Hallo Chris I would like to share my experience with the hope that it might help new amputees. First the background:- 1. I'm 72 years old and retired. 2. My left leg was amputated ak the end of December 2019 3. I used to play golf 3 to 4 times a week. Played off a 10 handicap at my home course and looking forward to some extra shots when I'm back. 4. When I was ready for the fitment of the prosthesis I developed a neuroma at the nerve end and together with a bypass in my "good" leg resulting in a 6 week delay for the fitment of the prosthesis. 5. I'm now on a test socket and looking forward to the final one within the next week or two. 6. When I got the first test leg I used the walker for a day, thereafter two crutches and then one. Whilst using the walking aids I thought that it will be impossible for me to ever walk without any aid which was sort of a depressing feeling. Within two day's I started to trust the prosthesis and was walking without any aid. I do however still use a crutch most of the time especially when walking outdoors. Two of the pitfalls that I fell into and the lessons that I have learned was:- 1. Walking on the crutches instead of using it to keep my balance. I then lengthened the crutches to make it difficult to lean on them. 2. A tendency to use only my good leg to balance which caused severe strain on my back. One needs to trust your prosthesis and USE it. 3. To limit strain when walking one must keep your momentum going. I have started to chip and putt and what to be on the golf course within the next four months. All the best to all amputee's and remember that things get better each day and thanks for the site Chris.
Hi Lourens. Thanks a ton for your advice, suggestions, and contribution! This is exactly what I was hoping we would do, which is to exchange ideas and help each other to make the most of life despite our amputation. I fully agree that we need to trust our gear as soon as possible, which means taking a little risk and practice, never at the expense of safety. So great to hear your on the golf course again, no doubt doing what you love. I appreciate your participation, please keep the suggestions coming. All the best!
Wonderful message of Hope...You give me Hope Chris with your sincere messages and inspiration. I have just returned from a few weeks in Cornwall in my VW camper "IVY" I stayed in Watergate Bay famous for surfers, wonderful to watch my three boys all happy in the surf. Stayed in a cottage, just perfect! Lots of new challenges for me though trying to walk that little bit further each day. I have to admit the phantom pain is my biggest problem. I try to ignore as much as possible but have to say it's getting the better of me at the moment.....I'm needing to be an ambassador of hope at this moment. I was asked to have a talk with a beautiful girl in her twenties with a one year old baby, she was about to have an above knee amputation the same as me, with the same Sarcoma cancer as me. I was only too happy to chat to her before she had it done and hopefully give her hope inspiration. One year on we are both good friends and she's walking with her new prosthetic leg to the park with her little boy....Such an honour to be a friend that can inspire her. Thank you so much for all your good advice. Hugs xx
Hi Wynn, this is such an awesome story! This is why I love this community and the people who sub and participate, it will inspire someone and in doing so help another, and another .... and so on. By helping this girl you have also helped her child - is that not amazing? I'm sorry to heat the P pain is persisting, and I hope it lessens in time. I had the reverse situation whereby the more I walked, the more the circulation to the limb, the beter the socket design, the better things became. I really wish same for you x
What a fantastic post Chris! Becoming a peer mentor or amputee buddy has been the most rewarding part of my rehab and I’ve learnt so much from it. I was so fortunate to have an amputee buddy to help me prepare for my amputation and I felt it right to pass that feeling forward and become an amputee buddy for others. I can highly recommend it to anyone whatever difference of ability 🤗🥰
Hey BD!! Thanks for sharing and encouraging others to "play it forward" by offering support and sharing ideas and suggestions. Your comments are always so constructive and I really value your participation in the discussions :-)
Well I failed my test to drive a truck due to bad information from the state test giver. He let me take the entire test which I did great in while using one foot to operate the three pedals, semis are way easier to drive than usual cars, and after said that I can’t use my prosthetic to drive! Which I told him before we ever started and he said he didn’t care as long as I performed safely I was fine. And then afterwards completely changed his story and now they are trying to force me into an automatic which I flat refuse for a lot of reasons. I haven’t came this far to take shortcuts especially ones that significantly devalue my license. What’s worse is I personally know two other guys onenright leg paralyzed one ak like me and they both passed with only one foot. But for whatever reason they have decided to discriminate against me. I’ll take it again till I pass I suppose. Do you know if they can set a rheo to lock out and be used to control pedals with like a ottobock can? See I asked before they ever gave me the Xc if it had that function and they said oh yea no problem then when I tried to have it programmed they looked at me like I was stupid.
Hi James, man I'm so sorry to hear about your problems with test guys. I myself have multiple driving license codes and I always wear long pants when I have to re-apply every 5 years. Never had an issue and I will just continue to keep a low profile (it's worked so far!). The Rheo has a full extension lock-out. The resistance can also be adjusted to much higher with the app - perhaps this will help? I'll check in with a friend and let you know what is possible, if there is any other solution over and above what I suggested above. Don't let this get you down mate - I'm rooting for you - we're a resilient tribe with a lot of stamina for adversity. I hope it works out - please keep us posted. Thanks for keeping in touch so often :-)
I hope you've come to a conclusion by now, I'm replying 1 month after your post. I've been dealing with chronic pain in my left ankle due to an injury in the Marine Corps. and I have end stage arthritis with bone degradation that is causing mild to severe pain constantly and has already forced me out of my profession and is jeopardizing my current career. I'm on the path for a BKA later this year, or early next year, but I've had to deal with a massive amount of life changes already. One of those changes is coming to terms with the fact that I simply can't do what I used to be able to do and swallowing my pride on many occasions. I'm not a truck driver and I don't fully understand the reason not to switch to an automatic transmission truck, but if it allows you to stay in your profession it seems like the right thing to do/compromise. I wish you luck sir and God Bless you and your decision.
I am desperate for some kind of help. I’m a little over a year in and I seem to be going through a second wave of depression. It’s so bad that I don’t know how I’m going to live like this.
Hi, Im sorry I missed your comment when you posted it a few months ago. How are you doing? Im making a video on depression again this week, I hope there is some help in there for you. All the best, hope to see you in our live streams, I'll be responding to questions real time, a lot of viewers have requested that we do this. Take care man
Always have the responsibility to help others. We, you and I, have an obvious physical situation. Encouraging people with cancer, mental impairment, or many other not so obvious challenges is something we should strive to do. Once again, another great message Chris.
I used to be just crippled. Now that I'm an amputee, I'm crippled, I'm broken, no longer a whole person, and I'm so sick and tired of being a hostage in my own home. No choices to make, no freedom to be sad/mad/depressed/driven. I won't kill myself, that's weak. But I hope this kills me soon. I'd prefer to die before I lose the other leg. Which is likely going to happen soon. Thank you for what you do, and I hope you''re okay with life and yourself. I don't wish for that for myself anymore. One broken old woman.
Dear Jacquie, I am so sorry I missed your message when you posted 9 months ago, and I can't help wondering how you are. Your words really struck me, its so sad to hear someone feel so defeated and to feel so helpless to do something to help make it better. I am OK, thanks so much for asking, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I wish for you to be OK with yourself, with life, in its beauty and darkness at times, and that you are figuring things out for yourself. It took me a long time to get better emotionally, but it happened and I believe it's possible though love and connection. Please keep on trying - every day gets a little closer ☀️🙏 Please keep in touch.
Hallo Chris
I would like to share my experience with the hope that it might help new amputees.
First the background:-
1. I'm 72 years old and retired.
2. My left leg was amputated ak the end of December 2019
3. I used to play golf 3 to 4 times a week. Played off a 10 handicap at my home course and looking forward to some extra shots when I'm back.
4. When I was ready for the fitment of the prosthesis I developed a neuroma at the nerve end and together with a bypass in my "good" leg resulting in a 6 week delay for the fitment of the prosthesis.
5. I'm now on a test socket and looking forward to the final one within the next week or two.
6. When I got the first test leg I used the walker for a day, thereafter two crutches and then one. Whilst using the walking aids I thought that it will be impossible for me to ever walk without any aid which was sort of a depressing feeling. Within two day's I started to trust the prosthesis and was walking without any aid. I do however still use a crutch most of the time especially when walking outdoors.
Two of the pitfalls that I fell into and the lessons that I have learned was:-
1. Walking on the crutches instead of using it to keep my balance. I then lengthened the crutches to make it difficult to lean on them.
2. A tendency to use only my good leg to balance which caused severe strain on my back. One needs to trust your prosthesis and USE it.
3. To limit strain when walking one must keep your momentum going.
I have started to chip and putt and what to be on the golf course within the next four months.
All the best to all amputee's and remember that things get better each day and thanks for the site Chris.
Hi Lourens. Thanks a ton for your advice, suggestions, and contribution! This is exactly what I was hoping we would do, which is to exchange ideas and help each other to make the most of life despite our amputation.
I fully agree that we need to trust our gear as soon as possible, which means taking a little risk and practice, never at the expense of safety.
So great to hear your on the golf course again, no doubt doing what you love.
I appreciate your participation, please keep the suggestions coming.
All the best!
Wonderful message of Hope...You give me Hope Chris with your sincere messages and inspiration. I have just returned from a few weeks in Cornwall in my VW camper "IVY" I stayed in Watergate Bay famous for surfers, wonderful to watch my three boys all happy in the surf. Stayed in a cottage, just perfect! Lots of new challenges for me though trying to walk that little bit further each day. I have to admit the phantom pain is my biggest problem. I try to ignore as much as possible but have to say it's getting the better of me at the moment.....I'm needing to be an ambassador of hope at this moment. I was asked to have a talk with a beautiful girl in her twenties with a one year old baby, she was about to have an above knee amputation the same as me, with the same Sarcoma cancer as me. I was only too happy to chat to her before she had it done and hopefully give her hope inspiration. One year on we are both good friends and she's walking with her new prosthetic leg to the park with her little boy....Such an honour to be a friend that can inspire her. Thank you so much for all your good advice. Hugs xx
Hi Wynn, this is such an awesome story! This is why I love this community and the people who sub and participate, it will inspire someone and in doing so help another, and another .... and so on. By helping this girl you have also helped her child - is that not amazing?
I'm sorry to heat the P pain is persisting, and I hope it lessens in time. I had the reverse situation whereby the more I walked, the more the circulation to the limb, the beter the socket design, the better things became.
I really wish same for you x
I always watch your video Sir. Chris , I'm inspired you because you give hope many people. And wish you can visit in the Philippine.
You guys are so special. Thank you for inspiring messages. Not only amputees. Also to everyone out there with some kind of difficulty in life.
Chris, your best video message ever!!!
Thanks Lourens, I appreciate the support and encouragement. It's exactly what we need and what keeps the channel growing.
What a fantastic post Chris! Becoming a peer mentor or amputee buddy has been the most rewarding part of my rehab and I’ve learnt so much from it. I was so fortunate to have an amputee buddy to help me prepare for my amputation and I felt it right to pass that feeling forward and become an amputee buddy for others. I can highly recommend it to anyone whatever difference of ability 🤗🥰
Hey BD!! Thanks for sharing and encouraging others to "play it forward" by offering support and sharing ideas and suggestions. Your comments are always so constructive and I really value your participation in the discussions :-)
Well I failed my test to drive a truck due to bad information from the state test giver. He let me take the entire test which I did great in while using one foot to operate the three pedals, semis are way easier to drive than usual cars, and after said that I can’t use my prosthetic to drive! Which I told him before we ever started and he said he didn’t care as long as I performed safely I was fine. And then afterwards completely changed his story and now they are trying to force me into an automatic which I flat refuse for a lot of reasons. I haven’t came this far to take shortcuts especially ones that significantly devalue my license. What’s worse is I personally know two other guys onenright leg paralyzed one ak like me and they both passed with only one foot. But for whatever reason they have decided to discriminate against me. I’ll take it again till I pass I suppose. Do you know if they can set a rheo to lock out and be used to control pedals with like a ottobock can? See I asked before they ever gave me the Xc if it had that function and they said oh yea no problem then when I tried to have it programmed they looked at me like I was stupid.
Hi James, man I'm so sorry to hear about your problems with test guys. I myself have multiple driving license codes and I always wear long pants when I have to re-apply every 5 years. Never had an issue and I will just continue to keep a low profile (it's worked so far!).
The Rheo has a full extension lock-out. The resistance can also be adjusted to much higher with the app - perhaps this will help? I'll check in with a friend and let you know what is possible, if there is any other solution over and above what I suggested above.
Don't let this get you down mate - I'm rooting for you - we're a resilient tribe with a lot of stamina for adversity.
I hope it works out - please keep us posted.
Thanks for keeping in touch so often :-)
I hope you've come to a conclusion by now, I'm replying 1 month after your post. I've been dealing with chronic pain in my left ankle due to an injury in the Marine Corps. and I have end stage arthritis with bone degradation that is causing mild to severe pain constantly and has already forced me out of my profession and is jeopardizing my current career. I'm on the path for a BKA later this year, or early next year, but I've had to deal with a massive amount of life changes already. One of those changes is coming to terms with the fact that I simply can't do what I used to be able to do and swallowing my pride on many occasions. I'm not a truck driver and I don't fully understand the reason not to switch to an automatic transmission truck, but if it allows you to stay in your profession it seems like the right thing to do/compromise. I wish you luck sir and God Bless you and your decision.
I am desperate for some kind of help. I’m a little over a year in and I seem to be going through a second wave of depression. It’s so bad that I don’t know how I’m going to live like this.
Hi, Im sorry I missed your comment when you posted it a few months ago. How are you doing? Im making a video on depression again this week, I hope there is some help in there for you. All the best, hope to see you in our live streams, I'll be responding to questions real time, a lot of viewers have requested that we do this. Take care man
Always have the responsibility to help others. We, you and I, have an obvious physical situation. Encouraging people with cancer, mental impairment, or many other not so obvious challenges is something we should strive to do.
Once again, another great message Chris.
Thanks my friend! Many have helped me, I hope to give back and in doing so it also helps me to accept things for what they are.
I used to be just crippled. Now that I'm an amputee, I'm crippled, I'm broken, no longer a whole person, and I'm so sick and tired of being a hostage in my own home. No choices to make, no freedom to be sad/mad/depressed/driven. I won't kill myself, that's weak. But I hope this kills me soon. I'd prefer to die before I lose the other leg. Which is likely going to happen soon. Thank you for what you do, and I hope you''re okay with life and yourself. I don't wish for that for myself anymore. One broken old woman.
Dear Jacquie, I am so sorry I missed your message when you posted 9 months ago, and I can't help wondering how you are. Your words really struck me, its so sad to hear someone feel so defeated and to feel so helpless to do something to help make it better.
I am OK, thanks so much for asking, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I wish for you to be OK with yourself, with life, in its beauty and darkness at times, and that you are figuring things out for yourself. It took me a long time to get better emotionally, but it happened and I believe it's possible though love and connection. Please keep on trying - every day gets a little closer ☀️🙏 Please keep in touch.