Thank you so for sharing. I am really thinking about getting my right foot amputated. Right ankle fusion, I walk on the ball of my foot, due to cerebral palsy. I too excited to walk without pain, long distance , become physically fit. Where do I start?
Hi Saundra, its my privilege to be able to share with you all. I really appreciate your message. Im so sorry to hear what happened to you, and I really hope for you that you get to where you want to be - fit, mobile, and happy. Take a look at the video I made last week about hiking, something I would have though IMPOSSIBLE some years ago - there is so much out there if we go after it. Your question is possibly the most important step you've taken to start improving your quality of life - regardless of which way you end up choosing. I had a fusion in my left foot (amputated side), which also left me walking on the ball of my foot. The pain was awful, its hard to believe I let it carry on for so long. By asking you've already started - well done. The 1st step is proof that you want something better for yourself. Where to start?? Gather the max possible information: 1. What is quality of life for you? Pain free, mobile, health...? 2. What your situation is right now, and what are the possibilities to achieve the above as things are now. 3. What will happen if you do nothing, but carry on as things are? 4. What is possible with an amputation? What will you gain, and what is the loss? 5. If I look back 5 years from now, what will I regret more? Doing nothing, or taking the risk to change things? Both ways / choices have doubt ... but for me the choice to amputate came with doubt AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITY. Keeping the leg only had doubt, nothing else - no hope or freedom from pain. Its a big decision, only you will make it. I found that once I made the decision I dedicated myself to the choice and never really looked back. I have NEVER said "I wish I had kept the leg, but I have often said "why did I wait son long?" I'm thinking of you Saundra, please keep in touch, let me know how I can help, if you need it. Warm regards :-)
Thank you again . Bottom line I am scared, but know that an amputation I would have a better quality of life of myself. I'm not young I'm 63 years old and it just hit me when I came back from vacation using a scooter. I gain access to the favorite part of my vacation the beach it was a long walk from the hotel to the actual water. But I was in pain. And I want to travel and I often a lot of places are not accommodating for scooters. I am making some medical appointments to see how healthy I am to take on this major surgery. I'm scared and excited at the same time. Definitely will keep in touch .
@@saundrasealy9284 Can I ask where you are at in your decision? I am female, 63 too, and making this decision. It's beyond difficult and scary. 4 failed ankle surgeries, fusion, now on scooter 99% of the time. Both agony and inability to walk. I can't believe I haven't tnought of amputation sooner. I'm at the point I'm afraid NOT to do this. These videos are so encouraging!
@@crisscross8770 Hello, sorry for my delayed response. . No i haven't decided yet. I am looking into insurance coverage. I am leaning towards retiring then make my move. Prayers that you are well and have a successful surgery. I am Saying this and look forward to a positive outcome . Remember when you know better you do better.
Hi Sash, my thoughts are really with you, I hope you feel at peace about your decision and that it will significantly improve your quality of life. I wish you a speedy recovery period, and all that is good going forward. If what I experienced is anything to go by I believe that you are going to have big new possibilities open up for you. I really respect your courage! Much care :-)
Good for you. I think you are past the worst emotionally ( all the what ifs...) and physically. One of my first thought was "thank goodness I don't have to think constantly about that darn foot and ankle." If you can manage it, I recommend a transfer to a rehab facility. They can assess your strengths and show you how to be safely mobile until you get your prosthetic. Stay strong.
Here’s something that I’ve found is the hardest part of becoming an amputee. STAY ACTIVE STAY ACTIVE STAY ACTIVE!! I had to lay around for like 10 months before I got my new leg and I am in such horrible shape and now I’m supposed to be going back to work and I’ve got a solid 6 months of personal rehab to do just to get half way back in shape and I could have negated all this by not laying around and feeling sorry for myself.
You are such a good speaker. You come accross as sincere, caring and knowing what you are talking about: hence your experience. Please talk to the "old" people with walking/movement/balance problems.
This was very helpful! I am contemplating an amputation. 26 years of doctors trying to keep my arm....intact, sorta, has resulted in loss of mobility, constant pain, and no end in sight to the surgeries and procedures. There is no cure for what I have, just a handful of treatments that haven't worked. Frankly, I am tired. I want to live my life and be active again. I am getting a new doctor and am really, really hoping this one won't want to put me through even more surgeries and treatments. I really hope amputation is on the table so I don't spend the next 26 years losing even more mobility and being even less active than I am now.
Hi, I've just seen your message from 11 months ago, and really sorry I never saw it t the time it was posted. How are you doing since posting the message? I hope things have improved and you're doing better, active, and living the life you were hoping too. All the best to you, hoping you're in a good place.
Thanks Jonno, I really appreciate your comments on the channel! Your own venture into photography has really motivated me to pursue something similar - THANKS!
Dude. Havent even watched Yet. This is the Decision im weighing daily and have been wanting soo bad to reach for advice. I appreciate it man! Ill let Yee know if im part of the crew
Hi, man Im so sorry I missed your comment back when you posted it. How are you and how did things work out? I truly hope you're well and found a good way forward. Please keep in touch, and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Take care
Great video. Wish I could go to San Antonio but just getting back to work after being out for 2 months so its financially impossible at this time. Would have loved to meet you and shake the hand of such an inspiring person. Keet making awesome videos!
Hi Chris, Otto here. I had to make the decision to amputate due to on going septicemia in my lower right leg after a car accident. I could have asked them to keep on fighting it but I was going down hill fast and could not stand the smell, fever and pain any longer. It took 4 amputations until the final one above knee. I can only imagine what you went through.
Hi Otto, thanks for your openness in a very personal experience. It sounds like your situation was severe, 4 amputations is really heavy going. I think we both understand how tiring the symptoms of the infections are, and how the repeated cycle affects the emotional well being so negatively. I really hope that you are healthy and a happier person after your decision - you really deserve it. Thanks for your comments, its really great to see your mane come up again!
Hello Chris from Maine, U.S.A.! I'm one of your new subscribers and I found you through Footless Jo on RU-vid. Your video was recommended as I was watching hers. From what I've watched of your videos so far, you appear to be compassionate and want to educate fellow amputees with education and honesty. On that note, I was wondering if you might reach out to Footless Jo sometime? She too had a fused ankle along with some other medical issues but she made the decision to amputate also after going through a very same situation as you. Sadly, since her surgery, things havent exactly gone as she had hoped. She's had to have a second surgery caused by Burma's, etc., and she's been pretty bummed-out this week. As a fellow outdoor enthusiast----she lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountain state of Colorado (next door to Utah) and was an avid hiker and outdoors kind of woman. With all these set-backs, and as anyone would she's struggling to stay out of the dark space. When I saw in your opening how fantastic you were hiking, I immediately thought of her and what a GREAT help you might be. She is a below the knee amputee. I'm going to try to send her a message but she has A LOT of followers so I don't know if she'll see it or not. I know she reads most comments from her Instagram account so I will also leave her a message there. You are a positive influence and I thank you for that as I make my own journey on deciding to amputate my left foot or not. I asked maybe 15-20 years ago and then life happened, but now that I am older (62) and have other health issues (Stage III Neuro-lyme disease + 5 co-infections) this decision isn't a difficult decision as far as amputation goes, its the recovery that worries me the most. ANY tye of trauma, be it physical or any sort of massive stressors, like a death of someone close, a divorce, or even a slight fender-bender, CNA send my body into a MAJOR relapse. So I'm trying to get as informed and educated as I can before I make that decision. Thank you again. Best Regards, Grannie Annie from Maine
Hey Grannie Annie, thanks for the kind message. I have occasional contact with Footless Jo and I really believe that she has amazing support, and the self-awareness to reach out to anyone she believes could be of value to her. She has amazing insight and has been an inspiration in how she has overcome her past, current, and on-going challenges. I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It seems multifaceted and certainly requires the insight of a professional, which I am not. The decision is such a big one, and scary at the very least. In the end the question I asked myself was if I could live with the risk of the current situation vs the risk of a different future situation, based on the implications of such a decision. I feel privileged to be a positive influence on you, thank you for sharing that. In the end we all have a unique journey, with some overlap in experiences, but also our individual complications. I truly hope that you find what is best for you, that which will bring an improved quality of life. Please keep in touch, let us know how things are working out for you. Thinking of you x
Wow thanks so much for this. I’m so glad I found this. I have a fused knee and it’s horrible. Because I would need more reconstruction as well, I’ve decided to go for amputation. This has reinforced my decision.
Hi there! Thanks for posting your thoughts and for sharing your story. As someone who has been where you are I would like to reassure you that it’s the best decision I made - for sure. I hope all works out well for you mate, please keep us posted if you’re ok with it, your experiences will benefit others in the same situation we found ourselves in. Wishing you the best recovery!
Thanks for replying, Chris. I’ll keep you posted and share whatever anyone’s interested in. I don’t know when it will happen, as there are a lot of issues to hash out first. Maybe late spring/early summer. In a way, I’m looking forward to moving on with things. People must think I’m crazy!
@@rejoicingbones Its our life ... until someone is in this situation its impossible too imagine what a huge decision it is and how bad it is to live with a fused leg. Knowing where I stood once the decision was made was an immense relief I cannot describe, I imagine you know exactly what I mean. If comfortable and free means crazy I'm cool with that :-)
I get jumbled when I try to explain my decision to amputee tp other people. Thank you for perfect guide to explaining. Hope you enjoy your trip to the U.S. Texas will be hot & humid. Utah will be hot and dry. I'm from New Orleans, so I think hot & dry is preferable to hot & humid. Have fun.
Hi Linda, thanks for commenting, your words are motivating and inspires me to keep on uploading videos. I've been to New Orleans - maaaany years ago. It was a consideration for the trip but I ultimately want to explore the Moab Arches and Canyonlands, and do some photography and hiking. So excited to come to your country again!!!!
I saved this to my “Watch Later” list for so long, because I needed to be emotionally ready to hear whatever you were going to say. I’m terrified of making that decision for myself, especially because anytime I have tried to talk it out with my loved ones they immediately shoot me down and won’t even hear of it. They don’t let me view it as an option. But they are not the ones whose lives have been stolen from them due to injury. So I finally decided to stop letting fear and the fear that my loved one feel also- to stop preventing me from researching my options to get back to life. Thank you for making this video to explain your reasoning. Your reasons were all the same as mine (minus the opioid addiction but I still don’t want to rely on medicine just to barely get by as I do)
Dear Heather, I hope that what I have to share will help you to make the right decision for yourself. This is our lives. We are the ones carrying the pain of our changed limitations and sadness of loss. This is your decision, it affects your life and whatever you need is your right and privilege to go after. Living in fear is no way to experience life. If you have a dream and it includes a decision which others don't agree with - well then tough for them. Its not about them. Know that you are not alone, we are many who will support if you let us. I hope that the video has helped to clarify things somewhat for you. Please keep in touch - whatever you decide. C :-)
Thanks for sharing Chris . I’m going on the three month mark with out my leg I’m new in the game for being a Amputee . But it seams so much longer then three month . Please keep up the great videos sir
Yea I had to let my leg go because osteomyelitis, mrsa, and three other nasty infections and literally the day I got my leg removed I felt a million times better. I didn’t realize apparently how close to death I was had I kept my leg any longer. I’m getting along good now just waiting on my settlement and then I’m gonna go back to work part time delivering gravel working for myself and I’m buying a nice bass boat and staying on it every day lol
Hi James - good to hear from you again! Also good to hear you are improving, doing better, and enjoying the fun things we missed pre-amp. I hope your settlement comes soon, and that you find the right prosthetics. Please try out the Ossur total solution - depending on where you amp is. Certainly try the Proprio foot, out an awesome piece of gear. The bass boat sounds so good! I'm a nature lover too, the solitude and silence of being out there on the water in second to non- whether on a boat, surfboard, hike ... Go for it mate!
The Amped Life with Chris I just got the proprio foot covered and my prosthetist scheduled me some time next month to come get it installed. My leg is kinda different from everyone else’s because my socket is dual purpose (both shuttle or vac) and it adds like 2 inches off the socket plus my rotation unit. So basically my rheo goes straight into the ankle instead of an extension and they had to order a custom part to make it work. I’m excited though, I took my test for the federal government to go back to truck driving Wednesday, I think I did fine so one step closer!
I had my chop on Saturday morning! Struggling with the muscle contractions and cramping but just started diazepam to try and resolve a bit... way way worse than the phantom pains for me!
Thanks for commenting again, I notice your reflections on your own journey, thanks for sharing. In my experience diazepam can help with the anxiety, but did not really help me with contractions. Also diazepam can be quite addictive, it's another medication I am really weary of, however I hope it works for you - horses for courses :-) I dealt with the cramps by massaging with arnica, perhaps something to try out?
Since December of 2014 I have gotten repeated infections in my different joints in my body. For each one they have to do surgery to clear out the infection. Most of them dont bother me at all now except for one. My right knee, for some reason, has been the only one with repeat infections. Just that knee has spent 3 months total in the hospital, about half of that in isolation, and 7 surgeries. One of them was a complete removal of a bursa. By this point its more scar than knee and it constantly looks swollen when compared to the healthy knee. It hurts all the time and thanks to the surgeries there are now calcium crystals growing in it. Since the doctors haven't figure out whats causing the joint infections they cant give me anything to prevent it. Lately I've been considering talking to my doctor about selective amputation. I'm not sure how to approach them or even what I should say.
Dear Megan, firstly im so sorry for missing your message when you posted it 3 months ago. How are things going for you? My story is very similar to yours in so many ways. Almost an identical process which eventually brought me to where I am now. My view was simply that I wanted better quality of life and that the situation seemed to have no potentially good outcome if I continued. Also my body was tired of pills and anti biotics so I decided it was time. I very difficult and personal decision one needs to be ready for, each in our own way. In the end I guess I wanted to have a sense of knowing where I stand with my body - some finality. The uncertainty was awful and my decision put an end to that. My life has since improved tremendously. Your message really saddened me because I remember the anxiety of what I needed to do. I hope you come to decision which works out well in the end, if you want to communicate feel free to contact me on my linked website / email. I hope to hear from you again, all the best, my thoughts are with you :-)
Hi Anthony, thanks for your message. I was in hospital for 4 days and then went home. I had to repeatedly return though for infection treatment, but overall the recovery was quite fast. I went in on 27 Oct and by 12 December I was walking with a prosthetic leg.
