You cut what off!! My amputation Story 

I seen his life change and the dark side he speaks about. I thought I was going to loss my son. Yes Matt is our son. But he has come out on the best side of him. His attitude is so good now. I have my kid back. And so proud he is helping others now.

From someone who’s taken off many legs in 34 years working in an OR,your very brave about it,it’s very unusual for someone to have a choice in wheather to have a BKA.I’m glad you’ve opened yourself up to helping those that haven’t adjusted to losing a limb.

I am speechless ❤ You are one of the most inspirational souls I've ever come across and want you to know of how positively impactful you are to the world 🌎 Sending you Gods Richest Blessings 🙌 🙏 ❤️

Stay strong brother. Ran across your later RV and van videos, but man I feel you. You are living life to the fullest. A year ago, as a man who would NEVER, like EVER go to a doctor. Was hit with pain so bad I thought I was dying. My previous career was usaf as ordiance and SF guy, then LE, Investigations, Court Officer, SWAT, all that. Literally sent my wife into tears bc she knew if I was requesting to go to the ER, then well I'm fucking dead already. Had some weird issue - so unknown b/c everyone who have it fucking died, went into ER, pushed to front of the line for chest cavity surgery ASAP, remember before my drugs kicked in my surgeon and anesthesiologist saying vert baitm - both saying WTF when looking at my X-rays, then I passed out, I learned later my Surgeon fucking googled wtf was happening with me. God bless the Dr he operated on me 4 fucking hours. idk pulled my entire intestinal tract out of my cavity and then start chopping on it!! 4 HOURS!!!! My intestines had an odd growth that basically tied them in knots as time goes on so they were non-functional. It's so rare bc everyone who has it fucking dies, and it is uncommon to autopsy people. They said since I was such a hard ass, and didnt seek treatment, I was days from triping over dead. Shit changed my entire life perspective. Survived a war. Operating in high Crime high Risk areas. And some fucking random ass shit almost took me out, shit I couldn't control!? Yea man, I feel your struggle. Edit, seriously, this vid helped me. And I wouldnt be here if a fam member hired me to convert a 170 Sprinter into a Camper Van for him. At least you can still shoot straight. Benefits of a wheel chair is a steady cam mount for your belt fed MG just saying, base of fire man! You good people.

Wow your story is almost exactly the same as mine. I am 9 days out from my bka. I had a minor foot surgery that wrecked my foot and had 2 surgeries to try and fix it and developed CRPS. I chose to have my foot amputated as well. I felt emotionally everything you described exactly the same as you. Wow it’s like you just read my story. Everything is the same except the initial injury. I have wondered if I have ptsd from all of this. Thanks for sharing your story. I am trying to adopt that same warrior attitude you have to overcome everything in my way, and turn into a superhero for my family. Thank you for sharing your story.

Great story my uncle had burgers disease and had leg amputated above knee . Became a alcoholic and quit drinking. But lived. To 85 and learned to live a full life and had 3 boys and wife helped him ❤❤❤❤

With this video being 3 yrs old I don't know if you'll see this but thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I am literally sitting in a hospital bed 3 days post op from BK. Today was my first day out of bed. It was hell and I cried but I made it. Thank you for I really needed to hear this today.

I’m a left leg BKA. I have never been depressed or cried over the loss of my leg. I celebrated my leg being gone. I have surgery 4 months ago. I suffered with peripheral neuropathy for 15 years. It was idiopathic. Always had feet pain, infections, seeing foot doctors, medications, and finally a Charcot foot that stayed infected despite wearing a crowboot. I finally told the vascular doctor to cut off my foot/leg. My life so far has been so much better than what I have lived with for over a decade. I’m not sad one day to see my leg gone. It’s so much better than what I had. I’m still dealing with a lot of phantom pain but that’s getting better

I recently elected BKA. A little over 2 weeks out. I really appreciate this video very much.

Appreciated sir I am also going thru same condition after seeing you now I am feeling better and energetic thankyou sir

Spooky how similar our histories are, but I’m 63, so older. I’ve been an amputee for 40 years, identical amputation as yours. I was in traction in a bed for 7 months as I snapped my femur, and it damaged my femoral artery leaving 30% of my normal , distal to my knee, circulation. Over 5 years I spent 3 in the hospital, I was in the hospital for about 2.5 years. Much of it was in the burn unit. The onset of my ptsd and grief didn’t occur until I retired 5 years ago. Very strange. Keep your chin up friend.

I'm sixty-nine and had a below the knee amputation just one month ago. For me, it was an easy choice, die from an infection or lose the leg. Maybe it's my age, or all the bed times I've been through that involved probable death, but, so far, I'm very lucky in feeling no regret, no depression, no remorse, no PTSD, etc. I know it could still come later, but right now I'm good. I go in two days to have my temporary prosthetic fitted for one hour per day use. Time, I guess, to start learning to walk again, which they say will be a long process, but what else is there to do? There's a good chance I'll have to have a below the knee on my other leg somewhere down the road, but maybe the thought of that is keeping me from any kind of depression, grief, etc., now. I just don't know. Time will tell, and time is all any of us have. Not very much time, at that, so we may as well use every second to the fullest.

You need a “I’m only in it for the parking” t-shirt, or a “One foot in the grave” one. I find nothing puts people at ease or opens them up to asking productive questions more that a little humor.

There’s nothing more attractive than a man showing his feelings and not being afraid to talk about things and admit you are human, a person and feel. I am a recent BKA from Charcot foot as a result of a wound from diabetes. I told people in the past few years if I ever have to have that done, they might as well just bury me bc I’d never ever survive it. I was wrong. I am dealing with things much better than I ever imagined. I was just bouncing back from losing my Mom to Stomach cancer the year before. I’ve been through a lot in the past few years but I feel like things are looking up. Thank you for your video. It feels nice to not feel alone. 💜💜💜

I had two amputations on my right leg in 2018 due to diabetes. Acceptance, Gratitude, and a support system is what got me through it. I am an above the knee amputee now. (protect that knee!) I can definitely relate to that moment of epiphany when acceptance hit you. Later, gratitude, made me thankful for still being alive.

I had an above knee left amputation on 2nd. March, 2020 as a result of CRPS and associated complications after having knee surgery (after yearly operations) in January of 2006. Once I started rehab back in July last year I then developed problems with my right knee. My kneecap subluxes and I have severe arthritis in my right knee. To top it all off, I also have CRPS in the bottom of my right leg, albeit nowhere near as bad as the left. Only a couple of weeks ago was I allowed to bring home my prosthetic leg but only for standing and balance. I'm not allowed yet to walk with it when I'm alone. My amputation was also from choice. I also chose my own surgeon, which although is permissible here in the UK on the NHS isn't a common thing to do. I wish you all the best and please stay safe xx

Wow, your story hit home. You explained things so well. I had injury, surgery- woke up on fire and years of hell nobody understands. One minute bread winner, 4 kids, active.Next minute lying on air mattress unable to do anything... Thankfully I improved after years but still have that hot poker in my left foot. I didn't have an amputation - I dreamed about it a lot and still do when the foot is at its worst. Glad you are doing well. I changed as a person too. Constant severe pain of the level we had/have- I think it really messes with the brain.

Thank you for sharing your "amputation story". I too was in the Army. My tour of service spanned from the mid 1960s Vietnam thru and including Desert Storm. You survived and are winning the battle with self. After seeing so much over the years I thought I could remain "cold" when I walked in to Walter Reed. However, one day I was picking up meds and I was walking behind a slow moving wheel chair. As I passed the chair I first thought, wow he needs a haircut. Then I saw her. A young woman who lost both legs to a IED. I sat on the floor in a corner of the hall way and began bawling. I will never forget her. Once again I salute you. If YOU ever need someone to talk to let me know brother.

I read somewhere that the phantom feeling you are having is because they caught off the nerves, but a surgeon can also reroute te nerves back into the upper leg and then the phantom feeling wil go away...I hope you can still get that operation. Keep the good spirit inside yourself alive man..what doesnt kill you makes you stronger

We really appreciate this channel and we are extremely happy we found it, from Matt's RV review.

There are all types of leaders...you are holding a lantern on the other side of the bridge...but others have to choose to approach where you bravely stand... God Bless You...

Thanks so much for your story! I haven’t experienced amputation but have been depressed with physical issues the last couple of years. Your statements of noticing good reminded me what I am not looking for.

Related to that because of therapy and PTSD... I laughed when you said EMDR is a crack but it works!! ... a good therapist is a tremendous support indeed.. You spoke of being a man, of being strong and accepting what happened to you, no other way.. I want to tell you that I'm thoroughly convinced you are more than ever a man and have got a deep unusual strength in yourself, a kind of jewel, that grows out of pain and obstacles.. my respect for being now what you are!

Its such an encouraging words. God bless you stay strong.

So glad you fought through it. Rv-ing will be awesome now.

Fabulous! Thank you for sharing! You are a good speaker. May God bless you!

Hero!👍🏻

Wishing you and your family a fabulous 2021. You’re an inspiration. Such a strong person. Love from England x

You ain’t lying when concerning phantom pains!! For me it’s the itch I can’t scratch is what truly drives me insane. LBKA. And yes big support systems are a big help.

Thank you-for using your life for the good to help others ❤️🙏🏻😊

Wow thank you so much for this video ❤ so motivational ❤just found your channel wow hope you keep posting more motivational videos so helpful to so many who needs this❤❤❤❤

You have a great story.very inspiring. Stay strong

im from the phillipines im 25 yrs old my feet going to amputee next week its my choice i had to i undergo 5 operation but it didn't save it .the bone of my feet didn't grow so the choice i made to cut my feet and i feel horrible that my life gonna be like it used to..the scaring part i dont know where to get a prosthetic leg.😭😭 thankyou for the encouragement..

Your story blessed me so much. So glad you shared. Pastoring for 40, helping is the best way to triumph Blessings Sweet One the Lord has kept you and you share what it is to overcome ♥️

I don’t know why you haven’t gone viral! Your message should be heard by everyone. I’m so glad you were able to push through and be an inspiration to many, many people!

Your videos made me think a lot about not giving up. In Florida it's so difficult to get the assistance needed. My sister saved me form being abused. I'm a train wreck according to my doctor in Florida. The depression is crippling. But your giving me hope. I will get through this thanks to you. And my sisters.

You got a knee. That's huge. My husband is an AK and never complains

I also have CRPS, dealing with it for almost 11 or 12 years now. I have started having heart issues, but never thought it could of been because of this. Thank you for sharing you story and having so much strength to endure.

I love that you are doing better now on how you thought when you became an amputee. Glad you are on the right track. You can’t let anything get you down. If it she’s just dust yourself off and get right back up again. It helped me when I read some self help books too or just reading helps get mind set on the right path. Glad you talked about your amputee how you got there. Thank you Matt. Tell Amber hello. Hope to see you both soon! Sherri Weber

I am so inspired by your video. Thank you. You are incredible.

Oh my gosh! You are hilarious! I love that about you! You took a crappy situation and turned it into a positive! Bravo! I’ve been battling Follicular Lymphoma for 4 years now. I have experienced all of the negative emotions that you spoke of. I’m having a very hard time turning this crappy situation into a positive as you did. Oh! Did I mention you are good looking too? Any woman would be blessed to have you!

Amazing story, thanks for sharing.

Hi, you have a good attitude towards your amputation. I've been an amputee for 22 years now, my first thought after my accident was how am I going to ride my motorcycle again. That's what keeps me going :)

I recently had a BKA F F yyû N m of my left leg on Thursday February 24th. My first surgery was Sunday the 20th to get rid of the infected Charcot foot. Then the revision surgery that Thursday 2/24. The pain was unbelievable. It was agony. It felt like my leg was mangled under a big semi truck and I could get it out. 3 days later I was transferred to another hospital just about a half an hour from the hospital I had my surgery. I went to their facility to do their in l patient rehab on how to get around with only one full leg. Anyways, I was there for 10 days. I couldn’t go home bc we have 2 story home and there are 7-8 steps just to get up on the porch in order to get in on the main floor! We will have to sell our home but I knew we’d have to soon. It just makes sense. We have 4 cats and I haven’t seen them in 7 weeks. I love you soo much Daniel! I got my stump shrinker on at a size 4 and I’ll get measured this week and I can start learning to walk again. I’ll do 5 days on outpatient therapy and then I can do my outpatient as I need it. My question to you is did you start having problems with upper body strength and pain? How long did you have to take Opioid pain medication? My right foot is seeking and staying swollen and it never swelled before my surgery. I have carpal tunnel in both arms as well as a rotator cuff in both shoulders. I have fibromyalgia as well as fighting depression and anxiety. I’m in pain and I’m eating Tylenol and Advil like itt’s candy!! Thank you for sharing your story!!! You’re truly amazing and so inspiring to so many people. Me, especially. Thank you and God Bless!!!!

Your amazing so upbeat and confident....they way you explain what went on with you is explanatory and informative well done to you and I wish you all the best in your life great video....

Your story is very inspiring. You Are A Real Life Super Hero! Thank you. I needed this.

I steped on a really small piece of glass, I broke a CV offee cup on the bathroom. I didn't know that I even had an issue, there was no blood and no pain. I had diabetes and didn't know it, it did develop into a massive infection which led to partial amputation of my right foot, then led to a below the knee amputation. This all atarted in 2017. Got my fake leg in 2018 and rest is history. I do dirive and get around ok, do have a problem with stairs with no hand rails. I do wish my foot had more flexibility, maybe next time I get a new leg, we'll see. I didn't go through the issues you did, but there isn't a day that doesn't go by, that I think I could have been smarter. Now I use a metal coffee cup! I is just a minor inconvenience but I still have my life and my wife, kids and grandchildren have been a great help and support.

Great video. I am an 84 yr old amputee and live in a small town so no support group Similar experiences and wish I had seen this video 2 years ago when I lost my lower left leg. I arrived at many of the same conclusions. Wish I had a skeletal prosthesis for Halloween. or a bird claw foot. Am a retired archaeologist and plan to get back out in the field soon.

God bless you and thank you for sharing your inspirational story. I am a new subscriber as of yesterday and looking forward to riding along on the journey with you and your better half.

Thank you for your story. I have had pain for years, my foot turning in ward, surgeries, neuropathy, depression etc.

Great storytelling and attitude. Thanks

You have done great and have come a long way. Love the videos, I wish you nothing but the best.

your attitude is unbelievable man. Had my finger amputated recently and am really connecting with everything you're saying. true bravery and a heroic story for sure. Would love to chat sometime, tough stuff to go through, no matter the amputation.

Talk about inspiration thanks!

Dude you are such an inspiration thank you I really needed to hear your story I understand so much of what you're saying I have a traumatic brain injury from my Harley accident and I would love to hang out with you one day I travel in my overland truck camper

God bless you man.

You are so blessed to have lower pain & are able to be more active. I’m on year 14 w/ this crazy beast. Also have EDS/some other junk. Thought cutting my whole right leg off might be an option at one point. But it’s from my spine/lower lumbar..from medical injury. I think I would be paralyzed if they amputated or “killed nerves” there. Today is another bed day. Such a waste. Maddening. I am so positive & have tried everything I can find for relief...but still seeking & not finding much...won’t lie. I’m tired. I have SO much I was meant to do. But time keeps rolling by & admit I have a hard time keeping up. “Look fine”...so confused folks. Can I ask, do you still have phantom CRPS or limb pain because all I’ve read says this is not an affective treatment? Sounds yours was, as all unique . But still curios. Also it sounds as maybe your Automatic Nervous System May be being affected as the actions your body does without thought from you are coming from there. This can also be called Dysotonomia, Autonomic Dysfunction. Is an umbrella term. Affects me...POTS, lots of tummy & bladder issues with a.m. adrenal surges/anxiety. You are doing awesome. Thank you for sharing your journey. It’s would be amazing if more of us could find our way out. Peace..🧡🐝

Understand what you are going through haven't had amputation but when pain is that bad you consider doing the worst but had op on my back and when coming out surgery coming around from Anastasia was asked to lift my right leg which was ok before then asked to lift my left leg which was not possible before op could barely stand let alone walk nerves were trapped in my back now have 12inch scar on my back but my left leg is working again I'll never be the same as I was years ago as will be 60 this year but I can't believe how close I came to ending my own life thanks for sharing your story sure there are many different storyline which brings people to the same place in life and make decisions to make most of what you have as cannot change what has happened can only go forward and meet next challenge

You are Awesome!

I'm new to this bka stuff I aoso had o make the choice. This amputation stuff is not for the fant of heart is it? I'm happy to see all the pic's of you outside gain. i'm working to get there myself. I think of fly fishing every day. I'm looking forward to the spring hatches. Thank you for sharing. Power on Matt

What an awesome video. Your attitude is so inspiring, and you're genuinely funny too! 🧡💛

hi im from the phillipines im 25 yrs old i am going to have a amputee surgery next week..i undergo 5 operation to save my foot but the scary part is the bone of my leg didn't grow so the choices that i made is going to cut my foot..i dont know what life going to happen in my future ..i dont know where we can find a prosthesis...life sucks 😭😭😭 thankyou for the motivational story i hope i can become you..thankyou

The pain eventually led to me choosing the amp because it was just unbearable

I’m a fellow BTK amputee, caused by septic shock, and like you, a had some choice. I could lose just my foot and risk further infection and more amputation, not knowing how much they’d have to take, or do the BTK and be done. Unfortunately, I have not done well with a prosthetic due to other health issues and I am current,y wheelchair bound. I hope to find an adaptive horse riding place near me because I rode for many years and I think it would do wonders for me.

I have had shingles. I wonder how that compares to CRPS. Your description of the quality of the pain sounded pretty similar. Shingles goes away after a few weeks though, which is nice.

Thanks for sharing and love from London UK.🌺

I want to get my leg (below the knee) amputated for the pain and suffering I have dealt with for the past 13 years. I’ve had 3 foot surgeries that have all made my foot worse off than it was previously. To me, amputation is what I want to do because I don’t want to go through more surgeries that will not actually help. But anyone I tell, tells me I’m crazy for wanting to do that. How do you get past this? When I talk to doctors about this, will I be told I’m crazy?

It Sucks! I like the way he says that. And I’m sure it does.

I just had a bk amputation on nov 19th 2020 due to MRSA and osteomyelitis . Had my prosthetic and walked on my own before christmas of 2020 . Phantom pain sucks still .

I just fell in love with you! ❤

I have Central Pain Syndrome - jumper cables on my legs, narcotics are useless for me with the brain injury because I get the loopy but no relief.

I love u bro

You re so strong and handsome 😊

I think i am about to be facing the same decision. Im not sure how to process this yet.

I’m just curious if you got tested for gout. I get gout a severe case my world comes crumbling down from the pain. If it was chronic I would no choice but to remove my legs. Gout is the most distressing pain ever.

❤❤❤🎉

I THOUGHT THE SAME THING .Iam one year in It was not my choice.

Oh buddy, I have CRPS due to a severed nerve during surgery.

Good looking!

Also, do people tell you that you look like Bradley Cooper?!?! You do!!! 😍

I didnt understand what was the actually injury, how did you hurt your leg?

My father will be having his left ankle amputated at work tomorrow He is in good spirits and I just want to know what to prepare for as well as any tips you all may have. How can I be a great support system? He is 70 years old and now he will have to retire from this job.

I really need to talk to you disable Vet trying to make a decision to amputate or not thanks

not to be rude but wtf kinda explaination is that? figured out u couldnt fly without ur cape? would have takin few seconds. what does that even mean? like i need more info

How do we contact you Husband getting amputated..

Bariatric chamber...

Why cut off leg

perif ER al, not ee al

I stopped viewing when you said you hunted.😖😖 The very thought of killing innocent forest wildlife appalls me. I didn't want to hear anymore...😡😡

One of the first things i said to my doctor is that I wanted to make a bet, I told him I wasn't sure how tall he was but I bet I was a foot shorter than him I was shocked that he didn't get it and I had to explain it to him ha ha ha