Removing my prosthetic leg terrifies me
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ธ.ค. 2022
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If its more comfortable to sit WITHOUT my prosthetic leg on...why, so often, do I choose to keep it on? The answer is a little more complicated than you might think!
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My Amputation Story!
Fourteen years of pain and failed ankle surgeries brought me to 2018, when I made the difficult decision to become a twenty-seven-year-old below-the-knee elective amputee. This channel has documented my journey adjusting to life with a visible disability as an amputee, and continues to be a haven to discuss physical and mental health!
Amputation Story Videos:
Why Did I Lose My Leg? • HOW I BECAME AN AMPUTE...
How I Said Goodbye To My Leg: • COME WITH ME ON A GOOD...
Seeing My Amputated Leg for the First Time: • Seeing my amputated le...
Day in the Life of an Amputee: • A Day in the Life of a...
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I've been using their deodorant for 2 years now - it's the only brand I've found that doesn't break me out in a rash and it works great - Definitely worth spending a little extra!
Hey, Jo! Have you seen Drew Lynch's comedy show where the lady took off BOTH of her legs? It's on YT. Hilarious. Just a little light legless humour for you. 😉
Have you ever been pulled over while driving and been asked to get out of the car while NOT wearing your prosthetic leg? Would a cop let you have that time to put your leg on? Have you ever had any negative interactions with a cop while driving?
I am a recent amputee. My right foot was removed below the knee about 10 weeks ago. I have known since the beginning of the year that I would be losing the foot at some point. I had thought that it would mostly likely be sometime in 2023 but things worsened. I started watching this channel back in March when I started researching life as an amputee. This channel has been an amazing resource. The videos here have helped me prepare for what it would be like to live as an amputee and the kind of things to expect. Also, watching this channel has given me confidence in living with my disability. For example, I am not self conscious about my bare "nub" because it is a part of who I am. A part of what has helped me have this attitude is watching this channel! So a big shout out to Jo for helping me deal with what could have been a very stressful thing. Thanks so much!!
It's so heartening to hear that Jo's content was able to help you in those ways! Condolences on the loss, and congratulations on facing it well!
Technically it’s not a part of you more like a part taken from you
@Brent Tomlonovic I hope you are still doing well! I’m so happy that you found someone to help you through what must have been a very scary situation.
Hope you're doing well dude
Hoping things are progressing in a positive way towards independence and a well-fitting prosthesis.
I feel so heard/seen. I am not an amputee but I have chronic pain from an autoimmune disorder. I walk like normal and act like I’m fine but inside I’m in pain. I don’t want to be perceived as an easy target. I also carry a taser everywhere I go. Thank you for making this video. I’ll suggest this video to new people in my life so they understand me better.
I know that world sis. You not alone. I'm sorry that you have that condition...
I deal with chronic pain and mental health issues and I always mask them too because I just don't feel safe anywhere. It's just easier this way.
Yes, exactly! As someone with narcolepsy, being in certain environments can be really scary, particularily if I'm feeling more drowsy than usual. Being on medication to help me stay awake has helped tremendously, but I still might forget my meds or have other things going on. It's terrifying to try and fight an involuntary sleep response, knowing that if I fail I will be left completely vulnerable in a situation where I don't feel totally safe or comfortable.
That’s relatable. I have POTS, and while I can decently manage it most days, I’m still always on watch if I’m getting symptomatic, especially my brain going foggy
What type of medication you get? Like adderall and ish?
@@Anonymous-lq2bs No, a different type of stimulant, with fewer side effects. It's been deemed more effective in research for patients with narcolepsy. The Mayo Clinic has great information on their website about the most common narcolepsy treatments, if you want more details.
That's how I feel with migraines, my abortive medication isn't super effective so I have to pack sunglasses and earbuds in my bag everyday so that if I have an attack, I can get back home and rest it out.
@@ryandoyle3413 The constant need to prep for a potentailly disastrous "bad day" reminds me of something I heard in a Jessica Kellgren-Fozard video a few years ago. She compared it to randomly having an infant or young child to take care of, whom you didn't agree to, except you can't get any childcare assistance because they're literally stuck to you and also they never grow up, so you're constantly forced to plan for their needs wether you like it or not.
I'm terrified of having my leg off if I'm out in public. Part of it danger, and yes, part of it is pride. I salute you, you show me a stronger way to look, seem, and be, and it's much appreciated. I'd sell my soul for a day in a coffee shop with you. Half learning about each other, half talking it all over. I'd like that a WHOLE lot.
Same here, at first. Made myself go out without the leg, RH, AK, specifically to make myself work past that. Taking the time to answer questions about it also helped, as did time spent with friends, one AK, LL, the other BK, LL. The BK friend is a riding partner, who I met at a.bike night, who is also a physical therapist.
Needless to say, they spoke, I listened.
I’m not an amputee, but I do have physical disabilities, along with prior traumatic life experiences and I relate a lot to always analysing your surroundings. I’m always a few steps ahead; am I walking somewhere, do I need to stand for longer periods of time, is my water bottle filled, can I sit down, etc. It adds an extra layer of effort to everything you do, in a way that non-disabled people can’t really fathom.
Great video!
Yeah, I'm not physically disabled (unless a light case of potential undiagnosed asthma counts?) but life with both autism and adhd still carries a bunch of exactly the same daily worries with it.
Anything you do needs an extra layer of mental preparation, every social interaction has to get run through several simulations in your head before actually engaging, every question youre asked gets triple checked for possible misinterpretations, and the list goes on.
Its a lot of extra brainpower and you feel that at the end of the day, it gets exhausting sometimes.
imagine if there were a place where the 'community standards' didn't asymmetrically benefit predators, and you could just be in public without this shit.
Oh, yes there's a lot of planning that needs to be done when you have any kind of disability and it takes a lot of energy to take everything into account. Being carefree and spontaneous is a luxury that we can't afford, unlike healthy people, because the risk of getting hurt if we forget something, if we miss something, it's much higher.
@@sumdumbmick it’s not just about the possibility of dangerous people being around, though. It’s about accessibility, the unpredictability of disability, keeping up with anyone you’re with, etc. Even in a place where I feel completely safe, with no strangers around, I still need to be mindful.
I really admire how you didn't even hesitate about being a sexual assault survivor and how that affects your way of thinking/defense in any situation. You are just a wonderful person!! Thanks for sharing!!
I relate a lot to this as an ambulatory wheelchair user. At my home I am comfortable most of the time not using my wheelchair because it's a safe space, I can easily sit down if I need to (on a chair, my bed, the floor, wherever). But out in public I rarely leave my wheelchair because I don't like the attention it draws, or the vulnerable place it puts me in should I need to get away from a situation quickly. I also have CPTSD, so this impacts my anxieties in public spaces a lot. It takes a lot more effort and planning to do anything out in public because of my disabilities.
I'm a left BKA. In the summer, I usually wear shorts when out in public. As you said, I also walk 'with intention'. I usually get questions, mostly from children, or I'll hear them tell their parents "That man has no leg!" I'll always stop, bend down to their level, smile, and talk with them (and keep one eye on the parent to make sure I'm not overstepping my boundary). I've educated many, many people this way, and consider myself a 'goodwill ambassador' for amputees everywhere.
In winter, I wear jeans, and I call it being in "Stealth Mode"! 😎😎😎
Well said. I live in florida near the beach and wear my running spring alot. I just tell kids im a pirate. If they ask what happened, i tell them i didnt eat enough vegetables
I do the same. Children are curious. They have asked all sort of questions. I've even had parents thank me. I've been left BK for 3 years. I have never been shy about taking my leg off. I do it at friends & family if it is hurting or super uncomfortable.
I am able-bodied, and always look for fire exits and bathrooms in a new environment. I totally understand the safety thing....
Also, my grandfather was an amputee. I always visited him in his own home, and never saw him without his prosthetic on. We never talked about it, but it was there. Your channel has taught me so much about what he was going through and never talked about.
I feel this so much. I experienced a lot of trauma prior to my disability (cervical spinal cord injury on top of EDS), and thought I was ...pretty okay. Had lots of therapy, et cetera. And previously, I was kind of a bad-a$$. I was very strong. I could fight. I'd knocked out guys twice my size (I'm a pretty small woman, in general, though). I worked in an industry (chef) for 25 years where I was constantly surrounded by aggressive male energy and held my own. But boy-howdy was I not prepared for how freaking vulnerable disability makes me feel (and actually makes me), and how much I depended on my "I could take that guy" abilities previously. I require massive leg braces and platform crutches to get around at all, and going fast is not an option. I have the grip strength of a toddler. I tire out with the smallest activities, and fatigue makes all kinds of weird stuff happen (spasticity, massive drop in dexterity and balance). I even looked into weapons training, but spasticity and firearms don't really go together, and I can't grip hard enough to hold a knife. On top of that, for the last 3 years, I have constantly been in various stages of spinal surgery recovery, during which you have to be SO careful while hardware and bone grafts and scaffolds and spacers heal. A minor fall or fender bender is pretty much a one-way trip to QuadTown. Needless to say, currently getting a LOT more therapy (and my therapist is also disabled with a spinal cord injury, so that's pretty cool, actually).
I really needed to hear this. I have PTSD about multiple things including a tumor I had on my shoulder that caused the worst pain in my life after it got punched. Turns out it was cancer and I had to get it removed. 3 surgeries and many panic attacks later here I am cancer free but still not able to do everything I used to. I really hope you can read this, Jo bc I look up to you so much. I’m 15 and still figuring things out but please let me know if you read!❤
Virtual hugs (if wanted :) )
I love the half flop ears on the doggo in your pfp, so cute 🐶
@@keineFackel 🤗
@@waffles3629 Thanks! His name is Henry, he’s a rescue!❤️
@@jen_chaos well please tell Henry he is adorable
I was born without most of my left hand, and I'm always uncomfortable having my good hand full with carrying or holding something. It took me a long time to figure out that's because it basically removes my ability to interact with anything, be it a door, getting keys out of my purse, or anything else that might need to happen quickly. I wouldn't say I have any significant trauma surrounding those sorts of things, but safety is still always in the back of my mind all the time.
I can really relate despite having two flesh legs, I think many of us trauma survivors do things for safety that may not strictly be necessary and cause discomfort (even if not nearly comparable to your physical discomfort caused by the prosthetic). I am pretty sure everyone with a larger bust who has ever pondered not wearing a bra out in public has gone through the exact same thought processes regarding comfort vs. perceived vulnerability and avoiding attention.
This is another showcase of why visibility is so important. People will always look when there is something unfamiliar to them (even for mundane things like dyed hair), but if we have all gotten used to what an amputated limb looks like on youtube or tv, then it won't gather the same amount of stares.
That's a really good point.
I relate to so much of this. My disabilities are not visible. The mental energy required to feel safe/prepared for any number of situations is deeply impactful.
You aren't over reacting! Like you, I am a survivor with a disability, who is a full time wheelchair user. It's scary as heck to be separated from my chair because it is my legs and I've been in vulnerable situations like in a bed or tub where trauma has happened and people have no issue with moving my chair so I'm not able to access it!
I have vitiligo and am on the swim team. It was terrible at first, not many people cared but my anxiety didn't care. I felt so much pressure to be the best because if you're wierd, its better to be wierd and talented. My heart goes out to anyone with similar insecurities
I'm not disabled but I do have a few long term chronic health conditions that cause me daily pain and discomfort. I recently spoke with my therapist about the mental exhaustion that comes from just having to be prepared for every situation and the anxiety that can come from something as simple as eating out at a restaurant, or going for a drive. It is a fact that isn't often discussed and it really should be
💖 I completely agree with this and then add kids to the mix (my situation) I have to constantly be thinking how not to be seen as a target or how to get us all out safely in case of a situation. Thank you for always talking about the stuff we might not consider before amputation. 💖
I have chronic pain and a severe sensory disorder and the end of this video really resonated with me. It takes me so much energy to know if I'll be able to use the chairs without worse pain, or if I'll be able to tolerate the smells or sounds of the environment, or if the lights will be too bright or too harsh, or if I'll be able to eat any of the food or I need to bring my own? Etc. It is absolutely exhausting.
You know until you mentioned it I never realised I carried myself very differently based on the fact whether people I know and trust are around. Trauma is a curious thing. This all has gotten more intense after developing chronic pain. My disabilities are all nearly completely invisible, unless I chose to use a mobility aid, and that alters my behavior in a new way yet again. I've felt this way for years but until you said it, I could never really put it into words, it was just a thing that happened. Thank you for the assisst!
"Vulnerability" is the key word here for me and one that I relate to the most, and here is why: I am not to the point yet where I am comfortable taking off my leg around anyone but those family members of mine who have already seen me with my prosthetic off. I feel vulnerable in the sense that I feel naked, or exposed without my prosthesis on. Like one of those dreams where you are at a party, or you're in a room full of people, and everyone else in the dream sequence has clothes on except you. Yeah.....that.
I am well aware that this is my issue and all I can say is, therapy is a beautiful thing. 😁
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and how you feel about your prosthetic. I was just told by my doctors that they will most likely need to amputate my leg below the knee if they can't, at a minimum, stop the ongoing deterioration of it. The window you invite us to and give us a glimpse into your life gives me hope that I will be okay no matter their and my decision when/if it comes.
I can so relate. Today is my 40th anniversary of becoming an amputee and I’ve been through a lot of the stuff you’ve talked about. As for me, I give less and less of a hoot about what people think, or the stares etc. as time goes on. I have come to see my situation as a ministry, showing people that life without a leg can still be fun, vital and productive. I even answer my door in shorts on crutches. It helps that I’m a guy, and 6’4” as well. I love what you’re doing with your channel, Clearing the Clouds of Ignorance for many. Blessings ❤
This is so comforting knowing that I am not alone . I am not an amputee but I have hyper mobility syndrome and am being tested for marfans . You are amazing jo
Hi Jo yesterday I was wondering how things were going, glad to see you are still out there kicking around. Keep it up! You are so up lifting.
Thank you so much for being vulnerable and sharing this with us, Jo! I really appreciate you broadening our horizons! They're good things to realize and think about for sure. :)
Thank you, Jo, for explaining!! Although I am not an amputee, I am now in a wheelchair due to back and spinal issues an know kinda what you mean. I know people mean well, but I freak out when people try to help out and push me without first asking. Arghhh!!
Love your insights and inspiration ❤️
I don't have any disability at all, but this kind of behavior freaks me out whenever I see or hear about it. I mean, you don't start pushing around walking people just because they might not know how to get to some place or have a bad day and struggle to move in some way.
Same for elderly people. You ask them whether they need help crossing the street for instance. And if they do, you don't just take them, you offer an arm they can hold onto. This way they can get out of the situation whenever they want to or they can hold onto you as firm as they like.
I cannot fathom why it is not common sense to just ask if somebody wants your assistance, regardless of the struggle at hand. Let them decide what's been done to them. Don't just invade their personal space just to satisfy your helper syndrome.
The mental and emotional work of being disabled is immense. Thank you for talking about vulnerability, planning and parts of your thought process. I watch your videos because you inspire me while being fucking honest. Thanks.
Thank you for talking about this I to have a amputation below the knee I appreciate your thoughts
Joseph Almy, I hope everything goes well with your upcoming surgery 🙏🙏🙏
I have had my surgery been a year now with the amputation and these videos are helping me out to adapt to this new life.
The thing about walking with confidence, I do too. Im not disabled but i do suffer alot with pain that can make me limp or walk funny. So I do the same thing. I will walk with confidence and if im in a place i have never been before i will walk like i have always lived there and i know where im going. To me it feels like if someone thinks you belong in that place they will leave you alone.
Love and blessings ❤️
Never thought about the safety aspect but I’m glad you share these videos!
I'm still pretty new to the world of Prosthetics. I had my amputation last January 2022, I'm now at K-3, and I pretty much have my leg on all the time when I'm out in the community. I prefer having the occasional stare at my leg than the alternative gawks and comments when I used to be out in my wheelchair. Thank you for your inspiring videos, I started watching your channel last December 2021 when I was septic and contemplating amputation. I now have restored quality of life, the only pain I'll suffer is a Christmas hangover er.
You are an inspiration to a lot of people thank you. Your strength is your biggest asset.
I can understand SO MUCH Jo. I'm a single woman and just this alone makes me very aware of my surroundings. In addition, I had a nasty fall in November 2021 which I'm still dealing with. I have an injured right ankle, bad knees, and my lower back was hurt. Talk about a target...
I relate to the part about the mental energy of always thinking ahead and anticipating every situation, whether it will be safe or accessible or not for my mobility aids, whether there will be people I know or people will stare etc
You're so right about the mental energy! Plus a thousand other random skills like environmental awareness, spatial reasoning, public relations, etc.
I'm not an amputee but I do have mobility issues that I have to take into account, and I also have trauma that has long made me threat aware. So I identify strongly with a lot of what you're talking about. Much love to you.
I appreciate your candor on what it is like living with the challenges of a missing limb.
You keep your outlook bright, keep it up. As one person has already said you are inspiring.
As someone who grew up with a family member who went from being a below the knee amputee in the early days of my life, to having most of the rest of her leg amputated, now halfway up her thigh, to try to help her nerve pain, I am very grateful for your content. Most people don't grow up with people with outward disabilities in their day to day lives, and this sort of content is so, so helpful to get more understanding and compassion out there.
Thank you for being so brave, sharing your story with us like this. It really warms my heart to see the engagement and awareness wonderful people like yourself can spread, to get these topics more understood. Not to mention the kind of support you're giving other amputees and physically disabled people - having someone as kind and open as you are on your platform, to be able to share in those struggles, it does so, so much good, as I am sure you know. Again, I really do just genuinely have to thank you for making this content. I may be able bodied, but I have grown up with a different kind of awareness to the struggles of living with physical disabilities, given my aunt. Thank you for giving a voice to the struggles she, yourself, and others in your situation, share in.
Lots of LOVE &HUGS to you Jo...from Nova Scotia Canada
I saw your ad! I'm never going to skip it!
I'm soon to be a below the knee amputee and I'm so glad I found your channels. It's helped prepare me as best I can be and what to expect. Thanks you for sharing all that you have. I'm not so worried about it but my family is more so than I. I'm not sure exactly how I'll handle it but I'm very optimistic thanks to you.
Thanks for sharing this, Jo 🤟
Your awesome Jo. So confident.
omg So many of the things you said resonate with me. I'm disabled through being sick. So not only am I a woman, but I need to take precautions from falling. Once I hit the floor, I am helpless to get up. Luckily, I have a very devoted husband and I don't leave the house without him.
Thank you for this video! I'm a new below the knee amputee and sharing this with my family is going to help me so much. I'm not as talkative as you are, so yes it helps alot! THANK YOU!
Thank you for sharing this with us
It's good to know these tips in advance, thanks Jo
You are awesome, fast talking young woman,so inspiring
I’ve JUST (Jan 11, 2023) had a below knee amputation. I was…damaged in 1997, and the amputation I just had coupled with a lethal staph infection, is the end result. I looked forward to having my ankle removed for a long long time (ankle was destroyed and “fixed” again and again) and I’m just beginning this new chapter and adventure! Your video actually helped me a LOT. Good to see the equipment, and frankly, seeing your “remainder leg” as they kept saying in hospital 😂😂, sincerely helped me a LOT. I’m still bandaged up, so I’ve got 6-8 weeks til I’m getting my prosthetic, but thank you for this video. Sincerely, thank you
Thank you for saying that it takes a lot of mental energy and that a lot of people without diabilities do not understand that. Love your videos. I sometimes even was told that all my thinking and planning is not necessary and that I am too scared of stuff, but I think this comes from a place where those people cannot imagine how life is different if you are different and that its not a fear but a necessary task to plan more, to think more and to consider all possibilities.
Thank you Joe, you have helped me so much. Hugs and Love
Was interesting hearing you speak about taking the sleeve or whatever you called it off and how you have to be really comfortable with someone to not wear anything over the end of your leg.
To be honest, from the view of someone on the outside that seems perfectly normal and understandable, kind of like how in public I almost never go out without socks and shoes on, I'm not usually comfortable wearing sandals because I'm pretty sensitive about showing my feet in public. Obviously having a prosthetic and lack of part of a limb is different but that's kind of how I relate to it. Thanks for sharing. 😃
I appreciate what you do. At the end of last July, I was one er visit short of becoming a below the knee amputee. It was that close.
Thank you for always being willing to talk about some of the more vulnerable parts of being disabled. The mental energy of figuring out if a place/activity is safe for me, on all different levels, is exhausting. I also have some traumas in my past, and have learned ways to look less vulnerable in public, but it's become harder to do so now that I need to use my cane or walker pretty much full-time. I had a big employee dinner last week, and when I got to the venue, I was trying to figure out where I could sit that gave me access to the exit, the bathrooms, the stage, and the food, all while making sure my walker wasn't in the walkway of others as well. And I had to keep re-assessing that through the day as other people moved, furniture shifted, and certain doors got blocked. Any time I get invited to a thing, I need to go through that process of figuring out if I have the bandwidth to do the work involved in just being present.
P
Thank you for all your information on amputation and prosthetic for below the knee. It's helped me make the decisions I made for this, I had my left foot amputated and things are going well, 2days until my prosthetic is ready, thank you for all your information
I have no idea why YT decided to me recommend this channel to me but I appreciate you sharing your experiences and thoughts and vulnerability. You're an awesome person.
You are a badass Jo. The jiu jitsu is great! I don't blame you at all for worrying about being ready for the unknown.
Thank you...just walked on mine first time week ago...you're inspiring..I can do this
Not an amputee but I can relate to many things you share on you're channel. I've been watching you're channel for close to two years give or take. I appreciate and respect you're candor. I also have to navigate the world a little differently due physical challenges associated with mobility. I use to have a higher tolerance for pain when I was younger but I'm noticing as I age my pain tolerance is has reduced hence when I'm out I have to be extra aware of the availability of seats due to pain and standing in long lines has become a source of anxiety because I may have to stand longer than I can physically tolerate. safety is also a concern. I've had some unsafe experience in the past which make me a bit more aware of my surroundings. I have not found many channels like yours and honestly it's really nice to be able to relate and learn from others who have similar challenges thank you for sharing you're experience ❤️✨
I absolutely love everything about and how open you are about ur situation and you definitely don't let it define you or deter you from living keep it up and much love from NYC
Appreciate the general sentiment but yowch "(don't) let it define you" as regards any kind of disability is a controversial phrase or concept - I think Jo might have a video on it somewhere!? Other disabled creators too.
She "copes" (mmv) with the situation life has thrown at her but it's a pretty dominant force in her life however well she copes or normal she might look by your definition of what that should look like and it can be a pretty annoying and intrusively hurtful semantic game. Just like if I mention I'm married with kids and Autistic sometimes people say that you wouldn't know or that I'm doing well, when really that's a whole other conversation about masking, life doubts and hidden difficulty. And hidden difficulty is what this video is about.
To reiterate, all-consuming hidden difficulty is what this video is about.
I'm not sure if your point was to invalidate or cut across it but that's the effect potentially and it's something worth noting.
Good video, jo. Stay safe. Continue on your road on getting the giant gold play button. Happy holidays
Thank you for your perspective on this! I'm one of those people who don't have to consider things like this in my daily life, so I appreciate you helping me understand better what it's like for you and other amputees.
You are so adorable and brave that inspired and educate people with a natural talent.❤
All these things that we never have to think about, and you do...... A friend of mine recently had to have his power leg amputated and is still getting used to his prosthesis. Your videos have helped me understand the issues that he faces now. Thank you... xoxo 🙂
This was such a great video. I am not an amputee, but do struggle with serious arthritis issues (pretty much all over) and I have 4 joint replacements. I can't run - not even a little. It's hard for my friends (many who are older than me) to not be able to understand that I can't walk fast and I can't walk or be on my feet for more than maybe 30 minutes without needing a break. I never would have thought through the safety factor you have to take into account with your leg and also the fact that you've been through other traumas. All the best to you, Jo. ❤
Thank you!
Great tips on the use and non-use of your prosthetic leg. It sounds like it really boils down to meticulously planning ahead and being prepared for any and every eventuality. I've become somewhat adept at that - always thinking ahead as to the obstacles I might encounter with my wheelchair - but a lot of your suggestions were directed at the function and necessity of your prosthetic leg and I will keep your ideas in mind when I get to that stage. Thank you and carry on vlogging.
I am a coder/ biller for a large hospital system and have been working with Vascular for many years; they’re the amputation guys as you know. I find this VERY informative, interesting and helpful for people including myself, thank you!
This was so interesting, thank you!
Omg... your commercial just played.. just before I clicked on your video...
So cool to see you in an add.. meaning somewhere outside of your channel... good for you Joe
You are awesome woman, thank you for sharing it with us...
Im a recent amputee since october so outside im using a wheelchair outdoors because i don't have a prosthetic yet. I managed to tip my chair getting on a bus the other week and ended up stuck like a beetle on its back. I could either get embarassed or laugh it off, i went with laugh it off and by doing that i think i stopped a number of elderly people in the line having heart attacks but there were really good people who helped me up in the end when they realised i couldn't move myself.
I think its easier for me to be like that as i've been in pain for years and had thoroughly had enough of my foot so losing it has been a saving grace and i have no thoughts of missing it, i just want to move forward and get on with my life as normal as i can so my biggest challenge is my impatience
My name is Jim. I am an MP t below the knee on the right leg too I love all your videos. You are so awesome
Had a right BKA 9 weeks ago your videos have been a big encouragement. I have my prosthetic now I’m glad cause I was afraid I’d have to get a job at IHOP
I can somewhat relate to the "normal usually safe situation makes you feel vulnerable" thing. I'm dyslexic and I have an irrational fear of reading out loud in public. There is no rational reason for it. I have never had any negative experiences with it or anything else like that. If I had to guess the reason for the fear, it would probably be that my reading something out loud highlights all the differences between me and most people (who are not dyslexic). I'm a very slow reader (if I want to avoid mistakes), I read words wrong (usually when I'm not reading extremely slowly), I have trouble reading some words others have no trouble with, and after enough mistakes, I start lightly stuttering. Put those together with my weird issue with people looking at my face while I'm speaking (makes me uncomfortable when I'm the only one speaking or performing for a crowd) and you got a situation I try to avoid at all costs even if the situation is quite safe because it makes me feel uncomfortable and vulnerable.
Just so you know, you never have to apologize for being cautious and making sure you have the ability to move to defend yourself. My father trained me to never leave my unguarded back to a room and always observe the room. Never had to defend myself but it's good to be cautious. For you having your leg on could be the difference between life and death. Not that there will be some kind of attack but risks of fire or some other environmental hazard is not insignificant and you should always be prepared.
good to know. thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing this Jo, very thought provoking. So many challenges and methods for handling them as an amputee that I never would have been aware of. Not being an amputee this will hopefully help me and others be aware and offer assistance if required in an emergency situation.
Hi Jo
I’d just like to say I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and I have found them very informative and helpful they have made my decision easier to deal with so thank you I can relate to everything you’ve talked about with the ankle fusion the pain the popping feeling It’s been a nightmare.
I’m due to have a below knee amputation of my right leg. I had an accident in 2013 and I’ve had multiple surgeries over the years but the pain has never gotten any better it’s just gotten worse my surgeon’s told me that amputation was the only option I have now So here goes
I’ve started my own TH-cam channel to document my journey as there’s not much information about amputation and treatment in the uk. So once again thanks keep the video coming cheers jules
Another great video!!
I have various anxieties. One is of medical conditions that I see, become aware of, or afflict someone I know. But if I educate myself as much as possible then it doesn't seem nearly as scary. Thank you for your openness in educating all of us out here - both with and without amputations. ❤
You are really good, I am glad found you.
Hi dear iam an amputee since 2023 last year after this god sent me to u as an motivation by 😊watching u i felt confident thank you so much for helping people either way
I'm not an amputee but I live with chronic pain so I can understand the discomfort while travelling thing. I have two functioning legs but give me 13 hours on a long haul flight and once I'm off I'm in agony so carrying my backpack and hauling my suitcase is really difficult. To do that while wearing a prosthetic because you need to be able to move from A to B - big respect to you for that. Having lived through the Christchurch NZ earthquakes of 2010-2011, I can see that even 15 seconds to put on a prosthetic might be too much if you've got a building falling down around you. Thank you for your honesty about the reality you live with.
Getting to hear and understand about life from your perspective is eye opening and enlightening. Thank you.
I fell twice without my prosthetic leg on & off, both times cracked the bone 🥹 after healing i was okay after time ( weeks of healing using crutches to work and get around the house. I love your videos, you cover everything and apparently we kinda think alike 🙏
You're just a ray of sunshine. You are so encouraging for new amputees. Depressing as hell.
I am a recent amputee unfortunately I lost both my legs below my knee in Oct of 2023 . I found your videos keep up the great work you do.
You don’t have to be female or an amputee to be vulnerable. I walk with a cane due to back injuries and I’ve been rolled for the meds. in my pocket four times now. They know that the people who are moving slow or limping are carrying extra pain medication. Be careful.
I'm weirdly opposite- because I wasn't able to wear a prosthesis except for a few times after amputation, I feel self-conscious if I have my leg on. Kind of like if an able-bodied person suddenly sprouted an extra leg they weren't used to having. It's so bizarre and opposite of what I'd expect. The human psyche is weird.
I saw an ad with you in it called levitate right before this video
Jo you are so inspiring and beautiful I have a left leg BK since 2017. I'm getting more comfortable everyday with it. I was a paramedic for years and was very familiar with limb loss. My nephew lost his right leg when he was 20 as a volunteer firefighter and was the inspiration for me to move forward he is now a police officer. I noticed you were wearing a willowwood liner that the same liner I wear but mine has a pin. And I think I saw that you go to hanger clinic also they are great people . Just wanted to say hi and you are great
I sincerely hope I never have to fully understand how it is to be an amputee. That said, I greatly appreciate the understanding I gain from watching your videos.
A high school friend broke his neck snow skiing when we were seniors. I spent a lot of time with him proving that we could enjoy life even if he needed the wheelchair, and this was more than a decade before the ADA. Even now I wonder at some of the places we got his wheelchairs (power chair or manual chair, depending on situation). The good things I learned from that whole experience included that I don't have to stare at folks who are physically atypical.
Best of all possible outcomes for you, and please scritch your canine dependents for me.
I like your polar bear teddy bear, its so cute and chrismas e. Also girl I cant blame you, for not feeling safe at all out there with out your leg, I still have 2 legs and I too think twins about people all the time because you never know what there intentions are until its to late man. I am very glad that your learning selfdevens and doing a good job learning it. Who ever hurt you is an evil peace of shite and jade die horrible and painfully for doing just a thing to a nice person like you. Also comfort is inputted but safety is way more inputted then any thing else in the world so am totally on your side girl
Jo. Look into Martin Bionics, and their socketless socket.
Much less rigid, way more comfortable.
AK, RL, about 2.years now. Had mine 6 months. Love it. Not my meat leg, but way more natural compared to my original socket.