REGAIN your CONFIDENCE and IDENTITY as an AMPUTEE 

Hi Janice, thank you for your message, and for the positive feedback. This really motivates me to post more video's and share more of my experiences as an amputee. I am so happy for you that you've managed to make the changes you wanted, and really respect your commitment to improve your mobility and health. Weight loss is such a sensitive topic, and encouraging it can sometimes invite a lot of criticism, which is likely why I've not talked about it more. Your message has convinced me that it is a topic which deserves more discussion for us as amputees. It is an inescapable truth that added weight reduces out mobility, increases chances of limb infection due to added pressure sores, and creates problems for good socket fit. You've added a very important point, which is how it can negatively affect one's self-esteem and confidence. Your honesty, when saying that it affects you more than being an AKA, is quite revealing, and I hope that more viewers will see your message, as it could only lead to positive outcomes. Nothing bad can come from paying attention to our body and everything this suggests. If you don't mind I am going to pin your message to the top of the comments, and if you're Ok with it I'd like to share it in a video to talk more about this topic. Maybe we can also raise the issue in a Podcast / Live Stream event for some real time conversation? I don't mean to overwhelm you, so it's entirely up to you, no pressure. You've already done a lot to raise awareness of this topic, by sharing your experience. Hearing you say that you're amped to rock the bionic leg has put a big smile on my face, I'm super excited with you to see how this works out - please let us know! Thank again for talking about this topic, it will surely motivate and help someone to improve their mobility. Take care, and enjoy the rewards of your commitment to improved health and mobility 😊

I am happy to share my experiences, good, bad or ugly..lol.

Tnx Janice @@janicesherrard7669

I only now started walking more after getting my first leg a year ago. I realize I'm loosing weight now because of it and that definitely helps with my self esteem! I just need to get more motivated to start exercising, but I can't find good channels to help me.

@@marili82 Hi Marili, I'll doing a live stream some to talk more about self-esteem, and will also bring body image into the discussion. If you'd like to join us I'll look out for ant questions you might have about this and bring it into the live discussion if you like 🙂 Look out for notifications of when the next live stream will be happening - hope we see you there. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!

Hi! (sorry I did not catch your name) Thank you for this message, it means a lot to me that you shared your experience with us. I am hoping it will inspire someone else who reads this to create a meaningful opportunity for themselves, as it looks like it meant a lot to you. Awesome stuff. Considering you've only had your definitive socket for around 3 months now, this is quite an achievement! Respect for pushing through, despite the challenges, and big appreciation for your friends being there for you. Is your icon hike in Pensilvania along the Appalachian Trail? I've been to the state, it is truly beautiful, especially this time of year with all the snow, as I remember it. I was there in Jan and July1994, both visits were wonderful. You live in a beautiful country, which I hope to visit again soon. I made a video in 2019 when I hiked in Moab, Utah, to Corona Arch. In the video I shared a few tips which might be useful for your planned hike. Maybe we can chat more about this in a live stream? Just drop a comment and I'll bring it into the chat. I'll post a notification for the next chat soon. Look forward to seeing you there! Take care mate.

This is Andy from Pennsylvania USA; we've chatted by email. Yes! My goal is to get up to the Appalachian Trail by next autumn. This is indeed a beautiful part of the country, especially in the fall when the leaves change to vibrant shades of yellow, orange,, and red. I have seen your Utah hiking video, which showed me what can be done. I cannot wait for more videos, and the Live Chat Ep5!! @@theampedlife

Hey mate! It's been a while Ruy, thank for the concern and for reaching out to me with this message. Here in SA we do have some issues to deal with, but I do love my country and will always believe that a good outcome for all of us is possible. Mr Nelson Mandela believed in his people, and set the example of how to build a nation on good will, and by caring about each other. Right now the world seems to be in a bad place, let's hope that we can find our way to better times. I follow the news in the States closely, as I feel a strong connection to your country and its people, and hope we can all look forward to good things for our countries in the future. Thank you for the kind words on the video, and I hope that it helps someone to find their confidence, and improve their life in the process. Your feedback motivates me - thank you! Man it's good to hear that your life has improved so much! It's amazing what a difference the right person and the right gear can make to our lives, and I'm really glad you found yours. Being able to ascend and descend stairs safely and with more ease, really opens up more possibilities to access places and spaces. Even better that you can move freely in your own home. Your offer for a stay is extremely kind, and much appreciated. When I return for a visit to the US, and find myself in the vicinity of Maine, I will take you up on this generosity, thank you Ruy. So will I see you in the next live stream? 😊

Chris, I agree that the whole world is heading into a really dark place, I have hope that things will turn out for the better. You are such a cool guy, that I feel a very strong bond other than our limb loss, it certainly would be a real privilege to have you as our guest, in spite of the recent massacre not very long ago, Maine is a very beautiful place to visit,with lots of outdoor activities and fabulous scenery. Right now, I have started a program to teach other amputees basic sailing (season is over) and together with another amputee friend we have started a clinic for other amputees to improve their walking and how to maximize their prostheses. I will definitely join on your next live stream! Keep me posted on the date. Stay safe and healthy. s@@theampedlife

Yeah Ruy it was real sad to read about what happened in Maine recently, really dark and must have crushed the people affected by the loss. I've never been to Maine, despite having traveled much of the States, but hope to get there sometime. Speaking of sailing, this past weekend I got into an Optimist for the first time in 45 years! I forgot how small it is. I sailed in a charity event, it was a ton of fun, and even though our team (relay event) did not get line honours, we got the team work award. We were 3 amputees in the team, I sailed the first leg. I think it's a fantastic sport for an amputee, I hope the work you're doing attracts a lot of those in need of a self-belief boost. Also must be very rewarding to pass on your amputee wisdom with the gait training - good work mate! Catch you in the next stream, thanks for being a friend to the community. Who knows, maybe one day we can do something together in Maine!

Hi, Chris! yes, the events here in Maine shocked us all to the core. We have lived here in this state for 35 years and that particular community where the massacre occurred was our home while our children were growing up, and where I practiced medicine, so we have many friends and acquaintances that were directly affected. To mention a few, my secretary's cousin was gunned down as he was attempting to rush the killer, and my granddaughter's school mate lost her dad simply because he was deaf and did not hear the gunfire ( 2 other deaf-mutes also lost their lives at a pub where they we playing a corn-hole tournament. Every single person killed or wounded also have their terrible tragic story to tell. But we have to move on and try to heal as best we can, I know the families who lost loved ones will never be the same. This is a great country but it has serious issues with the proliferation of firearms which were designed for war not for hunting or personal protection. On a more positive note, I was delighted to hear that you went sailing! I don't know how you can possibly fit in an Optimist! Ha, ha! You are probably over 6 ft tall. Glad to hear you had fun. You will not have any trouble on my sailboat (31 ft and the headroom inside the cabin is 6ft 3 inches) I'm not much into competition since this boat's original design dates back to the 19th Century and it was meant to be a working boat. But now the season is over, temperatures are starting to plummet and it's time to switch gears and start thinking of winter sports. I will attempt to try my Nordic skis and snow shoes. I'll let you know how that goes. Looking forward to your next stream (when is that scheduled?)@@theampedlife

This sounds scary and very painful, and I hope the healing is going well. We are vulnerable, so important to take extra care of ourselves, where we go, what we do, and how we treat our bodies. Mate I stopped drinking altogether a few years ago, it's one of the best decisions Ive ever made. Nothing bad can come from it, and a lot of good things have happened since. I wish you the best with your decision to cut back, speedy healing of the limb and many good things to came!

Hi Francois, thank you for the message, sorry my response took so long! I really respect your dedication to find a solution to your situation, given the complications and extensive damage. Just amazing that you're back on a bike, doing what you love. So we both ride motorcycles, about 10 years after my amputation I got back on a bike again - which I thought would never happen! Love the freedom, and a small victory to get back to doing what we once loved. Much gratitude for this. I opted for a bike with an auto gearbox (lost my left leg) so no modifications needed. Keep on ridin' man! Alll the best.

Hi Beth, thank you for the warm message! It's great to be posting again, and receiving messages like yours. I agree, to have a partner who is supportive and loving is such a positive experience, and grateful that we can both have this in our lives. I wish you all the best with your recovery, growth, and progress. You sound very motivated with a positive outlook, this will serve you well, and I hope everything goes well for you in the coming months and years.

Thanks, it's great to be chatting again, seeing the familiar messages. I will post advance notice for live streaming, excited to go on air again!

Dear Michele, thank you for taking the time to write this comment, and for your kind words. Infection is the theft of joy for an amputee, we should pay particular attention to this, as you have done. My suggestions are from my own experience, and I hope they help you. 1 Take it slow with a newly fitted socket and leg. One tends to be excited to get going again, but slow progress will reward you more for longer. 2 Practice a limb cleaning "ritual" in the morning, as well as in the evening. I have made a video about this, and talked about it a lot in one of the live streaming events with a small tutorial during the stream. 3 Rest if it hurts, don't walk on a bruised limb. 4 Nutrition is crucial. Too much alcohol and especially sugar slows down healing. 5 Give the limb fresh outdoor air and some sun - nature is a kind doctor (always use sunblock if conditions demand it). 6 Don't ignore small lacerations or chafe marks, and attend to ingrown hairs on the limb. 7 More weight will create more pressure on the limb contact area, be mindful of lifting or carrying heavy things, and pay attention to your BMI (this is a big issue and can prevent many complications when managed well). 8 Have a rest day if needed, use crutches for the day or limit pressure as much as possible. 9 Prevent dry skin, supple skin is preferable. 10 Work on your gait, try to become fluid in the movement. 11 Make sure the alignment on the prosthetic setup is 100% - this is essential. 12 Buy the best possible liner you can afford. I suggest the Ossur Seal In Liner, the hypoallergenic skin contact material is exceptionally good at preventing formation of bacteria, and in minimising friction. Again, thank you for the positive message, it really motivates me to create more video's more often. Take care, all the best with the new fitment, and see you on the next live stream!

Thanks for all the helpful tips. I did see your bedroom and bathroom set up. I'm actually taking your tips and remodeling my bathroom. Says my husband, Chris, it is all about my safety. Have a great week. Yes, see you on the next stream

Hi Jimbo, yes for sure I remember, Jimbo is not a name you don't see very day! Man you sound so positive, and I'll look out for you the next time we go live to hear more. The C Leg is an awesome piece of kit, you should be able progress on it for many years. I look forward to hearing the cane is gone, and you're going along steady and safely on your legs alone. Go well, I wish you the best possible recovery, and thanks for the update!

You're welcome JoJo, thank you for watching and commenting 😊

You're welcome, any time. Thanks for the message!

Bicycles are an awesome way to get out and feel free! Check it out, you'll not regret it :-)

I still ride a motorcycle occasionally, but recently decided to sell it now. Really don't need another accident at this stage 😊

Hi, thanks for the message and questions, I'll try to answer them the best I can. Ive been an amputee for 19 years. I started using a prosthetic leg about 7 (seven) weeks after the amputation. I did not use walking sticks for normal walking, but now sometimes when I hike in the mountains I do use them. I only got a micro processor knee after many years, but I regret this. I should have gotten one immediately on my first leg - there is no reason not to do this. The Ossur Rheo is a fantastic knee, it changed my life. I hope this helps, all the best with your amputee journey! You seem to be researching this and asking all the right questions, so things should work out well for you. Hope we see you in our live streaming podcast chats soon!

@@theampedlife Thank you it’s helpful to get information from your experience, only an amputee understands the daily struggle. Had a work accident in 2016 Crushed tibia, then got compartment syndrome had fasciotomy done to relieve the pressure. Basically in the end after numerous surgeries I elected to have amputation done, this was carried out in May this year. After amputation I lost around 7 weeks because I had infection and hematoma removal, on the road now to recovery, received my prosthetic leg with mechanical knee socket isn’t a suction one as yet. Basically it’s a waiting game for residual limp or stump to shrink before getting another socket and micro processor knee. Once I get a suction socket and micro knee I feel things will start to get better for me. Ya it’s a journey and expect to be walking without any aids with a good gait by 16/8/2024 that’s my aim 8 years from day of the accident. Anyway keep up the good content and thanks again 👍🇬🇧