Ok, thanks, I will try the next time. I wanted to address one issue you brought up: choice of prosthetist. At present I'm with one who albeit very good at his job is for some reason not responding to my emails. I'm in a 2nd test socket after a stump revision, the socket is not working all that well, he is a solo practitioner so he has no back-up. The new socket which together with my doctor and him have come up with is rather complex, due to the nature of my amputation, so it is important that we fix the problems before the definitive socket is fabricated. So I don't know what to do. On the one hand, I should stay the course and get the definitive socket with him, on the other, it has been 3 months since the revision surgery and if I switch practitioners who knows how long it will be before I get what I need!
Hi Ruy, it seems that the communication, and progress plan, is breaking down. That test socket should be as good as is possible before the final one is made. If the final one is cloned off a test socket, which is inadequate, the problems will persist, naturally. I would rather take more time to have it revised and made, despite how frustrating that time can be, than wear a final socket that is causing bruising, sores, creating potentially further complications, such as infection requiring another surgery. (Your comfort levels and gait progression should also be acceptable with the tester) After every surgery the skin is further compromised with scar tissue, which can only complicate things even more. I'm sure your prosthetist is good at what he does, and only means well, but if it's not working for you you need to speak up or, if needed, get another perspective. I'm not for switching to quickly, unless one's needs are not being met. Hope this helps, and things work out for you.
Hi Bob, thanks for the message, and welcome to our conversation. I was in your situation 20 years ago coming October, so I think I can understand the questions about pain and healing time. I can share my experience, and what Ive heard from my many amputee friends who have experiences similar to ours. I experienced way more pain before the amputation than afterwards. Part of the reason for amputation was to stop the pain, and I will never regret the decision, to was the best thing I did for sure. Pain after amputation was minimal, some during the healing process for the first two months, thereafter very little and not at all unmanageable. I had / have occasional phantom sensations, but these subsided quite fast and are rare events now. WRT healing time, seven weeks after the amputation I was walking on my prosthetic leg - less than two months. This will depend on where the amputation is, scarring, skin grafts etc, but most of my mates and I overcame this quite quickly. A few things I think are very important to bear in mind - choose the right surgeon, thoroughly discuss the planned procedure beforehand, get some advice from a prosthetist on what surgery should work best for you, pre-op. A good, well shaped residual limb (stump) will make a very big difference. Beware of opioid pain medication dependence - this happens to a lot of amputees and can really escalate and impair quality of life. Rest / heal the residual limb well before wearing your first prosthetic leg. Take it easy in the beginning. My top suggestion is to find the best possible prosthetist, a good listener with good references, and to build a relationship with him / her. The prosthetics manufacturer Ossur really helped me to find the right person. They also offer the Ossur Mobility Clinics which are awesome to come to understand life as an amputee, in all of its aspects. I wish you all the best, please join future Live Streams and feel free to ask questions about this topic, I'll be happy to answer them and the subscribers offer excellent support, advice, and tips.
Hi Chris! Thanks for doing this. Didn’t know about it ahead of time, but hope to join it live in the future. I became an AK amputee in late 2019 and use an Ottobock Genium knee (was on a mechanical knee for the first 6 months of 2020 and then moved to the genium).
Such a pleasure, and really hope to see you on the next live stream. Wow the genium is an amazing knee, and must have been amazing to progress from a mechanical knee. Thanks for checking in!
Thanks so much for dropping the message! Nice to see “rejoicingbones” pop up again. Hope you’re well and healthy. I’m doing live streaming on The Amped Life channel now, as you saw in this repost of the first event. it’s really enjoyable, with good participation in the launch event despite no prior notification. I’m hoping we can all connect this way, real time, every two weeks. Very excited to have fun and engaging conversations like this with everyone. Next one is Sunday 5th March at 3pm South Africa time. I’ll post advance notifications to remind all the subscribers. Please join the stream and conversation … hope to see you there 😊
? Hi Chris ! Glad I came across your channel this morning it's 5 am here in the US and my question is can you pick a foot that is suitable to your foot that you still have as far as it looks the same cuz the foot that I have that came with my prosthetic is longer and narrower than my other foot so it kind of throws me off visually and seem to get it stuck or snagged under counter tops and such. Thanks Andrew
Hi Andrew, thanks for watching from the US, and for the message! Yes you absolutely can, your prosthetist should be able to help you with this. Some of them don't specialise in aesthetics so much, but there are others that do amazing work to shape a foot similar to what you have on your sound side. I hope you find someone to help you with this. Also hope you will join us in the next live streaming show, please feel free to ask any questions realtime, the chats are really interactive with some great feedback and suggestions for us all :-)
I have been following you since 2019. Really enjoy your video, got to meet you at the conference in San Antonio. I missed your live stream, but listening to it now. Great content.
Hi Jack, wow 4 years ago, but feels so recent. Thanks for your motivating message, please join next time, I will post notifications in advance. I really appreciate your message mate, look forward to seeing you on the next live stream.
Chris, is there a way you could do a similar chat in a way we could interact via live chat, I don't think you can do that on this channel. I have a lot of questions and comments. Thanks for doing this, you are always extremely helpful Ruy
Hi Ruy, yes absolutely you can. During the live stream you can comment, I see them real time, and respond to your questions during the stream. You will see the other viewers comment too, just add your question for me to respond to. In this live stream you can see and hear me doing just that. Is this what you're looking for?
Aah thanks Frances, I appreciate the feedback and support. I hope that through this channel I can do something for you all too. See you on the next live stream!
Hi Chris..i am from India. I am an amputee with above knee.i can do all the work whatever I want..but I feel pain at the edges of my thighs (in between my abdomen and thighs) due to the pressure given from the prosthetic leg cup. Can you please suggest me any product I should go for and use to avoid the pressure?
Hi, thanks for the message Swetha. Nice to hear from someone in India! My suggestion is that the socket fit must be too tight, there should not be so much pressure on the leg, and must be causing the pain due to restricted blood flow or swelling. It could also be deferred pain from the lower part of the leg. It could also be that your liner is to thick? I would check with the prosthetist to see if the pressure can be relieved, as no other product I know of is going to help, as far as I can see from the info you provided. If the fit is too tight it could also be problematic in the long term. I hope this works out. Please join our live chats and ask the question on the group, maybe someone else also has a suggestion. All the best my friend!
Hi Chris!! Just wanted to add this, The place where I get pain is at groin(joint of bridge like something between my abdomen and starting point of thighs). Thanks!!
Hi Chris,,, I'm really hoping that you will give me some advice. I'm a 53 year old man and had both my legs amputated above the knee almost 3 years ago. I will be starting rehabilitation next Monday,,, all I've been told is that I begin with 8 inch legs and I've seen a few people online using these in rehab. I find myself completely doubting myself on my capabilities in any future possibilities of using prosthetic limbs which I'm told will be very basic. I don't have family and have little or no true friends and to be honest my head is all over the place,,, I'm just asking for some advice and would you think that maybe it's a bit too late for prosthetics for me after 3 years because I did unfortunately let myself go a little after the surgery. I feel absolutely lost with absolutely no confidence but I DO want a life that's better than the one that I have grown accustomed to Wishing you well from Cork city, Ireland
Hi John, thanks for reaching out, and im sorry to hear about your struggles. My immediate first thought is that it is definitely not too late to start with prosthetics. At 53 we still have a lot of life in us, and certainly can be quite mobile, defiantly enough to live independently, freely, and have good quality of life. To build confidence is going to be key. I would suggest you do a recovery timeline. Physical, emotional, and socially. A spiritual sense of connectedness to nature, anything you value, is also very helpful. The area we can experience immediate progression is physically. I started swimming, nothing serious, just up and down slowly at 1st, and as I got a little fitter and lost some weight it boosted my confidence and how I felt about myself. As we do this, within week 1, we start to feel more motivated as we see progress. And remember, progress, not perfection, and DONE is better than perfect, just one day at a time. Read, gather information, and do what you love doing. When we do what we love, we meet people who do what we love, and start a connection and ultimately some social connectedness. Find the best prosthetist you can, this is a crucial person in our lives. One who cares and invests in you well being. If possible, find some emotional support, maybe a counsellor / life coach. Again, a timeline and visual "program" is very useful and motivates us as we see and feel the progression. It is 100% possible to create a better life for yourself, I am the living proof of this. Years ago I got lost in a world of painkiller and alcohol abuse, but when I implemented the suggestion above things started getting better - slowly at first, but if you persist your dedication will reward you well. I wish you the best my friend, keep in touch and join our online You Tube live streams to become a part of the community real time. Lost of very kind and loving people to meet and connect with. I look forward to seeing your progression to wellness, it's an amazing journey which we can enjoy one day at a time.
Ohhhhh I’m so dissapointed I missed participating in this live! But I’m also very excited that you have decided to try out live-streaming. You did fantastic and sounded like a pro today! Very much looking forward to many more of these and hopefully will catch you next time so I can chat! Long time sub and fellow amputee (AKA)
Hi Nicole, thanks so much for your kind, supportive message. I will give at least three days notice next time, but the idea is to go Sunday afternoons 3PM South Africa time every two weeks, to go eventually to weekly. Please join next time, send a message and any question or topic you want me to talk about with you all. Your message is very encouraging, I really appreciate it. See you on the next one :-)
Hi Nicole, just a heads up, the next live stream is on Sunday 5th March at 3pm South Africa time. Hope to see you there and your name during Q&A 😊 The enthusiasm in your message has given me that little shove I needed to get on with it. Thank you!!
@@theampedlife hi Chris thank you so much for the heads up, I unfortunately had to catch the replays but I’m going to make sure I’m home for the next one. Your livestreams have been fantastic so far and you are killing it!
@@Macabre327 Aaah such a pleasure, you guys are all so awesome, I really appreciate all the support and participation before, during, and after the streams. Im very excited about our future chats, look forward to seeing you there, and reading your comments. PS Love the name ... so there's that 🙂
Hi, I would be happy to provide any helpful information. Im not sure exactly what you are asking for in your question, can you please just clarify that for me? Thanks
@@theampedlife Hi Chris, sorry about the typo in my first comment. I meant to ask you if you would please share with me the specific name of your liner, socket, knee and foot. Thanks
@@theampedlife Hi, Chris! I think you did great, but I thought this was like Skype where others are live asking questions or making comments which is something you can't do on You Tube. Maybe you can do that some time in the future. By the way, your walking stride is amazing! Ruy
Hi Ruy, I’ve been giving this some thought and will figure out how to bring in more people live at the same time, as one would do with Skype or Zoom. It’s a great idea, thanks for bringing this up. Hope you’re doing well!
Hi I got my leg cut off 2 weeks ago I’m lost I was about to go home in US. From Manila philippines. Then I got a affection Im still in the hospital I’m waiting for Medair thing is I’m lost please help if u can sir.
Hi Robert, Im sorry Ive been away and only saw your message today. Also, sorry for the loss of your leg, I understand how this feels but can tell you that it is still possible to live a full, happy life. How are you doing now, do you still have infections?
Ok, thanks, I will try the next time. I wanted to address one issue you brought up: choice of prosthetist. At present I'm with one who albeit very good at his job is for some reason not responding to my emails. I'm in a 2nd test socket after a stump revision, the socket is not working all that well, he is a solo practitioner so he has no back-up. The new socket which together with my doctor and him have come up with is rather complex, due to the nature of my amputation, so it is important that we fix the problems before the definitive socket is fabricated. So I don't know what to do. On the one hand, I should stay the course and get the definitive socket with him, on the other, it has been 3 months since the revision surgery and if I switch practitioners who knows how long it will be before I get what I need!
Hi Ruy, it seems that the communication, and progress plan, is breaking down. That test socket should be as good as is possible before the final one is made. If the final one is cloned off a test socket, which is inadequate, the problems will persist, naturally.
I would rather take more time to have it revised and made, despite how frustrating that time can be, than wear a final socket that is causing bruising, sores, creating potentially further complications, such as infection requiring another surgery. (Your comfort levels and gait progression should also be acceptable with the tester) After every surgery the skin is further compromised with scar tissue, which can only complicate things even more.
I'm sure your prosthetist is good at what he does, and only means well, but if it's not working for you you need to speak up or, if needed, get another perspective. I'm not for switching to quickly, unless one's needs are not being met.
Hope this helps, and things work out for you.
First time on here. I’m getting prepared to have a leg amputated. Just looking for healing time, pain involved
Hi Bob, thanks for the message, and welcome to our conversation.
I was in your situation 20 years ago coming October, so I think I can understand the questions about pain and healing time.
I can share my experience, and what Ive heard from my many amputee friends who have experiences similar to ours.
I experienced way more pain before the amputation than afterwards. Part of the reason for amputation was to stop the pain, and I will never regret the decision, to was the best thing I did for sure.
Pain after amputation was minimal, some during the healing process for the first two months, thereafter very little and not at all unmanageable. I had / have occasional phantom sensations, but these subsided quite fast and are rare events now.
WRT healing time, seven weeks after the amputation I was walking on my prosthetic leg - less than two months. This will depend on where the amputation is, scarring, skin grafts etc, but most of my mates and I overcame this quite quickly.
A few things I think are very important to bear in mind - choose the right surgeon, thoroughly discuss the planned procedure beforehand, get some advice from a prosthetist on what surgery should work best for you, pre-op.
A good, well shaped residual limb (stump) will make a very big difference.
Beware of opioid pain medication dependence - this happens to a lot of amputees and can really escalate and impair quality of life.
Rest / heal the residual limb well before wearing your first prosthetic leg. Take it easy in the beginning.
My top suggestion is to find the best possible prosthetist, a good listener with good references, and to build a relationship with him / her. The prosthetics manufacturer Ossur really helped me to find the right person. They also offer the Ossur Mobility Clinics which are awesome to come to understand life as an amputee, in all of its aspects.
I wish you all the best, please join future Live Streams and feel free to ask questions about this topic, I'll be happy to answer them and the subscribers offer excellent support, advice, and tips.
Hi Chris! Thanks for doing this. Didn’t know about it ahead of time, but hope to join it live in the future. I became an AK amputee in late 2019 and use an Ottobock Genium knee (was on a mechanical knee for the first 6 months of 2020 and then moved to the genium).
Such a pleasure, and really hope to see you on the next live stream. Wow the genium is an amazing knee, and must have been amazing to progress from a mechanical knee. Thanks for checking in!
Hey glad to see you making content again!
Thanks so much for dropping the message! Nice to see “rejoicingbones” pop up again. Hope you’re well and healthy.
I’m doing live streaming on The Amped Life channel now, as you saw in this repost of the first event. it’s really enjoyable, with good participation in the launch event despite no prior notification. I’m hoping we can all connect this way, real time, every two weeks. Very excited to have fun and engaging conversations like this with everyone.
Next one is Sunday 5th March at 3pm South Africa time. I’ll post advance notifications to remind all the subscribers. Please join the stream and conversation … hope to see you there 😊
? Hi Chris ! Glad I came across your channel this morning it's 5 am here in the US and my question is can you pick a foot that is suitable to your foot that you still have as far as it looks the same cuz the foot that I have that came with my prosthetic is longer and narrower than my other foot so it kind of throws me off visually and seem to get it stuck or snagged under counter tops and such. Thanks Andrew
Hi Andrew, thanks for watching from the US, and for the message!
Yes you absolutely can, your prosthetist should be able to help you with this. Some of them don't specialise in aesthetics so much, but there are others that do amazing work to shape a foot similar to what you have on your sound side.
I hope you find someone to help you with this.
Also hope you will join us in the next live streaming show, please feel free to ask any questions realtime, the chats are really interactive with some great feedback and suggestions for us all :-)
I have been following you since 2019. Really enjoy your video, got to meet you at the conference in San Antonio. I missed your live stream, but listening to it now. Great content.
Hi Jack, wow 4 years ago, but feels so recent. Thanks for your motivating message, please join next time, I will post notifications in advance. I really appreciate your message mate, look forward to seeing you on the next live stream.
Chris, is there a way you could do a similar chat in a way we could interact via live chat, I don't think you can do that on this channel. I have a lot of questions and comments. Thanks for doing this, you are always extremely helpful Ruy
Hi Ruy, yes absolutely you can.
During the live stream you can comment, I see them real time, and respond to your questions during the stream. You will see the other viewers comment too, just add your question for me to respond to.
In this live stream you can see and hear me doing just that. Is this what you're looking for?
Hi Chris !!!! You did an amazing job !!!! Congratulations !!!! I really enjoyed all topics
Aah thanks Frances, I appreciate the feedback and support. I hope that through this channel I can do something for you all too.
See you on the next live stream!
Hi Chris..i am from India. I am an amputee with above knee.i can do all the work whatever I want..but I feel pain at the edges of my thighs (in between my abdomen and thighs) due to the pressure given from the prosthetic leg cup. Can you please suggest me any product I should go for and use to avoid the pressure?
Hi, thanks for the message Swetha. Nice to hear from someone in India!
My suggestion is that the socket fit must be too tight, there should not be so much pressure on the leg, and must be causing the pain due to restricted blood flow or swelling. It could also be deferred pain from the lower part of the leg.
It could also be that your liner is to thick?
I would check with the prosthetist to see if the pressure can be relieved, as no other product I know of is going to help, as far as I can see from the info you provided. If the fit is too tight it could also be problematic in the long term.
I hope this works out. Please join our live chats and ask the question on the group, maybe someone else also has a suggestion.
All the best my friend!
@The Amped Life with Chris thank you Chris!! Sure, and I expect for a best response from you on this asap.
Hi Chris!! Just wanted to add this,
The place where I get pain is at groin(joint of bridge like something between my abdomen and starting point of thighs). Thanks!!
I’m above the knee to I got my leg off about 2 weeks ago I’m lost
Hi, Chris! I'm not sure how to connect live. I'm watching you live but I have no idea how to join live
Ruy, thanks for watching and the support. I will post an advance notification next time, it will have link to the video. Look forward to it!
Hi Chris,,, I'm really hoping that you will give me some advice.
I'm a 53 year old man and had both my legs amputated above the knee almost 3 years ago.
I will be starting rehabilitation next Monday,,, all I've been told is that I begin with 8 inch legs and I've seen a few people online using these in rehab.
I find myself completely doubting myself on my capabilities in any future possibilities of using prosthetic limbs which I'm told will be very basic.
I don't have family and have little or no true friends and to be honest my head is all over the place,,, I'm just asking for some advice and would you think that maybe it's a bit too late for prosthetics for me after 3 years because I did unfortunately let myself go a little after the surgery.
I feel absolutely lost with absolutely no confidence but I DO want a life that's better than the one that I have grown accustomed to
Wishing you well from Cork city, Ireland
Hi John, thanks for reaching out, and im sorry to hear about your struggles.
My immediate first thought is that it is definitely not too late to start with prosthetics. At 53 we still have a lot of life in us, and certainly can be quite mobile, defiantly enough to live independently, freely, and have good quality of life.
To build confidence is going to be key. I would suggest you do a recovery timeline. Physical, emotional, and socially. A spiritual sense of connectedness to nature, anything you value, is also very helpful.
The area we can experience immediate progression is physically. I started swimming, nothing serious, just up and down slowly at 1st, and as I got a little fitter and lost some weight it boosted my confidence and how I felt about myself. As we do this, within week 1, we start to feel more motivated as we see progress. And remember, progress, not perfection, and DONE is better than perfect, just one day at a time.
Read, gather information, and do what you love doing. When we do what we love, we meet people who do what we love, and start a connection and ultimately some social connectedness.
Find the best prosthetist you can, this is a crucial person in our lives. One who cares and invests in you well being.
If possible, find some emotional support, maybe a counsellor / life coach.
Again, a timeline and visual "program" is very useful and motivates us as we see and feel the progression.
It is 100% possible to create a better life for yourself, I am the living proof of this. Years ago I got lost in a world of painkiller and alcohol abuse, but when I implemented the suggestion above things started getting better - slowly at first, but if you persist your dedication will reward you well.
I wish you the best my friend, keep in touch and join our online You Tube live streams to become a part of the community real time. Lost of very kind and loving people to meet and connect with.
I look forward to seeing your progression to wellness, it's an amazing journey which we can enjoy one day at a time.
Ohhhhh I’m so dissapointed I missed participating in this live! But I’m also very excited that you have decided to try out live-streaming. You did fantastic and sounded like a pro today! Very much looking forward to many more of these and hopefully will catch you next time so I can chat! Long time sub and fellow amputee (AKA)
Hi Nicole, thanks so much for your kind, supportive message. I will give at least three days notice next time, but the idea is to go Sunday afternoons 3PM South Africa time every two weeks, to go eventually to weekly. Please join next time, send a message and any question or topic you want me to talk about with you all.
Your message is very encouraging, I really appreciate it.
See you on the next one :-)
Hi Nicole, just a heads up, the next live stream is on Sunday 5th March at 3pm South Africa time. Hope to see you there and your name during Q&A 😊
The enthusiasm in your message has given me that little shove I needed to get on with it. Thank you!!
@@theampedlife hi Chris thank you so much for the heads up, I unfortunately had to catch the replays but I’m going to make sure I’m home for the next one. Your livestreams have been fantastic so far and you are killing it!
@@Macabre327 Aaah such a pleasure, you guys are all so awesome, I really appreciate all the support and participation before, during, and after the streams.
Im very excited about our future chats, look forward to seeing you there, and reading your comments.
PS Love the name ... so there's that 🙂
Could you please put in the chat the name of your liner, socket, knee and foot. Thanks
Hi, I would be happy to provide any helpful information. Im not sure exactly what you are asking for in your question, can you please just clarify that for me? Thanks
@@theampedlife Hi Chris, sorry about the typo in my first comment. I meant to ask you if you would please share with me the specific name of your liner, socket, knee and foot. Thanks
Hi
I don't think I can do this on You tube
Hi Ruy, haha I was so nervous before it started. You guys support really helped, thank you. See you on the next one!!
@@theampedlife Hi, Chris! I think you did great, but I thought this was like Skype where others are live asking questions or making comments which is something you can't do on You Tube. Maybe you can do that some time in the future. By the way, your walking stride is amazing! Ruy
Hi Ruy, I’ve been giving this some thought and will figure out how to bring in more people live at the same time, as one would do with Skype or Zoom. It’s a great idea, thanks for bringing this up. Hope you’re doing well!
Hi I got my leg cut off 2 weeks ago I’m lost I was about to go home in US. From Manila philippines. Then I got a affection
Im still in the hospital I’m waiting for Medair thing is I’m lost please help if u can sir.
Hi Robert, Im sorry Ive been away and only saw your message today. Also, sorry for the loss of your leg, I understand how this feels but can tell you that it is still possible to live a full, happy life.
How are you doing now, do you still have infections?