I had a coworker who had a similar amputation, and we all joked around a lot but everyone was treating his with kid gloves. When I first joked about his amputation (we were talking about counting steps and I asked if he cut the number in half) he loved it, laughed for minutes. Best joke I ever told because it made a visible difference
I bet you didn't anticipate how much your story of amputation would help people who's lives have changed in ways they can't control and hate to experience. For such ones of us, we may not relate to your physical experience of amputation, but in many ways our mental and emotional journey has been the same. It's wild how there's such a crossover here. I'm thankful I found you when I did. You and I have been going through our own different journeys to wellness but at the same time together. I'm looking forward to starting a new decade, our best decade yet.
My "How'd you loose your leg" top responses: 1. Damned if I know, can you help me find it? 2. Got gangrene (actual truth) 3. Spontaneous Combustion 4. Plane Crash 5. Lightening Strike
@@Ruthavecflute 9. I was always putting my foot in my mouth. 10. I was in the South Pacific and had a run-in with a cannibal tribe. 11. I was a clown and my leg tasted a bit funny. 12. I had too many odd socks and I needed to do something about it. 13 I went through a messy divorce but I managed to keep my arm. 14. I went to Alton Towers.
I'm in a different situation (paraplegic) so it's worded a little different, but "why are you in a wheelchair?" is a very common question...closely followed by "how do you go to the toilet or have sex?"...now those I mind.
I have been asked "What happened to your leg' many times. For example, in my local Food store, by taxi drivers, by street people (tramps) and I have been looked at many times by children. Some have asked if I am a robot. Not one has been offensive. To their questions I try to provide an honest and sensible answer appropriate to their age. Since my final amputation on 31 May 2005 I have only heard one and only one odd comment slung from a speeding car.
David Goodridge people ask me and I’d rather they do then stare at me wondering. I’ll gladly talk about it, I don’t mind. Mostly kids ask and their parents get embarrassed but it’s really okay with me
Dearest No, Thank you, thank you, thank you for making these two videos. I have been struggling through decades of my left foot. Long story short, broke the ball of my foot, had a crappy podiatrist that did the wrong surgery, four more surgeries later and they can no longer screw my foot back together. They won't know until they get in there whether it will be only a partial foot amputation or possibly a below the knee like yours. The bones in my foot are just too brittle and what is left, are not capable of handling screws. It's a big, major, life-changing decision and like you, I believed so many things that I know see are incorrect and would have caused me MAJOR issues so thank you for saving me from those mistakes. Your videos have given me an honest perspective which is greatly appreciated and will be considered with the up most and intellectual decision I will make for my future. There was a reason for you to start these videos and even if you only help just one person, me, or hundreds of others, know that your choice to share your journey has helped. Kudo's and thanks again. Blessings, Grannie Annie from Maine....oops, Grannie Annie from Florida now!
I’m SO thankful for your channel. My injury is nearly identical to yours and I wanted to find someone that was sharing their journey to becoming an amputee but never imagined I’d find my exact situation. My biggest fear moving forward is remembering how ill prepared I was for the recovery time with the original injury and how emotionally taxing it was in ways I was warned about but didn’t anticipate until I was in the throws of it. It was such a dark time for me and I’m nervous to go back into that space. Having your channel though makes me feel more of a sense of community. Even though everyone says “you’re not the only one going through this”, when you’re in the throws of something life altering like that it can be hard to see it. TLDR: Semi annual reminder that what you’re doing here is SO important and helpful beyond what I could ever say in a comment. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
A joke you can tell when people ask you what happened. - I woke up groggy at Subway... And said... WAIT!!!! I asked for a footlong... Not a foot gone. 🥰
So happy for part 2. I had wish they had told me more about dealing with socks and shrinking. That at first you are not wearing you leg all the time and that it takes time to build up to full day with it on and even then i still need to change my liner liner because i sweat so much. You need to write a book about what to expect if you are doing elective amputation. Preparing your home for when you get back from the hospital and rehab ... grab handles , door ways to small for wheelchairs , moving stuff if your in a wheelchair to make it easier to get to . I got lucky and got a grant from the VA to change my shower into a wheel in shower with a bench other wise i would have been screwed.
Amputee humour is the best 😂🦿😂 having to accept that our prosthetists hold the keys to our mobility 😳 - this can cause so much frustration so finding a great prosthetist and working well together to find the best solution takes time and can mean many visits back and forth for the first 2 years. Physiotherapy is so important going into having the chop and afterwards to make sure you learn to use the prosthetic properly to prevent our sound limb compensating and causing issues in the future. A therapist/counsellor is just as important as a prosthetist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist, you go through a rollercoaster of emotions in the first few years 🤗🤗
One of the cool things of youtube is that I get to hear answers to questions I'd probably never ask a person with a different experience like this in person.
Thanks so much for part 2. I don't know what my own ankle situation will be in the future but all the things you say help me consider how long to keep mine. I know, grim, but that's real talk. So I very much appreciate that you share, even the really hard aspects. And heck yes that humor had been key, at least for me, as well. Like James Brown, I like to talk about my 'good foot' 😋
A lot of people who fought hard to keep their foot and eventually lost the battle are usually glad that it is over and that being an amputee is not the end, just a new path (see what I did there?). When my doctor finally said "your going to lose the foot." My response was "cool, finally, I'm tired of fighting this thing" Not telling you to stop fighting. Just letting you know the change is ok
I watch a lot of sailing video's and my inspiration is a young man who's sailing around the world. Focusing on what he can do as a triple amputee ...................... That guy has Heart .............. enjoy
Tiz the season to be jolly etc etc. My friend in Montana came up with the best amputated leg joke I ever heard , especially at Christmas, Q: What do you do with a sawn off leg? A: Makes a great stocking stuffer. Thank You Christie M from Bigfork for this funny. Many thanks to Jo for posing questions and answers that I didn't even think of. Love and gratitude to Jo
New Sub here. I watched a few videos and decided to move all the was down to start at some of the older ones. In about two weeks, I am having a below the knee amputation. I think I am mentally ready for this as I have been fighting a diabetes infection for almost a year and I am dern tired of it. Thanks for your helpful words.
Omg you are so right about everything. Honestly you should make a video about all the little things that add up cost wise that come with being an amputee. Not only clothes but special soap to wash your liners, dry shampoo when you just cannot do a shower, baby wipes when your leg sweats during the day, needing a separate bag to haul all the stuff you need to take with u every single outing etc...I find more stuff daily that I need and its insane! And being on SSI it is hard to afford things that are needed...one need....funny shirts are a must! 💜
I’ve been disabled since birth but it didn’t have a big impact on my mobility as a child or teenager. So much of being disabled is trial and error, trying different mobility aids, different mobility aids for different days or occasions, trying different ways to manage pain or fatigue, trying different adaptations or gadgets to make life easier
I love your videos! In 2018 I had an accident where a literal ton of steel fell on me at work. I was almost able to get out of the way but it caught my right foot. I've been through about 12 surgeries and I still have pretty intense daily pain. I've done a lot of research and I'm currently waiting on a below knee amputation in February and I'm excited but nervous. I had a lot of questions but between your videos and talking with my doctors I believe that I've learned a lot! Everyone is different and I understand that but seeing your progress really gives me hope for the future.
I relate to a lot of these being someone who is two years into a chronic pain condition in my foot. I went from being very super athletic and active to not being able to walk around the block. It's quite an adjustment!
Found your channel today- have all my limbs intact, but came way too close to losing my left leg, below the knee, after a motorcycle accident in the early 80's (laceration followed by infection adjacent to bone.) Have re-injured it since then, and still have problems with it, but it's mostly pain free, although the arthritis is starting to trouble me off and on. Glad you've chosen to share your situation- that might really help some else going through something similar!
Another great list here Jo. It’s really well thought out and explained really well. I wasn’t expecting pain to cause me flashbacks and the other way around! Also, most amputees are hotter then they were before this is because there is less surface area for your body to sweat. Also any form of exercise in the beginning really makes you sweat way more.
Hey Jo! This is so great! All things that super true! You look great, by the way! I had to laugh about the clothing! When Dale went back to work, he could only wear his leg a few hours a day, but he needed to take his pants off to get the let off. It was quite the hilarious situation! Hope things continue to go well. So excited to see you walking--and dancing! You are a great encouragement and a blessing!!
I have a friend who lost his leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident many years ago. First time I met him after, when he'd gotten his prostetic I asked him how it was going. "Head up and foot down, unlike earlier when it was head up and feet down" was his reply. I knew then and there that he would be ok.
Your story resemble what I'm going through right now. I lost half my right foot amputated 4 1/2 years ago. And I have had some sort of sore and multiple infection ever since. Me and my doctor are talking about taking my leg. Hearing you talk about it is helping me think that this might be the right option. Your comment about humor I've already got that covered. My brother said that as soon as I'm healed he's going take me to an ass kicking competition
Lol love your brother!! TY. I'm also thinking I don't want to keep dealing with the pain, infections. Rather do this and get it done and over with. Being female I will introduce myself as Peggy Walker. Had a gratefuly hand guesture your toward my leg. Without breaking a smile. Humor helps Its not a cure-all. How are you doing at this point?
You should consider putting all of you educational/informatively videos in a playlist titled the more you know with footless Jo. Just a thought no pressure
I love when you do these kind of videos. Some of this advice applies to me, even though I haven't lost my leg at this point. Just the knee replacement gone bad.
I totally empathise with how throwing off your balance affects your hole body, particularly the spine. I had a five year recovery after a traumatic fall that then needed multiple surgeries on my right foot and ankle, I considered elective amputation myself on many an occasion. Luckily for me the worst is over (for the most part, some arthritis left that it's too bad now but is likely to get worse with time) but the back pain, neck pain, hip pain, my goodness! I can't work, I can barely get down my own stairs, if I want to go out somewhere like a museum I have to take a wheel chair. I takes a lot of time to recover from having your balance thrown off, especially for so long. I really hope your pains start to mend soon
Hey Jo! I'm so glad I found your channel. My younger brother is a year post surgery and has recently gotten his second prosthetic. He has diabetes and has had a couple of toes previously amputated. He always thought he was prepared for a below the knee amputation, but about a month after he was released from the hospital, it finally kicked in that his leg was gone and has now been diagnosed with PTSD. Have you had to deal with anything like that? Do you have any advice I can pass on to him? I have shown him your channel and he's begun watching. Thank you so much for sharing your story 💜
My motto during rehab and after was "better every day" it helped me get over a lot of issues during my recovery and keep my attitude up. I feel for your brother and let him know there is light up ahead.
When I had to wear a wrist brace at work. Every customer at work had to ask me why I was wearing it. My daughter came up with the best answer. “It keeps my hand from falling off”. Now I use that every time I need to wear a brace. Now I just need one for when I need my cane.
This just popped into my head as a funny summary of your injury that doesn't risk being unfortunate for other people's injuries. Or reduces the odds a lot. "I lost a fight with a horse". Weird enough to maybe clue someone in that they should let it go, true enough to lead into the story if you want to get into it.
I'm not an amputee, but I'm going through an undiagnosed progressive chronic illness. Doctors don't know why I am so sick, or why it's getting worse. I wish someone would have told me sooner that you can feel more miserable than your worst nightmares, and still enjoy being yourself and being in your body. Physical pain and loss of function are not opposite of loving yourself. It can all be true.
Love the vid, would have loved it even more if the 10 things were numerated from 1 to 10 that way it can look really structured. Keep up the great work tho !
6:33I'm missing half my right pointer finger so I can never find a pair of gloves that's fine especially horse riding gloves 😒😁 Also the best thing to do is joke around .♥️♥️
Quick story, when I lost my first leg it happened to be “pirate day” and the nurses fashioned an eye patch and drew a skull and crossbones on the patch before rolling me back to my room. My family ate it up. BTW I had 22” zippers in my slacks to make it easier to put pants on.
I'm on a low dosage of Lyrica for pain. They're great, they chip off the edge of the pain, no miracle cure tho, won't take it all and sometimes not at all. Ironic to write about this atm, since I'm currently awake at 5am due to painsomnia. No sleep for me this night. Soldier on my folks. Soldier on.
Jo, I’ve discovered your channel yesterday, don’t know really how and why but I’d like to tell you that you are a pure class act, you seem to be a strong, intelligent and empathic woman. I sincerely wish the best to you, keep it up 💪🏻 cheers from France
Hi there, this is the 2nd video if seen. I to choose to have my left leg btk. Oct 7 this year. Went well, fell out of chair 3 days home. Not good. Your lucky to have a partner to help you. I have lots to ask even though you have today me alot. I'm not out of chair yet. Had I thought of the knee board ida been letting my dog out myself. Thanks . Hope we talk again.
Hey! Just found this channel on a late night TH-cam spree. And I really really like your vids. Though, I do have a question regarding the clothing thing: What about shoes? Do you have to buy both? Do you get one shoe for half the price? Do you have a friend with the other leg amputated so you can share 1 pair of shoes?
@@shammydammy2610 Ahhhhhhh... ok. I always thought prosthetic were only the material to impersonate the foot, not the foot itself as something you can clothe. Glad I could learn something.
I'm currently awaiting an above knee left leg amputation because of the pain and disability associated with CRPS (pain condition) after having too much knee surgery. In terms of people staring - I have decided to have SpongeBob Squarepants on the socket of the prosthetic leg. I currently use a wheelchair, albeit not all the time right now but already I get started at. I don't like the feeling of vulnerability that goes with it but it is what it is. I'm in the UK and so my prosthesis , follow ups, rehab, psychological support and surgery are all on the NHS. The local authority/council are paying for modifications to my home. So I am incredibly lucky that those costs you speak of will not hinder my progress. My surgery is elective. Right now, I just want the leg gone. It should've been this year but it may be in January. You also mentioned using humour to get though. Thankfully I was raised in an Italian family where humour was always used, no matter how serious something was. So I've decided that once my residual limb has healed fully, I'll get it tattooed (not sure with what though). One my right leg I'm going to have a dotted line with the words "CUT HERE" tattooed on it. Thankyou for your videos. I know I'll get through this one way or another. I have the most amazing medical team, not least because I'm at an enhanced centre for military amputees (I am not military personnel). It's just unfortunate that I have to travel just over 100 miles to get there
Laura, introduce yourself as Peggy Walker. Now that's my joke, but we don't live near each other. Don't smile when you do and a slight glance down, adding a very small guesture towards your leg. Priceless
OK! "What happened to your leg?" It's just the first step, I'm becoming Darth Vader!! I also have a badly mangled foot, I've been watching your journey with interest. Maybe this would be a good route for me, but I'm almost 70 and wonder about the value of such a change this late in my life. What do you think?
I think one of the most important things to remember is that your experience might be different. I had to give up a foot at 60 due to an infection. My prosthetic is certainly better than using a manual wheelchair but after 5 years I still get nervous walking in any but the best floor/ground conditions without at least a cane. For long distances I very much prefer a wheeled "Rollator" walker or a shopping cart so I don't need to concentrate on my balance so much. This might be due to my age making me a bit less daring than Jo. I also have to take the prosthetic off at least eight hours EVERY DAY to give the skin on my residual limb a break from the silicone rubber suspension that holds the prosthetic on. Of course I try to use my sleeping time for that, but there's still those nighttime bathroom visits.
HAHA, I hadn't noticed the focus issue until you were suddenly very close to the camera. Apparently I have eye contact aversion for youtube videos as well as real life. Who knew?!
I've been horse back riding numerous times and have been thrown more that once. One time in the winter a horse I had ridden every weekend stepped in a ice puddle spooked and threw me off and landed on my right foot. Broken right foot. Yep..
I have a couple of mental illnesses and I wished someone told me before hand that it wasn’t normal. I went probably 3 years thinking it was normal not to want to go to school, not to want to have friends, not to want to socialise. And for a year I wanted to commit suicide and I didn’t know that that wasn’t normal. I wish someone told me but still helped me. It legitimately wasn’t until maybe 2 months ago that i found out that it wasn’t normal.
Not to be nosey Jo, but I notice that your house is always impeccably clean. I wonder if you are able to clean on your own, standing, or do you have professional help? Maybe ur hubby? As a soon to be amputee, and I am not walking at all right now, I am unable to do my housework. My husband is having to do most of it.
What a great question - also, thanks for the compliment! We tried to get professional help at first but couldn’t financially sustain it. It’s just me and Brian. We are both pretty tidy people and living in a messy place causes us both a lot of stress so we try to take time to straighten things as often as possible. But it’s been a long process of figuring out how to Balance that after amputation. Wishing you all the best! 💜
@@FootlessJo Maybe some hints / tips on organization of the house and kitchen or cleaning? And how'd u do these things before ur first prosthetic? I stress trying to figure this out before my own surgery. I did see u on the Iwalk vacuuming. tmThat's a disaster waiting to happen for me, as I'm 63.
Question Everything I’m not Jo but I’m an above knee amputee and was a single mum of four at the time. I found crutches were horrible for cooking and cleaning because you never have your hands free and the risk of falling is very real. I strongly suggest a wheelchair, if possible, for at home. This way you have your hands for cooking and cleaning. If you need to stand up you can but you also have the security of having a seat right there for you when you need it. Try to arrange your supplies in an easy to reach location and don’t overdo it. At first you will get very tired and sore, very quickly. Try to do a quick wipe up of the kitchen as you finish grabbing your coffee/tea, etc. If you don’t have help and need to do everything alone aim to throw a load of laundry in as soon as you have a load so you can take your time. Reaching into machines can be uncomfortable and exhausting. If you have the entire day to get through it it will be easier. After your shower give the bath/shower a quick rinse with hot water to avoid having to scrub often. Every night before bed give the toilet a quick wipe down after you use it for the evening. The biggest thing is to stay right on top of thing a to make it as easy as possible. You also need to take it easy on yourself. It’s not easy to keep a spotless house at the best of times. Soon after major surgery it’s just plain unrealistic to expect your home to be spotless. You’ll be to tired and possibly in a lot of pain. Not to mention the emotional toll this will take on you. Even if you think you are totally ready and it’s a good thing it will still be hard and you’ll have good days and bad days. Early ventures into the public will be especially exhausting, no matter how positive your experiences are. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the house if it gets a little unruly sometimes. If ANYONE asks what they can do, if you need help with anything, or tells you to let them know if you need anything TAKE THEM UP ON THE OFFER! Don’t let pride get in the way. I know, first hand, how hard it is but if a new mum is allowed to accept, so is a new amputee! This is major surgery and it’s so important for you to have the time to recover. If you have time before your amputation to prepare several days, or weeks, worth of meals and freeze them, DO IT! That would make it so much easier. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
@@merandareast2552 great answers! To make the bed(I rarely make mine unless snobby company is coming over) I go from corner to corner sitting on my bed, doing it but by bit. Sure it takes longer (not an amutee at this point, do face it likely so I keep being told) I'm dealing with 2 foot surgeries in 3 Weeks, infection. Can't put any weight on my foot. Dishes? Soak them first. Rarely any scrubbing. Do them as soon as you can. Rest, rest, rest in between tasks. Right now I only plan a day one major task. It's way more than enough. Spray the toilet after a flush, when you go in again, use the brush. Next time in wipe off the back, top. Next time in, the bottom. Small easy steps. As above ask for help
@@donnaleeah5075 I do the bed the same way. Lol. I clean the kitchen from my wheelchair so I don’t hurt my back standing and I struggle to bend to put things away. I also sweet and mop from my chair because it’s easier for me than standing. Laundry sucks. No matter what it’s a pain but I break it up and get through it. Everything takes more energy and takes longer but I can still do it.
Omg I'm 26 and on oxygen so every single place I go people ask me what's wrong with me! We aren't totally sure yet so it's hard for me to explain and all I want to do is continue on with my day!
I have a Pfaff and I don’t have to use the foot pedal. It can be controlled by a button and has a speed toggle. My old machine had ONLY the foot pedal so I’d either use it with my left foot (right side AKA) or put the pedal on the table and control it with my hand.
@@Sallymander14 For those of us in the U.S.A. paid medical leave can depend on how many hours you work if you are a hourly employee and when you work a full-time position then it just depends on where you work and what the company's policies are and then how long you are unable to work.
@@eemerson7323 Thanks for letting me know! I know in the UK any kind of 0 hours contract anytime off is unpaid but any part of full time job you normally get paid a percentage of your salary if off for medical reasons. I believe I am paid 100% of my salary for the first 2 months of medical leave, then 75% up to 6 months, then 50% for the remainder of the medical leave. - Interesting to know how other countries work, I can see why it would be hard!
@@Sallymander14 Realistically, both a US and company specific thing. This would fall under disability insurance, which is an optional benefit employers can provide. And as its insurance they have a set of rules for what paid time they offer for what conditon. It's almost always inadequate. There are laws to (kind of) protect you from losing your job for medical leave...but that doesnt help with continuing appointments.
An Amputee joke: Does your husband win all arguments now since you don't have a leg to stand on? The short answer is called an "Elevator speech." It is worth practicing/rehearsing so it is ready in an instant. Both an adult speech and a child speech. I think you could add #10. Amputation will force you to make compromises in your day to day and life long preferences. It is a new birth of a new life. The more one can adapt to compromise, the easier the road will be. Safety and health will be a reason to compromise many head strong ideas. Most will learn this the hard way. Jo, Do you have a physical therapist who has expertise in leg amputations? My wife's PT was of great value in teaching her proper body mechanics. Her amputee support group is lead by a PT who does simple gate tune ups is asked. "You are doing X, ask your prosthetist to see if adjusting Y will help."
YES. Yes I do. It’s ridiculously expensive and we’re tapped out lol. I’m all for socialized healthcare - having medical issues shouldn’t cause people to lost everything (not that we have, but many do).
As a Canadian now in Germany I’d suggest Germany over Canada for this. Not only is all that covered but German law clearly states I have a right to the very best technology and prosthetics available so my health insurance paid for an Ottobock Genium X3, absolutely NOT covered in Alberta!
Because you’ve been on heavy painkillers.. pretty much since a teenager.. how are they planning to ‘ween’ you waaay down? (Now that you’re not going to need them in the future). No one wants to talk about this.. but it IS important and I do wonder. You CAN’T (a word that I hate using)..just.. cut those heavy painkillers you’ve been using right away n half. Also, seeing you said, “I’ll always be in pain, no matter what..” ..is your goal to get off opioids completely.. or no.. not an option for you.
Hey there! Excellent questions! The majority of my chronic pain doesn’t come from my leg - it’s from significant neck issues and a chiari malformation. I’ve come off of all opioids before for over a month (honestly to make sure I still could) about two years ago. I have great supervision from very solid doctors locally. I’m always looking for options to get out of taking pain killers - things like physical activity and yoga, etc - so I do those as often as I can and I’m always trying new things to relieve it. 👍🏻
I'm not a complete idiot. There is a part of me missing. I can never suffer the agony of da feet. (If you are not old enough to Remember ABC's Wide World of Sports th-cam.com/video/x7frGJf77AA/w-d-xo.html (read more) And the story of that ski jumper th-cam.com/video/n_ZvwIFbXMM/w-d-xo.html
I had a coworker who had a similar amputation, and we all joked around a lot but everyone was treating his with kid gloves. When I first joked about his amputation (we were talking about counting steps and I asked if he cut the number in half) he loved it, laughed for minutes. Best joke I ever told because it made a visible difference
What really sucks is only being able to count to 16!
I saw someone with a prosthetic leg and they had a T-shirt on that said “2 cool for 2 legs”
Like it
I bet you didn't anticipate how much your story of amputation would help people who's lives have changed in ways they can't control and hate to experience. For such ones of us, we may not relate to your physical experience of amputation, but in many ways our mental and emotional journey has been the same. It's wild how there's such a crossover here. I'm thankful I found you when I did. You and I have been going through our own different journeys to wellness but at the same time together. I'm looking forward to starting a new decade, our best decade yet.
My "How'd you loose your leg" top responses:
1. Damned if I know, can you help me find it?
2. Got gangrene (actual truth)
3. Spontaneous Combustion
4. Plane Crash
5. Lightening Strike
Tim & Laurie Spencer "biting my toenails and forgot to stop"
6. Eaten by an alien
7. Unfortunate accident with self replicating nanobots
8. Frozen due to a space suit malfunction
@@Ruthavecflute
9. I was always putting my foot in my mouth.
10. I was in the South Pacific and had a run-in with a cannibal tribe.
11. I was a clown and my leg tasted a bit funny.
12. I had too many odd socks and I needed to do something about it.
13 I went through a messy divorce but I managed to keep my arm.
14. I went to Alton Towers.
I can’t imagine asking someone how they lost a limb. That falls into none of my business. You shouldn’t have to deal with that.
I can’t really use my right hand due to a brain injury, and sooooo many strangers (especially cashiers) ask what is wrong with my hand. 😑
I'm in a different situation (paraplegic) so it's worded a little different, but "why are you in a wheelchair?" is a very common question...closely followed by "how do you go to the toilet or have sex?"...now those I mind.
I have been asked "What happened to your leg' many times. For example, in my local Food store, by taxi drivers, by street people (tramps) and I have been looked at many times by children. Some have asked if I am a robot. Not one has been offensive. To their questions I try to provide an honest and sensible answer appropriate to their age. Since my final amputation on 31 May 2005 I have only heard one and only one odd comment slung from a speeding car.
David Goodridge people ask me and I’d rather they do then stare at me wondering. I’ll gladly talk about it, I don’t mind. Mostly kids ask and their parents get embarrassed but it’s really okay with me
Depends on the situation, I would think. If you are already having a conversation then it would seem natural to ask.
Oh and Jo!! When you are at a coffee shop, put a little sign that says " Amputee story...$10 " lol!!!
And Jo, add for an additional $10 you will show them before and after pictures!
Great idea for a t-shirt.
@@malinw1910 they actually have shirts that say that
honestly you're just a nice person to watch/listen to
She has such a lovely voice doesn't she?
Dearest No, Thank you, thank you, thank you for making these two videos. I have been struggling through decades of my left foot. Long story short, broke the ball of my foot, had a crappy podiatrist that did the wrong surgery, four more surgeries later and they can no longer screw my foot back together. They won't know until they get in there whether it will be only a partial foot amputation or possibly a below the knee like yours. The bones in my foot are just too brittle and what is left, are not capable of handling screws.
It's a big, major, life-changing decision and like you, I believed so many things that I know see are incorrect and would have caused me MAJOR issues so thank you for saving me from those mistakes. Your videos have given me an honest perspective which is greatly appreciated and will be considered with the up most and intellectual decision I will make for my future.
There was a reason for you to start these videos and even if you only help just one person, me, or hundreds of others, know that your choice to share your journey has helped. Kudo's and thanks again. Blessings, Grannie Annie from Maine....oops, Grannie Annie from Florida now!
I'd LOVE a t-shirt that says something like "if you want my life story, pay me first."
😆😆😆😆😆
I’m SO thankful for your channel. My injury is nearly identical to yours and I wanted to find someone that was sharing their journey to becoming an amputee but never imagined I’d find my exact situation.
My biggest fear moving forward is remembering how ill prepared I was for the recovery time with the original injury and how emotionally taxing it was in ways I was warned about but didn’t anticipate until I was in the throws of it. It was such a dark time for me and I’m nervous to go back into that space. Having your channel though makes me feel more of a sense of community. Even though everyone says “you’re not the only one going through this”, when you’re in the throws of something life altering like that it can be hard to see it.
TLDR: Semi annual reminder that what you’re doing here is SO important and helpful beyond what I could ever say in a comment. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
A joke you can tell when people ask you what happened. - I woke up groggy at Subway... And said... WAIT!!!! I asked for a footlong... Not a foot gone. 🥰
😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂🤣😂
So happy for part 2. I had wish they had told me more about dealing with socks and shrinking. That at first you are not wearing you leg all the time and that it takes time to build up to full day with it on and even then i still need to change my liner liner because i sweat so much. You need to write a book about what to expect if you are doing elective amputation. Preparing your home for when you get back from the hospital and rehab ... grab handles , door ways to small for wheelchairs , moving stuff if your in a wheelchair to make it easier to get to . I got lucky and got a grant from the VA to change my shower into a wheel in shower with a bench other wise i would have been screwed.
Amputee humour is the best 😂🦿😂 having to accept that our prosthetists hold the keys to our mobility 😳 - this can cause so much frustration so finding a great prosthetist and working well together to find the best solution takes time and can mean many visits back and forth for the first 2 years. Physiotherapy is so important going into having the chop and afterwards to make sure you learn to use the prosthetic properly to prevent our sound limb compensating and causing issues in the future. A therapist/counsellor is just as important as a prosthetist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist, you go through a rollercoaster of emotions in the first few years 🤗🤗
One of the cool things of youtube is that I get to hear answers to questions I'd probably never ask a person with a different experience like this in person.
Thanks so much for part 2. I don't know what my own ankle situation will be in the future but all the things you say help me consider how long to keep mine. I know, grim, but that's real talk. So I very much appreciate that you share, even the really hard aspects. And heck yes that humor had been key, at least for me, as well. Like James Brown, I like to talk about my 'good foot' 😋
A lot of people who fought hard to keep their foot and eventually lost the battle are usually glad that it is over and that being an amputee is not the end, just a new path (see what I did there?).
When my doctor finally said "your going to lose the foot." My response was "cool, finally, I'm tired of fighting this thing"
Not telling you to stop fighting. Just letting you know the change is ok
I watch a lot of sailing video's and my inspiration is a young man who's sailing around the world. Focusing on what he can do as a triple amputee ...................... That guy has Heart .............. enjoy
YES!!! Great point about the rest of your body getting sore! I still have muscle spasms in my back almost daily. Heat pads!!!!!!!!!!!
Tiz the season to be jolly etc etc. My friend in Montana came up with the best amputated leg joke I ever heard , especially at Christmas, Q: What do you do with a sawn off leg? A: Makes a great stocking stuffer. Thank You Christie M from Bigfork for this funny. Many thanks to Jo for posing questions and answers that I didn't even think of. Love and gratitude to Jo
This is ur best video for those of us who will undergo this surgery.
@Footless Jo >>> I love your view toward humor.
You are DEFINITELY _a cut above_ the rest...😝😝😝
New Sub here. I watched a few videos and decided to move all the was down to start at some of the older ones. In about two weeks, I am having a below the knee amputation. I think I am mentally ready for this as I have been fighting a diabetes infection for almost a year and I am dern tired of it. Thanks for your helpful words.
Omg you are so right about everything. Honestly you should make a video about all the little things that add up cost wise that come with being an amputee. Not only clothes but special soap to wash your liners, dry shampoo when you just cannot do a shower, baby wipes when your leg sweats during the day, needing a separate bag to haul all the stuff you need to take with u every single outing etc...I find more stuff daily that I need and its insane! And being on SSI it is hard to afford things that are needed...one need....funny shirts are a must! 💜
I’ve been disabled since birth but it didn’t have a big impact on my mobility as a child or teenager. So much of being disabled is trial and error, trying different mobility aids, different mobility aids for different days or occasions, trying different ways to manage pain or fatigue, trying different adaptations or gadgets to make life easier
Spot on Jo! I have gone through all of this and it comforts me to here it out loud.
I love your videos! In 2018 I had an accident where a literal ton of steel fell on me at work. I was almost able to get out of the way but it caught my right foot. I've been through about 12 surgeries and I still have pretty intense daily pain. I've done a lot of research and I'm currently waiting on a below knee amputation in February and I'm excited but nervous. I had a lot of questions but between your videos and talking with my doctors I believe that I've learned a lot! Everyone is different and I understand that but seeing your progress really gives me hope for the future.
I relate to a lot of these being someone who is two years into a chronic pain condition in my foot. I went from being very super athletic and active to not being able to walk around the block. It's quite an adjustment!
Found your channel today- have all my limbs intact, but came way too close to losing my left leg, below the knee, after a motorcycle accident in the early 80's (laceration followed by infection adjacent to bone.) Have re-injured it since then, and still have problems with it, but it's mostly pain free, although the arthritis is starting to trouble me off and on.
Glad you've chosen to share your situation- that might really help some else going through something similar!
Very accurate and great points! 🌻 I hope to God you reach so many people Jo, you are a light.
Aw so sweet! Thank you!!!
Another great list here Jo. It’s really well thought out and explained really well. I wasn’t expecting pain to cause me flashbacks and the other way around! Also, most amputees are hotter then they were before this is because there is less surface area for your body to sweat. Also any form of exercise in the beginning really makes you sweat way more.
Interesting. One of those things that makes complete sence but I wouldn't have thought of it.
Hey Jo! This is so great! All things that super true! You look great, by the way! I had to laugh about the clothing! When Dale went back to work, he could only wear his leg a few hours a day, but he needed to take his pants off to get the let off. It was quite the hilarious situation! Hope things continue to go well. So excited to see you walking--and dancing! You are a great encouragement and a blessing!!
I have a friend who lost his leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident many years ago. First time I met him after, when he'd gotten his prostetic I asked him how it was going. "Head up and foot down, unlike earlier when it was head up and feet down" was his reply. I knew then and there that he would be ok.
Losing a leg, it's not cheap : rootless jo -
Your story resemble what I'm going through right now. I lost half my right foot amputated 4 1/2 years ago. And I have had some sort of sore and multiple infection ever since. Me and my doctor are talking about taking my leg. Hearing you talk about it is helping me think that this might be the right option. Your comment about humor I've already got that covered. My brother said that as soon as I'm healed he's going take me to an ass kicking competition
Lol love your brother!! TY. I'm also thinking I don't want to keep dealing with the pain, infections. Rather do this and get it done and over with. Being female I will introduce myself as Peggy Walker. Had a gratefuly hand guesture your toward my leg. Without breaking a smile. Humor helps Its not a cure-all. How are you doing at this point?
I’m learning a lot from you. Thank you.
You should consider putting all of you educational/informatively videos in a playlist titled the more you know with footless Jo. Just a thought no pressure
I love when you do these kind of videos. Some of this advice applies to me, even though I haven't lost my leg at this point. Just the knee replacement gone bad.
I totally empathise with how throwing off your balance affects your hole body, particularly the spine. I had a five year recovery after a traumatic fall that then needed multiple surgeries on my right foot and ankle, I considered elective amputation myself on many an occasion. Luckily for me the worst is over (for the most part, some arthritis left that it's too bad now but is likely to get worse with time) but the back pain, neck pain, hip pain, my goodness! I can't work, I can barely get down my own stairs, if I want to go out somewhere like a museum I have to take a wheel chair. I takes a lot of time to recover from having your balance thrown off, especially for so long. I really hope your pains start to mend soon
Hey Jo! I'm so glad I found your channel. My younger brother is a year post surgery and has recently gotten his second prosthetic. He has diabetes and has had a couple of toes previously amputated. He always thought he was prepared for a below the knee amputation, but about a month after he was released from the hospital, it finally kicked in that his leg was gone and has now been diagnosed with PTSD. Have you had to deal with anything like that? Do you have any advice I can pass on to him? I have shown him your channel and he's begun watching. Thank you so much for sharing your story 💜
My motto during rehab and after was "better every day" it helped me get over a lot of issues during my recovery and keep my attitude up. I feel for your brother and let him know there is light up ahead.
@@jimparker9345 Thank you so much, Jim! I will tell him 😁💜
Externally I still have all my parts but internally I have chunks of platinum and find that humor has helped during recuperation
YOU ARE AS THE HEAVEN S' ARE AS WE NEED...SERENITY COURAGE
Awesome job as always Jo
So I noticed that about 10% of your views like the video. More people should like your videos! They are so good!
T-shirt idea
How I lost my leg:
[ ] Shark attack
[ ] A dog at my foot
[ ] Industrial saw
[✓] Elective amputation
Amanda Scherer cool 😎 that way she won’t have to go through the horrible memories
When I had to wear a wrist brace at work. Every customer at work had to ask me why I was wearing it. My daughter came up with the best answer. “It keeps my hand from falling off”. Now I use that every time I need to wear a brace. Now I just need one for when I need my cane.
inthewindago “it’s for hitting people that ask me about it”
This just popped into my head as a funny summary of your injury that doesn't risk being unfortunate for other people's injuries. Or reduces the odds a lot. "I lost a fight with a horse". Weird enough to maybe clue someone in that they should let it go, true enough to lead into the story if you want to get into it.
I'm not an amputee, but I'm going through an undiagnosed progressive chronic illness. Doctors don't know why I am so sick, or why it's getting worse. I wish someone would have told me sooner that you can feel more miserable than your worst nightmares, and still enjoy being yourself and being in your body. Physical pain and loss of function are not opposite of loving yourself. It can all be true.
Love the vid, would have loved it even more if the 10 things were numerated from 1 to 10 that way it can look really structured. Keep up the great work tho !
chessy m Life isn’t structured tho...
Everything you said is so true!👍
i love you so much your such an inspiration💘💘💘💘
Welcome to the club!
8:00 My left leg and butt cheek is much bigger than the right. This effects how I sit, because when sitting by hips aren't straight.
Same but on the opposite side, one of the technicians at my centre offered to shape a foam butt pad so I’m more even 🤣😂🤣 I declined 😂🤗
@@bluedeva I just figure I can please girls who like big butts *AND* skinny butts.
An amputation...? you do know those are like permanent right...?
.
.
.(like people say with tattoos)
Shout out to "amputeeOT" great info. Helped me.
that channel is AWESOME!!!! Totally agree!!!
11:00 Yea, but Jo, I'm right. Pin locks are best (for me). 😜
6:33I'm missing half my right pointer finger so I can never find a pair of gloves that's fine especially horse riding gloves 😒😁
Also the best thing to do is joke around .♥️♥️
Me too! I also ride and have a hard time finding gloves I like. I eventually found a pair and cut the extra off then resewed the end.
Quick story, when I lost my first leg it happened to be “pirate day” and the nurses fashioned an eye patch and drew a skull and crossbones on the patch before rolling me back to my room. My family ate it up. BTW I had 22” zippers in my slacks to make it easier to put pants on.
Nurses are angels.
You’ll get no complaint from me. I too think they’re a gift from God
I'm on a low dosage of Lyrica for pain. They're great, they chip off the edge of the pain, no miracle cure tho, won't take it all and sometimes not at all. Ironic to write about this atm, since I'm currently awake at 5am due to painsomnia. No sleep for me this night. Soldier on my folks. Soldier on.
Jo, I’ve discovered your channel yesterday, don’t know really how and why but I’d like to tell you that you are a pure class act, you seem to be a strong, intelligent and empathic woman. I sincerely wish the best to you, keep it up 💪🏻 cheers from France
Hi there, this is the 2nd video if seen. I to choose to have my left leg btk. Oct 7 this year. Went well, fell out of chair 3 days home. Not good. Your lucky to have a partner to help you. I have lots to ask even though you have today me alot. I'm not out of chair yet. Had I thought of the knee board ida been letting my dog out myself. Thanks . Hope we talk again.
How did you lose your leg?
Look down at your leg and say: OMG, where did it go? It was there this morning!
Hey! Just found this channel on a late night TH-cam spree. And I really really like your vids.
Though, I do have a question regarding the clothing thing:
What about shoes? Do you have to buy both? Do you get one shoe for half the price? Do you have a friend with the other leg amputated so you can share 1 pair of shoes?
You put shoes on the prosthetic foot if you have one.
@@shammydammy2610 Ahhhhhhh... ok. I always thought prosthetic were only the material to impersonate the foot, not the foot itself as something you can clothe.
Glad I could learn something.
Love you Jo!!!
I'm currently awaiting an above knee left leg amputation because of the pain and disability associated with CRPS (pain condition) after having too much knee surgery.
In terms of people staring - I have decided to have SpongeBob Squarepants on the socket of the prosthetic leg.
I currently use a wheelchair, albeit not all the time right now but already I get started at. I don't like the feeling of vulnerability that goes with it but it is what it is.
I'm in the UK and so my prosthesis , follow ups, rehab, psychological support and surgery are all on the NHS.
The local authority/council are paying for modifications to my home.
So I am incredibly lucky that those costs you speak of will not hinder my progress.
My surgery is elective. Right now, I just want the leg gone. It should've been this year but it may be in January.
You also mentioned using humour to get though. Thankfully I was raised in an Italian family where humour was always used, no matter how serious something was.
So I've decided that once my residual limb has healed fully,
I'll get it tattooed (not sure with what though).
One my right leg I'm going to have a dotted line with the words "CUT HERE" tattooed on it.
Thankyou for your videos. I know I'll get through this one way or another.
I have the most amazing medical team, not least because I'm at an enhanced centre for military amputees (I am not military personnel). It's just unfortunate that I have to travel just over 100 miles to get there
Laura, introduce yourself as Peggy Walker. Now that's my joke, but we don't live near each other. Don't smile when you do and a slight glance down, adding a very small guesture towards your leg. Priceless
Lol i do the same if I don't feel like talking haha does help I live on the Cape
Lost my foot to save me life. Way way harder than I ever imagined Walking one month and it’s still hard.
OK! "What happened to your leg?" It's just the first step, I'm becoming Darth Vader!!
I also have a badly mangled foot, I've been watching your journey with interest. Maybe this would be a good route for me, but I'm almost 70 and wonder about the value of such a change this late in my life. What do you think?
I think one of the most important things to remember is that your experience might be different.
I had to give up a foot at 60 due to an infection. My prosthetic is certainly better than using a manual wheelchair but after 5 years I still get nervous walking in any but the best floor/ground conditions without at least a cane. For long distances I very much prefer a wheeled "Rollator" walker or a shopping cart so I don't need to concentrate on my balance so much. This might be due to my age making me a bit less daring than Jo.
I also have to take the prosthetic off at least eight hours EVERY DAY to give the skin on my residual limb a break from the silicone rubber suspension that holds the prosthetic on. Of course I try to use my sleeping time for that, but there's still those nighttime bathroom visits.
You should add onto your "I can see you staring at me" and put "Amputation story; Foot went Bye Bye" on the back
Reminds me of the line from Mary Poppins.... " I once met a man with a wooden leg named Smith. " "Really? What was the name of his other leg?"
Nice love Brian pasco
LBKA TALKING ABOUT PHANTOM pain i get really bad cramps in my left ankle .
Hi I love you and your videos hope you see this
Nice! Another introvert who also has intense conversations with strangers. Wow did I feel alone on that.
HAHA, I hadn't noticed the focus issue until you were suddenly very close to the camera. Apparently I have eye contact aversion for youtube videos as well as real life. Who knew?!
"Gotta watch out for gerbils man"
I've been horse back riding numerous times and have been thrown more that once. One time in the winter a horse I had ridden every weekend stepped in a ice puddle spooked and threw me off and landed on my right foot. Broken right foot. Yep..
I have a couple of mental illnesses and I wished someone told me before hand that it wasn’t normal. I went probably 3 years thinking it was normal not to want to go to school, not to want to have friends, not to want to socialise. And for a year I wanted to commit suicide and I didn’t know that that wasn’t normal. I wish someone told me but still helped me. It legitimately wasn’t until maybe 2 months ago that i found out that it wasn’t normal.
Not to be nosey Jo, but I notice that your house is always impeccably clean. I wonder if you are able to clean on your own, standing, or do you have professional help? Maybe ur hubby? As a soon to be amputee, and I am not walking at all right now, I am unable to do my housework. My husband is having to do most of it.
What a great question - also, thanks for the compliment! We tried to get professional help at first but couldn’t financially sustain it. It’s just me and Brian. We are both pretty tidy people and living in a messy place causes us both a lot of stress so we try to take time to straighten things as often as possible. But it’s been a long process of figuring out how to Balance that after amputation. Wishing you all the best! 💜
@@FootlessJo Maybe some hints / tips on organization of the house and kitchen or cleaning?
And how'd u do these things before ur first prosthetic? I stress trying to figure this out before my own surgery. I did see u on the Iwalk vacuuming. tmThat's a disaster waiting to happen for me, as I'm 63.
Question Everything I’m not Jo but I’m an above knee amputee and was a single mum of four at the time. I found crutches were horrible for cooking and cleaning because you never have your hands free and the risk of falling is very real. I strongly suggest a wheelchair, if possible, for at home. This way you have your hands for cooking and cleaning. If you need to stand up you can but you also have the security of having a seat right there for you when you need it. Try to arrange your supplies in an easy to reach location and don’t overdo it. At first you will get very tired and sore, very quickly. Try to do a quick wipe up of the kitchen as you finish grabbing your coffee/tea, etc. If you don’t have help and need to do everything alone aim to throw a load of laundry in as soon as you have a load so you can take your time. Reaching into machines can be uncomfortable and exhausting. If you have the entire day to get through it it will be easier. After your shower give the bath/shower a quick rinse with hot water to avoid having to scrub often. Every night before bed give the toilet a quick wipe down after you use it for the evening. The biggest thing is to stay right on top of thing a to make it as easy as possible. You also need to take it easy on yourself. It’s not easy to keep a spotless house at the best of times. Soon after major surgery it’s just plain unrealistic to expect your home to be spotless. You’ll be to tired and possibly in a lot of pain. Not to mention the emotional toll this will take on you. Even if you think you are totally ready and it’s a good thing it will still be hard and you’ll have good days and bad days. Early ventures into the public will be especially exhausting, no matter how positive your experiences are. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the house if it gets a little unruly sometimes. If ANYONE asks what they can do, if you need help with anything, or tells you to let them know if you need anything TAKE THEM UP ON THE OFFER! Don’t let pride get in the way. I know, first hand, how hard it is but if a new mum is allowed to accept, so is a new amputee! This is major surgery and it’s so important for you to have the time to recover. If you have time before your amputation to prepare several days, or weeks, worth of meals and freeze them, DO IT! That would make it so much easier. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
@@merandareast2552 great answers! To make the bed(I rarely make mine unless snobby company is coming over) I go from corner to corner sitting on my bed, doing it but by bit. Sure it takes longer (not an amutee at this point, do face it likely so I keep being told) I'm dealing with 2 foot surgeries in 3 Weeks, infection. Can't put any weight on my foot. Dishes? Soak them first. Rarely any scrubbing. Do them as soon as you can. Rest, rest, rest in between tasks. Right now I only plan a day one major task. It's way more than enough. Spray the toilet after a flush, when you go in again, use the brush. Next time in wipe off the back, top. Next time in, the bottom. Small easy steps. As above ask for help
@@donnaleeah5075 I do the bed the same way. Lol. I clean the kitchen from my wheelchair so I don’t hurt my back standing and I struggle to bend to put things away. I also sweet and mop from my chair because it’s easier for me than standing. Laundry sucks. No matter what it’s a pain but I break it up and get through it. Everything takes more energy and takes longer but I can still do it.
Omg I'm 26 and on oxygen so every single place I go people ask me what's wrong with me! We aren't totally sure yet so it's hard for me to explain and all I want to do is continue on with my day!
Wish you enjoy your journey
@@mydaothixuan6214 thank you so much I appreciate the support
she is so beautiful!!!😍
Idk if any sewers will find this but if you do and you are missing a limb how do you use a sewing mechine.
You dont have to use the foot pedal. You can just turn it off and on with the normal dial.
I have a Pfaff and I don’t have to use the foot pedal. It can be controlled by a button and has a speed toggle. My old machine had ONLY the foot pedal so I’d either use it with my left foot (right side AKA) or put the pedal on the table and control it with my hand.
How long can you wear your prosthetic leg each day before it start to hurt
It totally depends on the day - lately it’s been a couple hours at a time!
Thanks
Did you still get paid while having time off of work?
I wish! 😉 I do not.
@@FootlessJo is that a US thing or a your work thing? That's insane!
@@Sallymander14 For those of us in the U.S.A. paid medical leave can depend on how many hours you work if you are a hourly employee and when you work a full-time position then it just depends on where you work and what the company's policies are and then how long you are unable to work.
@@eemerson7323 Thanks for letting me know! I know in the UK any kind of 0 hours contract anytime off is unpaid but any part of full time job you normally get paid a percentage of your salary if off for medical reasons. I believe I am paid 100% of my salary for the first 2 months of medical leave, then 75% up to 6 months, then 50% for the remainder of the medical leave. - Interesting to know how other countries work, I can see why it would be hard!
@@Sallymander14 Realistically, both a US and company specific thing. This would fall under disability insurance, which is an optional benefit employers can provide. And as its insurance they have a set of rules for what paid time they offer for what conditon. It's almost always inadequate. There are laws to (kind of) protect you from losing your job for medical leave...but that doesnt help with continuing appointments.
Anyone suggest dressing up as a pirate (with peg leg) for Halloween parties? Such a costume would be a contest winner!
hi!
An Amputee joke: Does your husband win all arguments now since you don't have a leg to stand on?
The short answer is called an "Elevator speech." It is worth practicing/rehearsing so it is ready in an instant. Both an adult speech and a child speech.
I think you could add #10. Amputation will force you to make compromises in your day to day and life long preferences. It is a new birth of a new life. The more one can adapt to compromise, the easier the road will be. Safety and health will be a reason to compromise many head strong ideas. Most will learn this the hard way.
Jo, Do you have a physical therapist who has expertise in leg amputations? My wife's PT was of great value in teaching her proper body mechanics. Her amputee support group is lead by a PT who does simple gate tune ups is asked. "You are doing X, ask your prosthetist to see if adjusting Y will help."
I want to be first, and I keep missing it.
I tell them it was the only part of me that wanted to run.
❤
Did you make this joke before”I lost where I put my leg”
Woah I'm early
Don't you wish you were a Canadian? All operations and follow-up health care are free.
YES. Yes I do. It’s ridiculously expensive and we’re tapped out lol. I’m all for socialized healthcare - having medical issues shouldn’t cause people to lost everything (not that we have, but many do).
As a Canadian now in Germany I’d suggest Germany over Canada for this. Not only is all that covered but German law clearly states I have a right to the very best technology and prosthetics available so my health insurance paid for an Ottobock Genium X3, absolutely NOT covered in Alberta!
Added expense, walk'in bath tub $7,000.
❤🌞🌼
Have you ever thought people are staring at you because your beutiful.xxx
👏👍🧡
Because you’ve been on heavy painkillers.. pretty much since a teenager.. how are they planning to ‘ween’ you waaay down? (Now that you’re not going to need them in the future).
No one wants to talk about this.. but it IS important and I do wonder. You CAN’T (a word that I hate using)..just.. cut those heavy painkillers you’ve been using right away n half. Also, seeing you said, “I’ll always be in pain, no matter what..” ..is your goal to get off opioids completely.. or no.. not an option for you.
Hey there! Excellent questions! The majority of my chronic pain doesn’t come from my leg - it’s from significant neck issues and a chiari malformation. I’ve come off of all opioids before for over a month (honestly to make sure I still could) about two years ago. I have great supervision from very solid doctors locally. I’m always looking for options to get out of taking pain killers - things like physical activity and yoga, etc - so I do those as often as I can and I’m always trying new things to relieve it. 👍🏻
First
I'm not a complete idiot. There is a part of me missing.
I can never suffer the agony of da feet.
(If you are not old enough to Remember ABC's Wide World of Sports
th-cam.com/video/x7frGJf77AA/w-d-xo.html (read more)
And the story of that ski jumper
th-cam.com/video/n_ZvwIFbXMM/w-d-xo.html
If people don't like your humour they can just hop off somewhere else!
I will never subscribe to her channel, I asked her a question to which she never replied. 👎