I love that "amputated third arm" analogy. A third arm is not necessary, but to have one grafted in and allowed to become part of you, to grow accustomed to it, and then to have it unexpectedly amputated is pretty much on par with what I was feeling.

My own analogy was meant to convey an "I can't win, no matter what" feeling. My ex, along with his family and friends, had their minds made up that everything I did was evil. Ex could do no wrong; I could do no right. If I was the victim of an injustice, I would be blamed, but then if I tried to stand up for myself, I suddenly became the aggressor. Anything and everything could be done to me, and that was perfectly fine. I do anything in response, and I'm called all kinds of filthy names.