Exhibits, Shows and Displays

A serious question.. (we all have to, at least once)?

If I have to have my foot/lower leg amputated, (diabetes) am I allowed to keep/retain it? If so, I plan to reduce the limb down to bleached bones, to display in a frame. (much to my wife's disdain..) Anyone have any idea how I stand (sorry) re: this? I'm in the UK b.t.w. Thanky youse.. :) A little more info: 1: I'm not depressed. 2: I collect weird stuff as a hobby. I've just found an interesting article re: this very subject: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2005/jul/26/amputee_happy_be/ Also, it seems certain minority groups are allowed to retain an amputated limb, as their religion states that 'The body must be complete to be allowed into wherever it is they hope to go when they die' Seems I may have to declare myself as a minority, or religious.. (neither applies) :)

Public Comments

1. No, you are not allowed to keep it.
2. I dont think you can do that.....kind of sick too.
3. Ick ick ick, some people are trying eat their lunch over here!!
4. you stand on 1 leg
5. EWWWWW
6. I can not speak fro the UK, but here in the US, it is not allowed because of health reasons...dentists are not allowed to even give removed teeth back anymore (although I think that it still happens) Once the limb is removed, the pathologist gets a crack at it to examine it and write his report. He will them dispose of it to be incinerated. sorry ;(
7. I think you can i know you can keep all other kinds of shit...i dunno why they wouldnt let you keep your leg....xDD
8. IT WILL BE CLASSED AS A BIO-HAZARD.SO YOU WONT BE ALLOWED IT,UNLESS THEY DO THE BIO CLEANING FOR YOU
9. You are going to need a lawyer for this one. It is not standard practice but as it is your leg I don't see how anyone can legally take it from you. I guess it would be seen as a bio hazzard but how it can be more of a bio hazzard than a leg of lamb (legally and easily available!) or more of a hazzard than when it is still attatched to you is beyond me! Good luck!
10. I don't know about the UK, but in the US that would be considered medical waste. I was not even allowed to keep an extracted wisdom tooth. Now I will never be whole again.
11. erm i dont get wat u meen r u wanting to keep your leg if it gets cut off ?
12. you could get a false leg attached, or you could always use krutches or something to that degree sry that you need amputation but cool idea about keepin it and showing it off, just dont put it in the house or the bedroom if your wife hates the idea
13. It's not something I find funny so no.
14. I believe you'll stand on one leg., but no you won't be allowed to keep it as it is considered biological waste, and will be incinerated
15. No I'll think you will find you wont have a leg to stand on.
16. Here, in the U.S. amputated limbs are considered hazardous waste. Tissue samples may be taken, but the remaining parts are discarded and generally incinerated. I would say your chances of getting your limb back are slim and none.... much to your wife's relief.
17. I highly doubt they will let you keep it.
18. I'm not sure what the law is on this one,just have a word with your surgeon,he will know.
19. Ummm. HI I don' t think you can keep/retain it because they have to mesure the size and work on it. Which Is you don't really want to have your foot/lower leg amputated. hope that works out okay? MM
20. When my uncle had his lower leg removed due to his diabetes he asked if he could keep his but was told no. Not sure why he wanted to keep it maybe it was a reminder for him that he shouldhave keep better control over his diabetes.
21. Uhh.. whatever floats your boat dude..
22. I dont really know, btu seriously thats pretty gross man
23. I am sitting here eating cheerios out of the box trying to picture your bleached leg bones. I would ask the doctor. If that is what you want to do I think you ought to be allowed to, but I have no idea of the laws in the States for that let alone the U.K. Sorry for your impending loss, wish you good health otherwise.
24. I'm sorry, but I know that its true that they examine it and incinerate it. Even if its not examined, its still incinerated as once its removed its biowaste. However, speaking to your solicitor or citizens advice will confirm whether you even have the slightest chance of doing this, though I doubt it very much.
25. Im very sorry 4 u , but i dont think its allowed as its a risk to yours and the publics health......... And eeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwww!
26. No.. it'll spread diseases... unless you maybe legally rent a freezer and have it be kept there for the sake of medical purpose or something, maybe you could. They have bird flu and mad cow diseases so even the living ones are to be terminated, so this will too. It's not safe for the others around...
27. I would say you are very depressed, I would be..however, your wife should have a say in this matter and I don't blame her for protesting the idea of having something like that on display. I would suggest you have the limb put away in the same manner you would be lain to rest...(No physical body lives forever)!
28. Hey you (just me) yes he can it's his fucking leg! you keep it and make sure you get it cos it's yours, they might cut it off for you but it doesn't mean they have the right to keep it
29. Actually, it should be more a question of should the surgeon be allowed to keep it FROM you? It's yours isn't it? Just because it's removed doesn't mean it isn't yours anymore.
30. i know if you want it to be buried you can so just say maybe