I was 11 when I lost my leg to bone cancer. I tried prosthetics, but they always hurt and they were uncomfortable to wear, so I just slowly stopped wearing my prosthetic and used crutches instead. I totally stopped wearing my prosthetic by the time I was 13. Ive been on crutches ever since. I just turned 26 and I have no plans of ever getting a prosthetic again, I am way more comfortable on crutches after 13 years its like second nature to me now. no maintenance, no washing liners, and no pain.
But you really ARE amazing! 🤪 Seriously, though, you’re amazing because you take the time out of your days to make videos like these, or the exercise videos you have on your Insta subscription channel, or just to leave words of encouragement on other amputees’ social media (especially when they’re struggling). It’s those things that make you truly amazing. 🧡 As for the questions in your video… I just celebrated my 1-year ampuversary last week so I’m still relatively new. That said, I did have my very first “you’re such an inspiration!!” random encounter last month. I was in the elevator either going to or coming from PT (I can’t remember which) when a lady got on the elevator with me and proceeded to start chatting me up, and dove almost instantaneously into my prosthetic leg. I was alone, trapped in an elevator with a complete stranger who thought it was okay to start asking all these personal questions: “Oh, was it cancer? Diabetes? Does your leg sweat a lot? Does it hurt?” Oil of oy vey!! 😅 And then as she got off the elevator at her floor, it was, “You’re such an inspiration! Keep on doing it!” Of course, I was like “it? What it? Living my life?” Yeah, totally random. At least when people online who’ve followed my journey say it, I know where they’re coming from. 😂 Anyway, as for the devotees… omg I just encountered my first one! He “slid into my DMs” (ha) to say how “beautiful” I was and how he “appreciated” that I shared about my amputation experience and would I be willing to share more pictures with him… Eww. Just ewww! Dude, if I’m going to be taking pics of my stubby nub for the internet, I’ll be making an OnlyFans to make some money off it, not just share with some rando who found me from an amputee group. 🙄😅 It’s wild out there. And it boggles my mind that so many people feel entitled to know your story. Prior to my amputation, my leg was awful. Two to three times its natural size and usually either a deep red or purple color, and exposed for everyone to see because I couldn’t stand for anything (not even bedsheets) touching it at any time. The sheer number of people who felt it not only okay but outright appropriate to ask about it still blows my mind. It’s one thing to acknowledge it and say something like, “Ooh, that looks like it hurts,” as opposed to, “what’s wrong with your foot?” (Unless it’s a child asking; that’s something else entirely.) But anyway… as for the gait thing… I’ve had one person ask me about it, and it was my new boss when I met her in person. She blurted out, “Will your gait ever get better?” Then gave me a horrified look and asked, “Is that okay to ask? I’m so sorry. I’m an ass.” 😂 I told her it was fine for her to ask and that I still go to PT 2x a week to work on things like gait and strengthening muscles I mostly didn’t use for 7 years when I couldn’t walk much. It will be 6 months since she’s seen me when I see her next week and my gait is much improved now, but still not perfect. It’ll never be “perfect.” But it’s a hell of a lot better than it was even 6 months ago, so I’ll take every win I can get my hands on! 🧡
Wow this comment is so inspirational 😜 But in all seriousness i do Love it!!! Thank you so much for your kind words! 🧡 I'm really grateful that I can offer support and create content that resonates with you and others in our community. It means a lot to hear that it's making a difference, especially from someone who's on their own journey like you are. Congrats on your 1-year ampuversary, by the way! Your elevator story hits so close to home. It’s wild how people can just dive into our personal lives without thinking twice, right? I mean, being "trapped" in an elevator with someone who thinks it’s cool to ask all those questions... I feel you! As for the devotee situation, wow, that’s a new level of creepy. I’m glad you handled it with humor because, yeah, no one should feel entitled to your story or your pictures. Your approach is spot on-if you’re going to share something, it should be on your terms. And your boss-well, at least she realized how her question came across? It’s always tricky when people mean well but don’t quite hit the mark. It sounds like you handled it with grace, though, and it's awesome that you're working so hard on your gait. I’m sure she’ll see a big difference when she sees you again. Keep on doing your thing-you’re doing great! Thanks again for sharing all this with me. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do. 💪😊
I love the comment about the work it takes to get good at something. That’s true for all of us, but the stakes seem higher when you have a visible disability. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the shoutout and for mentioning osseointegration! You’re right, it’s not for everyone, and only a surgeon can make the determination if you are a candidate after testing and imaging. I tell people I don’t think it’s ever going to be the top option, but it’s nice to have the option if other suspensions have failed, or even if there are perceived failures due to skin issues (especially burns/skin grafts) or a very short limb. What’s right for me isn’t right for everyone, but everyone should be educated on their options.
Thanks for sharing your insights! You're absolutely right-osseointegration isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and it really depends on each person’s specific situation. It’s great that you’re helping to spread awareness and encourage people to stay educated on their options. Having that knowledge can make all the difference. Thanks again for adding to the conversation!
Isn't it just "lovely" when nice people say over simplified phrases such as, "It will all work out in the end." Or, "It was meant to be." Or, "Don't worry, it will get better." Perhaps they need to hear them selves say "comforting" phrases or giving advice because that will help comfort them selves. A lovely woman once told me about what her friend suggested to her after her oldest son was murdered. The friend said it was "meant to be" so that she could have more time to spend with her two younger children. The darnedest things people say and do - right? Thinking before saying or doing something seems to be a lot like common sense. (And where has that gone to?) I would agree that it is easier to see, say, and do things in a black and white perspective. But that just implies that ones own comfort in experiencing life is more important taking the time and effort to develop an emphatic view of others. What would happen if we were slower to "swipe" left or right? (Or stop swiping altogether?)
It’s true that people often say these kinds of phrases with good intentions, but they can come off as dismissive or even hurtful, especially in situations like the one you described. It feels like sometimes, these words are more about the speaker’s discomfort with not knowing what to say rather than offering real comfort. People tend to default to simple, generalized responses when faced with something complex or tragic, almost as if they’re trying to wrap it up neatly because sitting in discomfort is hard. But as you said, taking a moment to think about the impact of our words and really understanding someone else’s pain could go so much further. Developing empathy isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely necessary if we want to connect on a deeper level. And your point about slowing down in life, rather than swiping left or right through it, is so important. If we were more intentional in how we approach others, maybe those automatic, oversimplified responses would happen less. I really appreciate your thoughtful take.
this is an eye-opener. thanks for the info. my first glimpse into your world.
I was 11 when I lost my leg to bone cancer. I tried prosthetics, but they always hurt and they were uncomfortable to wear, so I just slowly stopped wearing my prosthetic and used crutches instead. I totally stopped wearing my prosthetic by the time I was 13. Ive been on crutches ever since. I just turned 26 and I have no plans of ever getting a prosthetic again, I am way more comfortable on crutches after 13 years its like second nature to me now. no maintenance, no washing liners, and no pain.
But you really ARE amazing! 🤪 Seriously, though, you’re amazing because you take the time out of your days to make videos like these, or the exercise videos you have on your Insta subscription channel, or just to leave words of encouragement on other amputees’ social media (especially when they’re struggling). It’s those things that make you truly amazing. 🧡
As for the questions in your video… I just celebrated my 1-year ampuversary last week so I’m still relatively new. That said, I did have my very first “you’re such an inspiration!!” random encounter last month. I was in the elevator either going to or coming from PT (I can’t remember which) when a lady got on the elevator with me and proceeded to start chatting me up, and dove almost instantaneously into my prosthetic leg. I was alone, trapped in an elevator with a complete stranger who thought it was okay to start asking all these personal questions: “Oh, was it cancer? Diabetes? Does your leg sweat a lot? Does it hurt?” Oil of oy vey!! 😅 And then as she got off the elevator at her floor, it was, “You’re such an inspiration! Keep on doing it!” Of course, I was like “it? What it? Living my life?” Yeah, totally random. At least when people online who’ve followed my journey say it, I know where they’re coming from. 😂
Anyway, as for the devotees… omg I just encountered my first one! He “slid into my DMs” (ha) to say how “beautiful” I was and how he “appreciated” that I shared about my amputation experience and would I be willing to share more pictures with him… Eww. Just ewww! Dude, if I’m going to be taking pics of my stubby nub for the internet, I’ll be making an OnlyFans to make some money off it, not just share with some rando who found me from an amputee group. 🙄😅
It’s wild out there. And it boggles my mind that so many people feel entitled to know your story. Prior to my amputation, my leg was awful. Two to three times its natural size and usually either a deep red or purple color, and exposed for everyone to see because I couldn’t stand for anything (not even bedsheets) touching it at any time. The sheer number of people who felt it not only okay but outright appropriate to ask about it still blows my mind. It’s one thing to acknowledge it and say something like, “Ooh, that looks like it hurts,” as opposed to, “what’s wrong with your foot?” (Unless it’s a child asking; that’s something else entirely.)
But anyway… as for the gait thing… I’ve had one person ask me about it, and it was my new boss when I met her in person. She blurted out, “Will your gait ever get better?” Then gave me a horrified look and asked, “Is that okay to ask? I’m so sorry. I’m an ass.” 😂 I told her it was fine for her to ask and that I still go to PT 2x a week to work on things like gait and strengthening muscles I mostly didn’t use for 7 years when I couldn’t walk much. It will be 6 months since she’s seen me when I see her next week and my gait is much improved now, but still not perfect. It’ll never be “perfect.” But it’s a hell of a lot better than it was even 6 months ago, so I’ll take every win I can get my hands on! 🧡
Wow this comment is so inspirational 😜 But in all seriousness i do Love it!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🧡 I'm really grateful that I can offer support and create content that resonates with you and others in our community. It means a lot to hear that it's making a difference, especially from someone who's on their own journey like you are. Congrats on your 1-year ampuversary, by the way!
Your elevator story hits so close to home. It’s wild how people can just dive into our personal lives without thinking twice, right? I mean, being "trapped" in an elevator with someone who thinks it’s cool to ask all those questions... I feel you!
As for the devotee situation, wow, that’s a new level of creepy. I’m glad you handled it with humor because, yeah, no one should feel entitled to your story or your pictures. Your approach is spot on-if you’re going to share something, it should be on your terms.
And your boss-well, at least she realized how her question came across? It’s always tricky when people mean well but don’t quite hit the mark. It sounds like you handled it with grace, though, and it's awesome that you're working so hard on your gait. I’m sure she’ll see a big difference when she sees you again. Keep on doing your thing-you’re doing great!
Thanks again for sharing all this with me. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do. 💪😊
I love the comment about the work it takes to get good at something. That’s true for all of us, but the stakes seem higher when you have a visible disability. Thank you for sharing!
I totally agree-putting in the work is key! I'm really happy that this message connected with you!
Thanks for the shoutout and for mentioning osseointegration!
You’re right, it’s not for everyone, and only a surgeon can make the determination if you are a candidate after testing and imaging. I tell people I don’t think it’s ever going to be the top option, but it’s nice to have the option if other suspensions have failed, or even if there are perceived failures due to skin issues (especially burns/skin grafts) or a very short limb. What’s right for me isn’t right for everyone, but everyone should be educated on their options.
Thanks for sharing your insights! You're absolutely right-osseointegration isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and it really depends on each person’s specific situation. It’s great that you’re helping to spread awareness and encourage people to stay educated on their options. Having that knowledge can make all the difference. Thanks again for adding to the conversation!
Checkout this video next: my 3 Favorite things about being an Amputee! th-cam.com/video/aalcBE_f7lw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7Eg8mPsr4vAF9MFS
'being told that I am amazing'? that is a put-up. actually? just as bad as a put-down. (because it put's my head outside of what's real)
Isn't it just "lovely" when nice people say over simplified phrases such as, "It will all work out in the end." Or, "It was meant to be." Or, "Don't worry, it will get better." Perhaps they need to hear them selves say "comforting" phrases or giving advice because that will help comfort them selves. A lovely woman once told me about what her friend suggested to her after her oldest son was murdered. The friend said it was "meant to be" so that she could have more time to spend with her two younger children. The darnedest things people say and do - right? Thinking before saying or doing something seems to be a lot like common sense. (And where has that gone to?) I would agree that it is easier to see, say, and do things in a black and white perspective. But that just implies that ones own comfort in experiencing life is more important taking the time and effort to develop an emphatic view of others. What would happen if we were slower to "swipe" left or right? (Or stop swiping altogether?)
It’s true that people often say these kinds of phrases with good intentions, but they can come off as dismissive or even hurtful, especially in situations like the one you described. It feels like sometimes, these words are more about the speaker’s discomfort with not knowing what to say rather than offering real comfort.
People tend to default to simple, generalized responses when faced with something complex or tragic, almost as if they’re trying to wrap it up neatly because sitting in discomfort is hard. But as you said, taking a moment to think about the impact of our words and really understanding someone else’s pain could go so much further. Developing empathy isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely necessary if we want to connect on a deeper level.
And your point about slowing down in life, rather than swiping left or right through it, is so important. If we were more intentional in how we approach others, maybe those automatic, oversimplified responses would happen less. I really appreciate your thoughtful take.