the authors wish to be paralyzed (but with all limbs intact), some people apparently wear blind contacts, etc.
(Found that link from last go-round of voluntary amputation threads, which led to some fascinating reading. Truly interesting stuff to be found here!)
greenmouse- he wanted to stay anonymous, although hopefully someday we wil be ble to see videos or hear more bout the actul procedure 🙂
greenmouse- he wanted to stay anonymous, although hopefully someday we wil be ble to see videos or hear more bout the actul procedure 🙂
I completely do not know what exactly to say to this, and where I stand on this issue.
I completely do not know what exactly to say to this, and where I stand on this issue.
This is a community on the outside of conventionalism but do you really think a person should do something like this. A person with body dismorfic disorder who repeatedly get cosmetic surgery to look better only to come out like a monster in the end sometimes incuring serious harm is not better of taking acting because they think they want it. A mental disorder should be treated by a doctor who doesn’t use a knife. Occasional maybe a person must do what makes them feel better but the line should be recognized.
This is a community on the outside of conventionalism but do you really think a person should do something like this. A person with body dismorfic disorder who repeatedly get cosmetic surgery to look better only to come out like a monster in the end sometimes incuring serious harm is not better of taking acting because they think they want it. A mental disorder should be treated by a doctor who doesn’t use a knife. Occasional maybe a person must do what makes them feel better but the line should be recognized.
i think that people with true BIID like jason are extremely interesting. they are just like all the people who use body modification to transorm thier body into something that they see themselves as truly being. body modification makes us happy as does amputation for all the people that do such. i think jason is very brave for coming out and giving the interview to shannon. i wish him the best and hope to hear more from him.
i think that people with true BIID like jason are extremely interesting. they are just like all the people who use body modification to transorm thier body into something that they see themselves as truly being. body modification makes us happy as does amputation for all the people that do such. i think jason is very brave for coming out and giving the interview to shannon. i wish him the best and hope to hear more from him.
I think BIID is not talked about enough, hopefully if Jason’s words go some way to re-address the stigma and fear of psyciatric withdrawl that sufferers encounter then at least, for some, the veil might be lifted and a half-life may be whole.
I think BIID is not talked about enough, hopefully if Jason’s words go some way to re-address the stigma and fear of psyciatric withdrawl that sufferers encounter then at least, for some, the veil might be lifted and a half-life may be whole.
The body modification community has NO interest in BIID sufferers obtaining permanent psychological cures for their condition, rather it ‘needs’ them to fulfil their limb removal.
There is something VERY VERY wrong here and it is being overlooked in favour of a good story and interesting pictures.
Leeho is right in that psychological anomalies should never be addressed by surgical procedures, they simply sort out the symptoms rather than address the causes.
The body modification community has NO interest in BIID sufferers obtaining permanent psychological cures for their condition, rather it ‘needs’ them to fulfil their limb removal.
There is something VERY VERY wrong here and it is being overlooked in favour of a good story and interesting pictures.
Leeho is right in that psychological anomalies should never be addressed by surgical procedures, they simply sort out the symptoms rather than address the causes.
That’s a really great interview. You asked all the right questions and the person you interviewed was as candid as he could be while remaining anonymous. It was really informative and enlightening.
That’s a really great interview. You asked all the right questions and the person you interviewed was as candid as he could be while remaining anonymous. It was really informative and enlightening.
That was an amazing interview! Very interesting.
That was an amazing interview! Very interesting.
I don’t know if I can form an opinion on how I think of people amputating limbs voluntarily. I myself would have to do a lot more research before I get into what people with this disorder think of themselves before I can draw any judgement. If I draw any judgement. Though I can say for certain this was a great and enlightening interview. Thanks Shannon!
I don’t know if I can form an opinion on how I think of people amputating limbs voluntarily. I myself would have to do a lot more research before I get into what people with this disorder think of themselves before I can draw any judgement. If I draw any judgement. Though I can say for certain this was a great and enlightening interview. Thanks Shannon!
Giles – So far the only cure for BIID of this type is surgically addressing the perceived defect. It is the only cure that has consistently removed the mental stress from people’s lives.
The question is, is a life full of mental anguish leading to general social instability, drug use, weight problems, and deep unhappiness BETTER than being happy, stable, but without a hand? Many people, Jason included, would argue no.
Giles – So far the only cure for BIID of this type is surgically addressing the perceived defect. It is the only cure that has consistently removed the mental stress from people’s lives.
The question is, is a life full of mental anguish leading to general social instability, drug use, weight problems, and deep unhappiness BETTER than being happy, stable, but without a hand? Many people, Jason included, would argue no.
Shannon – There have been many cases of BIID sufferers being cured of their illness through psychiatry and self help. Surgery isn’t the only way, just as it isn’t for those with other body identity disorders such as bulimia,
Psychiatry looks at the root causes of the problem and attempts to ‘normalise’ the thinking behind the problem rather than simply allowing the sufferer to act on the symptoms.
Did ‘Jason’ look at the possibility that he suffered with a monothematic delusion at all ? Has he been to specialist psychiatrists that deal with body dysmorphic disorders at all?
Just because he was happy at the time of the interview does not mean he will never regret his decision, at least psychiatry gives him the option of both hands in the long term. This ‘cure’ by removal does not allow for the idea that BIID can be dealt with completely through corrective psychiatry, it simply offers a quick satisfying solution.
Psychiatry also means he never has to lie to the people he loves.
Shannon – There have been many cases of BIID sufferers being cured of their illness through psychiatry and self help. Surgery isn’t the only way, just as it isn’t for those with other body identity disorders such as bulimia,
Psychiatry looks at the root causes of the problem and attempts to ‘normalise’ the thinking behind the problem rather than simply allowing the sufferer to act on the symptoms.
Did ‘Jason’ look at the possibility that he suffered with a monothematic delusion at all ? Has he been to specialist psychiatrists that deal with body dysmorphic disorders at all?
Just because he was happy at the time of the interview does not mean he will never regret his decision, at least psychiatry gives him the option of both hands in the long term. This ‘cure’ by removal does not allow for the idea that BIID can be dealt with completely through corrective psychiatry, it simply offers a quick satisfying solution.
Psychiatry also means he never has to lie to the people he loves.
Very interesting article. I think the most interesting part was how his nerves were reacting after the amputation.
Very interesting article. I think the most interesting part was how his nerves were reacting after the amputation.
Ok, you guys know that I turn a somewhat jaundiced eye toward potentially debilitating mods. I did do a little outside reading, though. This article for a philosophy journal puts things in an interesting light and approaches the question from the ethical standpoint of surgeons faced with removing limbs in BIID sufferers. I would much rather see a more formal approach to things as is done with Gender Identity Disorder rather than people with this condition be faced with staging their own accidents.
Ok, you guys know that I turn a somewhat jaundiced eye toward potentially debilitating mods. I did do a little outside reading, though. This article for a philosophy journal puts things in an interesting light and approaches the question from the ethical standpoint of surgeons faced with removing limbs in BIID sufferers. I would much rather see a more formal approach to things as is done with Gender Identity Disorder rather than people with this condition be faced with staging their own accidents.
…from a philosophy journal..
…from a philosophy journal..
First off body-integrity-disorder BIID? Then why the extra I? where did it come from? oooh… You forgot Identity, which was a good Movie by the way. No body Cut off their Limbs though so… maybe not your flick.
Raised a lotta money? What the hell does that mean? You had people raise money for you, based on this Lie… wow.
So if you can sort of sense your fingers and imagine them moving, then when did you feel it wasn’t right to be there? Something Missing.. and not anymore.. I’m an Artist… this is just… Not Smart. Blurt out Stump? and Hook? is that even possible? honey pass me the Stump.. I mean Salt.. Seriously.
“I super feel like this “having a spare limb” is a definite body deformity, which needs to be cured by surgery to allow the BIID person to lead a normal life.”
But your not living a normal life, your just getting off living with this secret, your afraid to come out because people will lose respect for you, Not like a man losing respect for a gay son… no.. but people felt sorry for you, cried I’m sure, prayed and raised money?
Spare limbs a body deformity? wow… Ignorant, This is like Ana and Mia but when a girl vomits people help her understand that living like that isn’t good for her not support her Drastic delusional thoughts of Fat that isn’t there… Just like the guy who cut his penis off and Regrets it, this seems like a new fad… at one time young girls became Wiccan, Bi & Vegan.. Not because of real interest but commercial.
Boys kissing Boys and Gay was in.. Come DECORATE MY HOUSE! Making it seem all Homosexual Men do Interior Design. People Stretch things and join groups, Tattoo things and join “Tribes” or “Gangs” and this is no Different.. just another wave or new things to do…
I know life is boring and at any moment you can even question why… or whats the point of this all, but getting so bored you get a wacky tattoo is one thing, putting your family and friends through worry and pain for your Fantasy (thing to fit in) it’s really not disturbing… not shocking or anything to me but really Sad and just reading your words I see you’re Irrational.
eh whatever… Be mad at me, I’ll just go attempt to play the Sax, I don’t know how, but I can TRY.
First off body-integrity-disorder BIID? Then why the extra I? where did it come from? oooh… You forgot Identity, which was a good Movie by the way. No body Cut off their Limbs though so… maybe not your flick.
Raised a lotta money? What the hell does that mean? You had people raise money for you, based on this Lie… wow.
So if you can sort of sense your fingers and imagine them moving, then when did you feel it wasn’t right to be there? Something Missing.. and not anymore.. I’m an Artist… this is just… Not Smart. Blurt out Stump? and Hook? is that even possible? honey pass me the Stump.. I mean Salt.. Seriously.
“I super feel like this “having a spare limb” is a definite body deformity, which needs to be cured by surgery to allow the BIID person to lead a normal life.”
But your not living a normal life, your just getting off living with this secret, your afraid to come out because people will lose respect for you, Not like a man losing respect for a gay son… no.. but people felt sorry for you, cried I’m sure, prayed and raised money?
Spare limbs a body deformity? wow… Ignorant, This is like Ana and Mia but when a girl vomits people help her understand that living like that isn’t good for her not support her Drastic delusional thoughts of Fat that isn’t there… Just like the guy who cut his penis off and Regrets it, this seems like a new fad… at one time young girls became Wiccan, Bi & Vegan.. Not because of real interest but commercial.
Boys kissing Boys and Gay was in.. Come DECORATE MY HOUSE! Making it seem all Homosexual Men do Interior Design. People Stretch things and join groups, Tattoo things and join “Tribes” or “Gangs” and this is no Different.. just another wave or new things to do…
I know life is boring and at any moment you can even question why… or whats the point of this all, but getting so bored you get a wacky tattoo is one thing, putting your family and friends through worry and pain for your Fantasy (thing to fit in) it’s really not disturbing… not shocking or anything to me but really Sad and just reading your words I see you’re Irrational.
eh whatever… Be mad at me, I’ll just go attempt to play the Sax, I don’t know how, but I can TRY.
Giles – This is the first in a series of amputation interviews… Another person actually mentions that they wished they’d gotten psychiatric counseling, not so much because they are worried they made the wrong decision, but specifically so they could talk to their friends and family about it.
Giles – This is the first in a series of amputation interviews… Another person actually mentions that they wished they’d gotten psychiatric counseling, not so much because they are worried they made the wrong decision, but specifically so they could talk to their friends and family about it.
Link not working Dr Mod ?
There are a couple of other links that I will sort out of people who had BIID who (after therapy) still had BIID but no longer felt such overwhelming desires to amputee themselves.
In all cases the therapy bought out underlying issues that often failed to be properly addressed as the BIID consumed them. It also showed how those with BIID often had no desire to ‘cure’ it rather satiate it and gave the impression that it almost defined them.
Link not working Dr Mod ?
There are a couple of other links that I will sort out of people who had BIID who (after therapy) still had BIID but no longer felt such overwhelming desires to amputee themselves.
In all cases the therapy bought out underlying issues that often failed to be properly addressed as the BIID consumed them. It also showed how those with BIID often had no desire to ‘cure’ it rather satiate it and gave the impression that it almost defined them.
I really enjoyed the interview. Throughout the article I kept thinking about how unfair it is that someone like Jason would have to hide their reasons for amputating a body part from a society that accepts breast implants, nose jobs, liposuction, hair-dying, and wearing makeup but would judge him for wanting to change the body he was born into. Wanting to change your arm is not ok but wanting to change your nose is? Its a huge double-standard in my opinion.
I really enjoyed the interview. Throughout the article I kept thinking about how unfair it is that someone like Jason would have to hide their reasons for amputating a body part from a society that accepts breast implants, nose jobs, liposuction, hair-dying, and wearing makeup but would judge him for wanting to change the body he was born into. Wanting to change your arm is not ok but wanting to change your nose is? Its a huge double-standard in my opinion.
Shannon-
Is BIID a neurological disorder or a psychological disorder? I wonder if there could be a medicated fix for those not wanting to pursue the DIY surgical procedure? Are there any statistics for those suffering from BIID?
Congratulations to ‘Jason’ for his brave feat, and thanks to Shannon for another fantastic, discussion-provoking interview.
Shannon-
Is BIID a neurological disorder or a psychological disorder? I wonder if there could be a medicated fix for those not wanting to pursue the DIY surgical procedure? Are there any statistics for those suffering from BIID?
Congratulations to ‘Jason’ for his brave feat, and thanks to Shannon for another fantastic, discussion-provoking interview.
I think keeping it a secret is a little out there, I mean, I understand why he did it, and respect the guts it took to go through with that, but I think he should at least tell his loved ones. Unless, I suppose, they’re that type of family that would shun him for his actions, in which case your secret is safe with all of us!
I think keeping it a secret is a little out there, I mean, I understand why he did it, and respect the guts it took to go through with that, but I think he should at least tell his loved ones. Unless, I suppose, they’re that type of family that would shun him for his actions, in which case your secret is safe with all of us!
Try this instead.
Or the actual url:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1468-5930.2005.00293.x
Try this instead.
Or the actual url:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1468-5930.2005.00293.x