How to drive if you’re missing a foot...
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- Uh is it SAFE to drive a car without a foot?!
Here's what its been like learning to drive as a new amputee...
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Why Did I Lose My Leg? • HOW I BECAME AN AMPUTE...
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Seeing My Amputated Leg for the First Time: • Seeing my amputated le...
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Life Before Amputation - With My Fused Ankle: • Life With a Fused Ankl...
Day in the Life of an Amputee: • A Day in the Life of a...
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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 is to document my journey of amputation surgery, recovery, and reclaiming my life.
![I got a wheelchair and I *hate* how I feel about it [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nnMEFkIFekM/mqdefault.jpg)
Meat leg! ❤️ I love it.
Thanks for being willing to address all of our nosy questions.
I laughed at that too.
“With my meat leg” 😆
It's brutal humour. :-)
I have cerebral palsy, which affects my right arm and leg. Yay for left-foot drivers!! I’m always SO grateful that the automatic car has given me the opportunity to drive with an unrestricted license.
Totally Amazing, I've learned more from you in a week than months at the hospital. Your a blessing to many!
Oh my goood, I've binge watched your entire channel these days, and I've loved everything about it!! You're such an inspiration and so funny, and kind haha so glad there's a new video!
Isn't she?
Jo, as a bilateral BKA I have not really had any problems driving. It takes a little practice but is very doable. I have also driven a five speed manual transmission without any problems. The key is using your entire leg to accelerate and brake, rather than just your foot which obviously cannot bend as you don’t have one. As always hang in there and don’t let the naysayers win. Ken
Thank you so much for this video. I'm a new BKA (week in), still in recovery at hospital & this was one of the things bothered me so much.
Looking stunning as usual, love your dry sarcastic wit 😂, I worked on a few adapted cars over the years and the only limitation is your imagination 👍
I find it really creative how amputees can find ways to make living more comfortable! :)
Your amazing
I just became an amputee and you’re giving me hope then I’m gonna be OK. For that I thank you so much
💜💜💜💜💜
I have a friend who lost his legs serving our country and he has hand controls with the option to use his prosthetic legs. You should really check him out on Facebook his name is Christopher Levi. Google him. He just posted in his Facebook and Instagram story him surfing. But back to driving he drives better then most of us able bodied people. You truly are an amazing woman! Stay positive and thanks for the education 🥰
4:00 You will not be able to feel the car through your leg, but you can adjust just fine. I've been driving for 33 years and have never had a problem caused by my leg.
Joe I was in an amputee now for eight months getting ready to go onto the second leg and I was in the hyperbaric chamber for 80 days before I lost a leg so my eyesight it’s all worked out they say to wait a year or so kind of waiting for it to come back but I don’t think it’s going to after being in the chamber for 80 days I don’t know but I’m ready to drive but I need to get my eyes checked first but I am a right Leg amputee also and I’ve been watching you for months six months here I love your channel thank you so much
I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm potentially facing amputation of my right lower leg, and I'm mildly terrified by the idea. Look forward to watching more of your videos.
The hand accelerator and brake controls are awesome. My great grandmother is 91, a fantastic driver, still fully mentally capable to safely drive, but she doesn’t have great feeing in her legs. She saw a special doctor, got a prescription for the hand controls, took a few classes, passed a few tests, and now drives the party car from the retirement home to brunch!
I’m in a tough spot. I’m thinking about getting my right foot amputated (just like yours). I’ve been having problems for 5 years now and all doctors have come up with is a potential reconstructive surgery but it might not even fix the problem. However I’m so over it and am in so much pain on and off that I just want it gone. It is an option but I’m 19 and nervous but also so for it. Anyways your videos have been a very big help in calming my nerves and deciding on what I should do so I just wanted to say a quick thanks😅😜
Hey Jo
I had a friends many years ago and he did not have use of either of his legs, but still drove his truck and had a very successful business for many years. He had the truck modified with the ability for him to drive it with only his right hand. I drove it a few times and it only took me a short period of time to drive it, pushing the lever up and down to Accelerate and decelerate, and then by pressing forward to brake. It was not hard to drive it at all. I learned to in about 30 minute actually I kind of like it.
Anyway it was kind of kool to drive that truck.
They actually make left foot accelerator modifications for cars. I have Cerebral Palsy, and when I was trying to learn to drive (I wasn't able to because of visual processing delays), I used one because my right ankle doesn't have good range of motion. There's a guard over the actual accelerator, under which is a lever that presses the pedal down when you press the pedal that's attached on the left.
I also used a knob on the steering wheel so that I only had to use my left hand to steer, because my right arm is too stiff to turn the wheel properly.
My dad used to work with a guy in a wheel chair cause he didn’t have any legs and he had a truck a HUGE truck and he had a stick attached to the peddles and he’d press the stick up and to the right or left for breaks and go my dad was amazed
You give me sooo much hope! A year and a half ago I was in a mass shooting. My leg was completely shot off and the drs tried there best to put it back on and save the limb. I’m currently on surgery 11 with a huge external fixator from the knee down. My previous surgery failed to mend the 4 to 5 inches of bone I am missing, it’s been a very painful journey and it might be best to amputate.
I never thought about it honestly because I drive a automatic but use both feet depending on the day due to leg numbness
I love your sense of humor (2:08) Thanks for sharing your life with us. I enjoy your videos and your humor about the situation.
I didn't drive for awhile after having my right leg amputated at the hip in March of 2018 because you're required to be off opiods for a given time before you do. I had a bad but usable right leg since childhood and wore a shoe with a lift. Because of that, I'd always driven, automatics, with both feet. Not one accident in over forty years and I'd done some panic braking. I didn't need re-licensing in my state (Pennsylvania) but I would have if I'd gotten the car modified.
Re: Driving = Normal. Yes! You are absolutely right! Even now, when I've completed a trip and I'm getting out of the car I have to stop a second and think to get my crutches from the passenger seat. Despite that, I never make unnecessary trips. You know, the environment and all that.
another thing I can Identify with, being born with Spina bifida, most people need some sort of Full conversion and as long as a vehicle is Automatic I can drive it,
and yes all sorts of conversions are available I would encourage you to keep with a stock vehicle that way you can drive any automatic and any one like your husband or a valet, mechanic, tow truck driver can still drive Your vehicle without special knowledge of it.
Lol at the little stump wave. That was cute ☺️. Seems like you were already prepared to drive. One less thing to worry about.
I’ve only ever driven with one foot!!! And I’m pretty sure that everyone else in Australia does too 😊 I remember I visited my Dad in New Zealand and he told me I should be driving with both feet 🧐 so I gave it a go for all of about 30seconds ...... terrifying
Foot on the brake and foot on the accelerator could be a factor where people drive through the wall of car parks and other buildings. You panic and push both pedals down.
I've driven with my left foot as well last year while going through surgeries and still having to get to work. Its really not that difficult😊 if I decide to amputate, I'll also lose my right foot.
Nice to have at least one thing stay as regular as possible! My older sister was paralyzed at 17 after learning to drive, she had to learn to drive again with hand controls. Sometimes I try to use them when I drive her car but it's very difficult! Not something you pick up in a day.
I'm the same level as you Jo, I drive with my prosthetic on the gas and brake and my meat foot on the clutch (If needed). On my motorcycle the Right side is just the rear brake so I drive everything unmodified.
I'm not worried about driving with your left leg but why thong flip flops?! That seems like a falling hazard
I didn't spot them, but also I driving hazard, I've heard of cases where they come off and get stuck under the break pedal!
Amazing and informational as as always Jo. You're great!
As a right leg amputee, I also drive with my left foot. THIS IS SO MUCH EASIER WITHOUT A PROSTHETIC ON. Im at the point where I will take off my leg just to drive because its much harder to tuck a leg under when its bulkier and whatnot. Im in the process of getting a left accelerating pedal and its a bit strange to get used to, but the convenience of not taking off my leg to drive is worth it.
Side note: I will drive with my prosthetic OCCASIONALLY but overall I don’t feel comfortable driving without being able to feel my right foot
I know Jo has neck problems, I wonder if sitting slightly awkwardly to drive rather than getting an adaptation for the pedal is actually contributing to this.
My husband just got his right foot amputated too! We’re in Europe though, and they won’t let him drive with his left foot. I think if he learns to drive with a prosthetic, he can drive again.
I have a certificate on a normal manual car. A couple of family members have had car with gas and brake on hand lever, it was very comfortable to drive :)
Ur dark sense of humor always gets me.😂
That is how I drove when I had surgery on my right foot.
I've a paresis of my right leg due to MS and I drive a manual car. Have hit the accelerator and brake on the same time on some occasion, thanks God nothing terrible has happened yet.
you dont need to be disabled to do that :) i do it once or twice when i shift cars at work i try the break pedal firmly beleiving i drive the manual car and should shift gears, or forget to shift gears in city traffic and the engine cut out, in my case my ex called it alzheimers light. pun intended :) im just sayin that none of us are perfect, with or without heads'n legs workin.
My dad is a lbka and has a fused right ankle. He drove for a while like normal, but he is missing some sensation in the right foot and it is tiring in long spurts. He got his car fitted with hand controls and had to retake the test.
It didn’t take long to get used to driving with my left foot. Driving with my prosthetic is kinda annoying... because there is no ankle joint so you have to use your knee and hip. Cruise control is convenience.
First: you drive a VDub and that is awesome. I'm a VDub gal, too. Second: look at your subs!! 88K!!!! Enjoy your weekend!
I actually never thought about this until I saw the video
You look really pretty anyway makeup or not
Wow in America you guys learn to drive way earlier we can only start learning how to drive at 17 but then we can take our drivers test a 17 as well so another difference between America and Britain
What kind of car do you drive? The interior is really nice! 😀
Erika Thomas aw thanks so much! It’s a 2017 Volkswagen Passat!
Yes, you won't be able to 'feel' the accelerator pedal through your foot, but you'll develop a technique quickly through proprioception with your new leg. No ankle pivot movement is another issue, but you're already experienced with that (using knee flexion instead) as a result of driving previously with your fused ankle. And yes we still love you, makeup or not.
Before my right leg below knee amputation I drove with my left foot it is just natural to me now. I did however get a car just recently that has has enough front leg room to keep my leg on because taking it on off all the time just sucked
I’m a new R BKA. I am still healing. Haven’t tried driving yet. I live in NY and may have to re take the drivers test. Terrified of that more than the surgery! Lol. Also thinking of getting the left accelerator pedal.
Not sure about needing to re-take as I only started driving at all after RBK. However, "legally" NYS DMV puts "Accelerator Left of Brake" as a driving restriction on the back of your license. So definitely make sure you get that pedal to be in compliance. Good luck!
Thanks so much.
I’ve looked into a close by company that installs those pedals.
@@geraldinejones7290 There are portable systems that can be moved from car to car. Others can be latched in then removed so others can drive without the adaptation.
Thanks for all the information.
When you get a prosthesis that works I'll let you know how to modify your peddles to make driving easier.
I'm a RBKA. In Maine, they won't let me drive without retaking my driver's test. Its been 1 yr. Uggg... so hard to get rides 😢
Hello Jo, it's great to see you out and about in your car, I get the enjoyment and relaxation i find the same. Do you ever forget you're missing your leg and go to use it without thinking? Love and hugs xx 🧓🇬🇧🦖
Can relate to the left foot driving after having right foot in a cast 4 times in 4 years. When I was first casted, I asked a friend who was in your situation about driving and left foot driving was the answer. Regarding you IG question, follow amputeeot on YT who has EDS.
I’ve been having problems with my right hand recently and that hinders my abilities quite a bit since I’m right handed, play the flute, play softball, enjoy rock climbing, and draw a lot. I’ve had a brace, a shot go into it, and now we’re talking possibly having a surgery that could keep me from moving my hand for a few weeks. So I kind of feel this in a way? But not really? Idk man, amputation probably leaves more than a scar, and might be a lil bit more life changing.
I thought it would be much cooler... such a disappointment. (kidding!)
I sometimes put myself through "understanding" exercises. I will sometimes navigate by memory/touch only at work or at home so i don't have to turn out the lights... I switch hands for the million little daily automatic motions that we do. Tried dressing one handed, etc. I've driven hundreds of highway miles adjusting speed strictly with cruise control.
I haven't tried driving with my left foot. Have to add it to the list!
I'm fine with you driving with only your left foot, but please don't drive using flip-flops!! Love you!
I have driven with my fake foot and with just my left foot. Though I can only drive a manual transition with both feet (fake foot and left foot)
I feel like I've been coming across questions about disabled people driving in a lot of places recently and it also seems to be Americans - are lots of disabled people unable to drive? Are adaptations very expensive? I would have thought (and have seen a segment on Top Gear about this) that driving with a prosthetic is awkward due to the lack of ankle movement, but if you can manage to use a clutch then yeah! Though I guess you'd switch to left leg clutch and right leg accelerator/break - switching between the two pedals might be tricky (I'm struggling to remember which joints I used to do this). I have hand controls and I love them, I also didn't need to retake my test (UK) - I could have done with a few lessons for guidance but retaking the test seems like overkill.
Good job there! I'm a high (less than 4" left) left below knee amp myself & I've always been confused by some people having issues driving with one leg. I know I atleast have my right leg; but have been taught to only use one leg when driving an automatic before I lose my leg (zero changed for me, guess i was lucky there). So my question (to non-amps?) Is does every use both legs intermittently or solely one unless on a standard transmission (what I initially learned on)?
My dad thinks I’m so weird because I cross my left leg like under me/the seat to keep me from panicking and using both feet when I shouldn’t and when I use the pedals the pressure is actually from my knee rather than my ankle bending, like I keep my ankle straight and push from the knee because I learned to drive with a broken ankle XD
You dont need to hit the breaks and gas at the same time cuz now the cars can hold the breaks for you when you're on a hill.
Also cant you get your car customized for driving with your left foot?
I also drive left foot but over the years I've gotten more cramps in my foot if I'm out most of the day. Does this happen to you also?
I can’t even drive a manual with 2 normal legs. I could not imagine doing it with a prosthetic so I think it’s amazing that people can. Also I’m getting my license next month and I’m excited but kinda terrified
Good luck with that Abby and take care on the roads.
gorillaau Thank you! I took my test yesterday and I passed.
@@abbysmith4777 Let me be one of the first to say congratulations and well done.
Your bright smile is still a bright smile without your face made up.
fyi, The insurance industry has studied amputees. They find no increased risk. Driving with cross over left foot or left side gas pedal or prosthetic right foot on the gas pedal all have a similar accident risk of a 2 leg/foot person. The only increase in risk is the driver who uses a prosthetic right leg for the gas pedal and 'meat' left leg on the brake.
My wife has had a left foot gas pedal since the decision to amputate was made. She learned left foot driving while she still could use her right foot. Left feet have just as much lead in them as right feet.
I was wondering how you drove a car. But then I remember I have a manual so I need 2 feet. But an automatic can use only 1 foot. I only use my right food when I drive an automatic. I know I'd have to relearn to use left if something happened to my right foot.
I take off my rt leg and drive left foot only and automatic only. Stick with artificial leg just too weird to use right foot for gas
We do love you Joe 🥰😘❤️
Good job! 😘👍
1:30 I love you just the way you are.
You should consider a left foot accelerator, for the time being.
Seems to me that your method would be very uncomfortable on a long drive. (Says the guy who has hand controls on his truck to work the pedals). Have you considered a left side accelerator? That's just an extra pedal that connects to the gas and you use your left foot. You'd use the same motions as you do now except no need to cross your legs.
I drive with my left foot! I lost my right leg above the knee a year ago
pobably stupid question, dont you guys over there have any basic insurance for hospital care ? if i were to loose a foot, or entire leg for that matter here in scandinavia, i would get a prostethic limb fitted without charge, maybe not the sexiest, or best, but nevertheless something to make me hop around
Me just now putting 2 in 2 together with her driving without a right foot.
After my accident I actually got a left foot accelerator that could be moved from vehicle to vehicle
I would think very carefully !!!!!
That crossing the legs thing is not going to work for males. I have at least 2 good reason.
Had to after right ankle surgery. HURTS TO HIT THE BREAKS
I didn’t know some places have you retake the test after amputation...hmmm.
It's exactly what I thought because I just assumed it wasn't a big deal. lol. Glad it's not. =D
Wouldn’t it be easier to get hand controls
Only ever driven with my left leg like iv said before iv had 30+ surgeries. So I only used my left leg. Seems normal to me
hey, what part of colorado are you from? i have a house in crested butte, it’s beautiful out there!!😍😍
Savage
Oml I just realized in her intro the hill she is on was the hill she fell off the mare
Interesting
Your always beautiful and interesting jo your awesome love you
Heyyyyy
Youl feel better after a shower footless Jo x
You are very beautiful woman and I wish the less pain for you every second!
You are so pretty.
YOU are so sweet! Aw thanks! 💜
You're skinny and have a well constructed face. Looks cute&natural without any make up.
You have to check out angelicalundin_ on instagram, she has a 5 year old girl Who also has amputated her leg. She is such an inspiration for all of us and I hope you can find strange in her on your lower days when you feel sad.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you should not have any pain after the next surgery and can start your new life.. ❤️
You are making me laugh with that putting-one-leg-over-the-other thing :D When will you be in surgery again?
So, love your videos. And you are beautiful without showering for 3 days. But please don't drive with slippers 😱 That can be really dangerous, because the sole of the slipper can get stuck under the pedals. I don't want you to get in a accident.
Stawwwp u look fine
automatic cars must be so dissatisfying to drive!
They are, but in her case, necessary.
Full auto auto valve bodies help .... buddy has a drag car I sometimes drive
Try driving your manual car in rush hour traffic in chicago everyday. Might be dissatisfying to you but not to everyone.
@@MikeMikewaz 100% agree, I have a VW Golf, automatic with adaptive cruise control, it's a dream in busy traffic - so much so after I got mine, my dad went and got one too!