Someone is posting inappropriate comments on the comments of other people. I just reported it for being inappropriate. Just figured you may want to know.
@@dwentlandt1022 yeah someone is posting porn links or something.... also reported them, if there was a time and place for that.... RUclips and this amazing channel would not be it
Don’t know we’re to put this so have you ever scalp Massager to stop fantom itches I know it sounds odd but it stimulates the nerves that are there and relieves it my grandma dose this on her foot seance she lost her toes so might not work but I may help
Fun thing: I've been watching your shorts for a while and then ran in to a friendly old Lady in the neighbourhood who lost her leg a while ago. She was talking about having to buy so much more food and being constantly hungry. I told her it's because she's using so much more energy due to her body compensating for her loss of limb. Her mind was blown. She was so happy to understand her body better, all thanks to you. So thank you for educating the world!
…and the brain has to do all this adaptation like which muscles needs signals instead, that there’s no more position sense, pressure sensation, etc from the missing lower leg. That’s extra work for the brain. And at baseline, the brain accounts for 20% of the body’s energy consumption. No wonder you would end up hungrier!
It's always seemed perfectly normal to me that a residual limbs ends up being smaller than the remaining intact limb because muscle atrophy is going to happen, same reason why many full time wheel chair users have very skinny legs, but your comment about trying to exercise both sides equally really made me think. How much CAN you compensate for the fact that the muscles around the knee area are no longer attached to stuff further down?
Whenever I’ve seen an amputee their limb with the amputation is always skinnier than their other one so I just saw that as normal. Like I’ve also seen that as just something that happens when you get an amputation.
@@Fluffkitscripts I'm not sure that would work. Normally, you're legs bench press the weight of your entire body away from the ground with every step. Attaching more weight to the amputated leg would only mean that the healthy leg has to push even more weight .
Jo: oh I just spilled coffee. Us: You talk with your hands and wave the mug around like person stranded on a remote island waves a flag when they see a ship. It was only a matter of time. (Don't ever change) More seriously: I suspect that diabetes related amputations highly skew the life expectancy stats and you have nothing to worry about. I'm always amazed at how you attack those stairs.
@jackalope also if you need amputation probably you have another complication(cancer in the limb, a big accident or something like that) that probably does not help to make you live longer
@@jurekmc A lot of people have elective amputations because if you have a useless foot or ankle it might make you think it would be a better quality of life. My bf is struggling and his healing has been a longer process than normal
I'd love to hear you talk about body image as somebody with a disability. Before I was physically disabled, I was in eating disorder treatment, and there was a big emphasis on appreciating your body for what it could do rather than how it looked. After I became physically disabled, it was a whole new process to love my body even though there were many things it couldn't do, and I wish that framing wasn't used so much.
I was in the exact same situation. My physical disabilities got much worse when I was nearing the end of treatment and now it’s hard to try and use that mindset. They say “your legs help you walk” and mine don’t anymore so…
@@LovelyIKnowx I know you weren't asking me, but perhaps body image workshops and similar therapies could frame the issue moreso as a question of, what do the parts of your body *represent* to you? Adds a richness and depth of its more personal meaning, imo. Rather than just what your body does for you or not, which only places utilitarian value. Like when I look at my deformed uneven feet... (I've been a wheelchair user for congenital neurological reasons, but also because of a broken leg that healed crooked)... Instead of me trying to appreciate what they do for me (truthfully they do absolutely nothing for me and in fact only serve as constant risk of injury and inconvenience) - Instead of being bummed out and feeling even shittier about my body image because I feel like my body is essentially disposable... I could instead say, wow look at these two unique feet... They certainly have personality don't they lol (always gotta add a little humor in there 😉) I mean damn, look at all the shit they've been through! No one could look at these banged up worn out feet and not think, damn dude... You're a bad ass motherf***er!!! 😜 I want to look at my body in the mirror, with all of its unevenness, all the bulges and deformities, all of its self-perceived inadequacies, and the plenty of parts I could want to change if I could... and I want say to that body in the mirror: YOU, are a f***ing soldier... and don't you forget that. You wear those banged up feet, those mismatched legs, those cockeyed hips, and that aching crooked spine... When you go out into the world, you wear that body like a badge of honor 🏆💪 I want to proudly march these marks of pain and perserverance out into the world, with courage of heart and strength of character ❤
I find this mindset a lot in therapy too (the mental health kind). Like telling me to appreciate what my body can do while my body is causing me massive amounts of pain is not gonna help. In fact it'll actually do the exact opposite. Especially when it turns into the extremely toxic "But look on the good side of your illness". Uh, there isn't one. There are exactly zero upsides to having a 24/7/365 migraine.
The whole body adapting reminds me of how md losing my hearing has made me so sensitive to sound vibrations. Like i can feel the boom the fireworks make, i can feel the vibrations of my voice bouncing back from a wall that is a foot away. Its mindblowing how our bodies can adapt
@@waffles3629 honestly, i think it depends on the person. I know some people can feel the bass of loud music, so it doesnt suprise me that some people can feel the loud noises of fireworks, but i also know people who cant feel the boom of a firework. And honestly, ive yet to meet someone why can feel the vibrations of of thier voice bouncing off a wall or a book.
@@rose.of.summers I think I can! I've always felt some kind of vibration when i talk while looking into a book or if I drop something on the table in front of me or if someone turns up the music, etcetera. I'm not deaf, either. I've got autism and FND, so my sensory processing is way different. I'm less sensitive to sound, so I struggle to hear things somewhat (enough to need captions and lip reading). More sensitive to touch, taste, and smell. A combination to light, due to vision disturbances. But vibrations? Definitely feel those, in some way. Maybe not same as you do, but I never liked loud music because I feel the vibrations so intensely it makes me anxious. Likewise I feel fireworks in the core of my body, and I can feel the vibrations through the walls when the neighbour's phone rings a floor above me. During storms, no amount of music on my headset will make the wind quiet, because I feel it.
Yep, agreed. I started my day today by eating breakfast cereal in milk at 2 am. Now it's 3 am, it's windy outside, cold out of the blanket, not tired exactly, so I'm just chilling.
BTK right leg and most of left foot here. A PT or OT at VA turned me onto your videos when she walked in on me crying. Been watching since. You are an inspiration.
I'm only 7 weeks out from an original "elective" turned "essential" bilateral above knee amputation. I have been soooo much happier since (I was dealing with a boatload of pain and agony prior). The one thing that's kind of thrown me though is the phantom pain/sensations. Those can really mess with your head. Just last week I swear something was "crawling up my leg" (bug, spider, etc.), only to remember, I don't HAVE legs! I've always been disabled with mobility issues, so I haven't had to adjust to that, but there still is a learning curve in how your body moves minus limbs.
I can deff relate to this. Me, December 13, 2021 - Bilateral AKA. Came home from rehab Jan 06, 2022. The Phantom pains / sensations drive me crazy. I still have restless leg syndrome that make me jump. I still feel itching. I am Diabetic.
@@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt oh man. I have two regular legs and I have RLS. I can’t imagine how much worse it would be to have RLS and no legs! At least I can stretch, move, punch my legs when they’re playing up!
@@Miss_Distress Yes it drives me nuts. The worst is when I get the lightning sensations, it makes me want to jump right out of my chair. The phantom is just as real because of how the brain is wired. I've caught myself trying to scratch an itch, cross my legs, etc.
BK on the left side here. My favorite so far (call it 10/8/21 for removal and might be off by a day or 2) was feeling like my foot fell asleep. Can also confirm those lightning sensations suck as a fellow diabetic.
The one point that really scared the fertilizer out of me was when my Podiatrist told me that a leg amputee has a 50/50 chance of losing the other leg within 5 years. Mostly due to the same health issues that zapped the first leg. This leads to your point about mortality. Some people won't/can't take care of themselves and it turns into major health issues. It's been 2 1/2 years since my BKA and my remaining foot has some problems. Being a single amputee is stressful enough, I don't need more. Also because of my size (360#) I'm not a candidate for a second prosthetic; if I lose the second leg I'll be in a wheelchair. If that happens I will have to go to assisted living and I don't know if I could handle that. So I worry that my life is mostly done at 55. I'll try to heal up my last foot and get back to physical therapy so I'll have a chance at salvaging my remaining years.
I know exactly where youre coming from, I also have a bka for 9 months now but just like you I have issues with my other leg, well foot really! I have an ulcer on my 2nd toe that wont heal for 7 months now and its agony! Iv been terrified that I would lose my only leg but am having iloprost infusions to open up blood vessels so it might heal easier but the pain from this toe is so unbearable now that iv had enough! I just cant bear it anymore, but if they amputate it then they are concerned that it might not heal properly and then what? I just dont know how to handle it all anymore! I wish you the very best for your health and future and would like you to know that i understand just how you feel. God bless. Xx
@@winnieoconnor2421 Ditto. Don't let 'em cut any more off. That is not a solution. Make sure your blood sugar is good, try intermittent fasting if not. Exercise that leg, stationary bike, easy walking, swim if you can. Also, if like me you had a poorly fitting prosethetic and you've spent too much time leaning on a cane, or a walker, you may have pinched a nerve that makes that toe hurt like @&%÷+! Get a good fit on yout leg and a good PT who works with amputees. This saved my other leg and my life.
I BINGE your videos. Watching them help me feel closer to my grandmother since she was an amputee. She passed away in 2018 but these videos make me feel like I understand her a bit more even if she isn't here. Thank you Jo. I appreciate your realness and your info!
New amputee here. And wow what a struggle these first 6 months have been. My hubby introduced me to your channel and I love hearing you talk about all aspects of being an amputee.
I really love how you keep an optimistic attitude towards your amputation and its effects, but don't fall into a toxic positivity. You keep negative things negative, but don't let them stop you from enjoying the positive ones, wherever they may come from.
When Jo got up on one leg so easily, so gracefully, even so powerfully I gasped. I have two working (sort of as I have bad circulation in my arms and limbs) legs, but when I am sitting down on the floor and need to stand up the visual is not something that I would willingly share online. Let's just say it is less than You Tube-worthy. Glad to see this video and really glad You Tube is trying to "grow-up".
A year later, but wanted to say as someone with mobility issues - your strength and adaptations and struggles are every bit as RUclips worthy. I can’t tell you how much better it made my life that I happened on another RUclipsr who has several disabilities in common and some related conditions to me - before I got diagnosed even. It makes a big difference to be able to see other people living their lives in similar circumstances to your own, especially with disabilities and other situations where you’re in some way a minority. It makes a huge difference. I feel like I was able to jump years ahead in my ability to understand myself and others, my ability to cope, my ability to see where my life could go, just because I was able to find a channel like this one. You may not think your story is interesting, or your movements are beautiful, but it can make all the difference in the world for other people who struggle like you’re struggling. None of this is to say that you are obliged to educate the public, become a disability advocate, or do more than just exist in the way that is the most tolerable to you. We spend so much more time and energy just surviving, it’s more than fair to concentrate on filling your own cup. But if you feel like you’d like to share, and part of what gives you purpose and pleasure is helping others or creating stories and self consciousness is holding you back-know that you have so much to offer the world, and it’s important whether or not it’s pretty or graceful. Often it’s needed even more , because pretty is marketed so violently to us. Your experiences and your story are unique and important, and the world is richer for them. This concludes my TEDTalk. 😅 Just a little passionate about this subject.
On the subject of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" I've found a good way to phrase this is: everyone is potentially strong, not everyone is forced to use all their strength. And then yeah everything else you said is good. It does build skills other people don't have but most people who have that kind of adversity would have rather never been put in that situation to begin with.
Hi. I’m a 21 year cardiac bypass “survivor”. You and those like you help keep me on the gratitude track. Some days I just “don’t wanna”! Your upbeat personality and acceptance are a great help to me and a reminder of how small my problems are! Feel free to share your “bad days” with us too! Keep up the great content!
Hey, I wouldn't say your problems are small, they're just different. If thinking of them as small helps you, that's great! I just don't think that comparing disabilities and/or illnesses makes sense because everyone is different and what feels like not a big deal for you may be devastating for someone else and vice versa, there are so many factors that can make your experience easier or harder. Even if you lose a finger and there are people who lost whole hand, that doesn't mean your problem isn't serious. Take care :)
Non amputee with a limb difference, and Noonan Syndrome, here. I love the idea that us disabled folx would be much more likely to survive the zombie apocalypse. The ways I've had to adapt because I'm much shorter than average or my limited motor skills. Its a bit sad to think we had to for our own good but still pretty freaking amazing how well we can adapt in a world not built for us. You are so awesome I love how authentic and honest you are in sharing your story.
This is amazing information. My grandmother was an amputee as a young mother in the early 1920’s and she lived until 1981! She didn’t have the fancy leg you have. Hers had a belt and a metal joint at the knee. I never asked her any questions about how it was or how she felt about it. But she traveled the world with my grandfather and he died of a stroke before she did. It’s too bad talking about her leg wasn’t something we as a family did. Thanks for your sharing and openness about your amputation.
I'm a casual writer, and very recently I thought up a new story including a character who is an amputee below the knee just like you. I try not to stray from what I know and personally experience too often, as to avoid getting things horribly wrong and being horribly offensive, but I've been watching a ton of your videos to help me understand and I think I'm confident enough to include them in the story! I'm still gonna do some research and look around for more people like you who are willing to share so much, but all this is a really good start. So thank you :)
"There's balance and coordination that goes into waking on a prosthesis..." Yup, and the really crazy part is, that a lot of that calorie burning, comes from your brain! That's not to say that you're not burning calories through physical exertion, but the amount of work your mind has to do to process those compensations is just mine blowing. We don't think about how much energy (and therefore calories) goes into just keeping us alive, let alone processing everything else. Just processing your most basic functions, and basic thinking, your brain burns about 20% if your calorie consumption everyday. That doesn't take exercise, basic walking with a single leg, or mass neuron production and rewiring to make connections to adapt to your new normal. Most people severely underestimate the needs of our minds, but it's a big energy consumer. Fun fact, you also burn more calories just by reading! Brains are bizarre
I just recently got subbed (ten minutes or so ago), and I am fascinated by your openness, personality, and positivity. That does not mean that I pity you; I love to see how people are able to adapt to nearly any kind of adversity in their lives. Here in Hamburg, Germany, there is an exhibition that has been around for nearly 20 years now. It's called "Dialog im Dunkeln", "Dialogue in the dark". As you can imagine this has to do with vision. In this exhibition you are lead around completely pitch black rooms, with a white guiding stick commonly used by blind or strongly visually impaired people. The amazing thing is that you are guided BY blind or visually impared people. You are led through multiple rooms 'showing' different daily occurences and situations of everyday life. BTW: any kind of lighting is completely forbidden in these rooms, so no phones, smart watches, etc. The last room is a small cafe, again pitch black, staffed again only by blind or visually impaired people. Here you can sit down with your guide at a table, get some drinks, ask them candid questions, and get more insights. I have learned to respect people with any kind of disabilities since visiting this exhibition multiple times. I have accepted that people with disabilities usually don't want pity, they want respect for their ability to adapt and live normal lives. Sure, some things are different for them. Yet that does not mean that their lives are less fulfilling or fulfilled. Recently they added their "Dialog im Stillen" / "Dialogue in silence" to their exhibition. In this case people with hearing disabilities lead around the visitors that are given the best sound-canceling headphones possible, again, through everyday situations. During either exhibition you get to communicate with the guides in their 'natural habitat', so to speak. You come to realize how incredibly adaptive the human body and mind can be. How much we can compensate for if we are willing to put in some effort. That's why I find your outlook so incredibly refreshing. It gives me things to think about, and appreciate many aspects of an amputee I've never thought about before, just because they have never occured to me. Not out of negligence or disinterest, but rather because it was so unusual that it simply did not register.
I’m so glad you showed the difference between your legs! I was just made a video about this! I also thought amputation would put me back to normal which isn’t the case. But new normal can work too! Blessings friend 💕
It makes sense that amputees might have a shorter expected lifespan given the variety of reasons people get amputations. Of course some people lose limbs in war, which comes with some obvious risks of premature death. Aside from that some people have amputations because of other diseases that could cause system damage (cancer, serious infection, diabetes, etc.). If you die prematurely due to one of those diseases it isn't really the fault of the amputation, it's just incidental to the cause of death. That said there probably are some reasons that an amputation could lead to a shorter life expectancy such as a reduced level of exercise (on the whole, clearly your level of fitness is way higher than average), or even more directly with an increased risk of further injury (I don't have solid citations for that, but I would be surprised if that wasn't true)
It would stand to reason that asymmetry and increased force on the remaining limb would probably lead to a lot of acute and chronic wear-and-tear. Plus there's only so long anyone's exceptionally strong and durable limb could remain exceptionally strong and durable.
@@stevegeorge6880 Hi Steve 👋 I have Vascular Disease, hence blood clots was the cause of my right leg being amputated. My Surgeon orders frequent Ultrasounds to check for blood clots, in both legs. Have to make sure the sound leg is treated like Gold. Glad she is staying on top of this. Being 65 years old is no spring chicken, lol yet it's not really that old either. Regardless you are correct in your statement, thank's for bringing up this subject 👍
A large number of amputees are already not in the best health, diabetes leading to amputation is extremely common. Pre-existing health conditions are reason amputee life span is shortened not because missing a limb directly causes it.
@@claritey True that!! 👍 Underlying health issues are far more likely to cause problems or death. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, stress, cancer..etc. Add up overtime and take their toll. None of us know when our number will be called. Point being: Live, laugh, love.. enjoy every day. Every day is a good day to have a good day! After loosing my leg, I'm grateful to still be on planet Earth. 😁 Because I almost lost my life. ❤️✌️🌹💫✨🎆✝️🙏🙌
the fact that a person makes a whole new limb for someone else is really amazing. I have a slight difference in mobility in my right foot and that already has a super impact on the way I walk and makes my lower back hurt so having someone who can adjust something this big is amazing.
I find from a medical/nursing point of view that often the lower life expectancy is either from a primary or secondary reason: Primary from amputation: Infection post surgery, higher risk of falls resulting in intercranial hemmorhage, minimal care of the limb resulting in dry skin to wounds of the limb especially in prosthetic users causing skin infections and sepsis. Secondary from amputation: Patient is diabetic and they've had to have amputation due to diabetic ulcers, however that diabetes doesn't get under control resulting in cardiac/renal conditions, dialysis and death. PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease) where clinicians have decided the best option is to remove the lower limbs, especially in young people but furthering in age the PVD gets worse as a result of cardiac conditions like CCF and the patient passes away from the cardiac condition but it's simply a coincidence the patient has had amputations. When factoring all this, yes the age is shorter for those with amputations. The risks of other health outcomes as a result of an amputation are heightened, but as long as the individual takes care of the limb AND overall health, there should not be a decrease in life expectancy between whether the individual has had a limb removed or not. It all highly depends on the patients clinical situation and commodities.
I would love to see a video about body image, you are so positive and inspiring! A lot of folks struggle with loving themselves after becoming sick, injured, attacked, or anything else that permanently changes their bodies. You and your videos are such a gift. Thank you!
Your normal leg became “beefy.” That reminded me of something my rheumatologist did when I complained about the bursitis in one hip. I had been hit by a bicyclist while walking - and the hip which hit the ground now has a permanent case of bursitis. To confirm that my life was indeed being affected, the doctor gets a tape measure and measures the circumference of both of my thighs. Sure enough, the bursitis side was smaller - I was using the good leg enough for the muscles to increase in size. That was the first time I realized that chronic pain could reshape our bodies. It was a sobering thought.
As soon as I had my right leg below the knee amputation, within 8 weeks my circulation went on my left leg and my foot swelled up. It was perfectly fine up until that point. That is what contributes, too, to a higher mortality rate. As you said, complications can happen. You are exceptional . You have kept on moving and have been able to. Sometimes we older folks just cannot move like that anymore which also adds to the higher mortality rate. Thank you so much for this video.
@Kelly Lynn Glad you pointed out that us older individuals can't move around like that anymore. I'm no Spring chicken and finding it more difficult to function as I use to 10 to 20 years ago. RBA since January 2021, but I manage pretty well. Thank you for bringing this to light 💖
I love listening to your videos, even though I am a year late, but finding your videos is definitely what God knows I needed for this time in my life. I became an amputee 12 years ago, divorce now after 30years, and sooo many other changes in my life. I appreciate your insight. I’ve experienced many thoughts as you have and it’s good to hear and relate to you. You are amazing!!!
Random thought I had while watching : Jo should do a collab with Doctor Mike. This was so informative and makes total sense. Thanks for spreading info and love through your vids
I'm R.B.K. just past 4 months. All I seem to want to eat is foods high in protein. And I'm snacking more as I become more active on my rocket foot. It has been an interesting ride for sure. Thank you Jordan.
@Juan Same here with the food, I stay hungry and do the same thing...snack a lot more. Takes load's of energy to live this one-legged life. Gotta' keep the energy up to keep moving forward. Trying to eat healthier, but sometimes those M&M's just jump in my mouth. Lol
Jo , I'm in Indiana recovering from my third toe amputation in7 years.. I watched your video of your story. I have so much admiration for you !! May God bless you & your family.thank you for sharing your story.
Jo! I loved how fast you got down the stairs at the beginning of the vid. Having followed you for a few years it truly lifts my heart to see how agile you are these days! love Steve Holliday
I have so many questions about my prosthetic leg and the only person I can ask is my prosthetist. However, they aren’t actually questions he has been able to answer. And from what I understand, no one can answer those questions. Not because they don’t know the answers necessarily, but because it requires the expertise of someone that’s been through the same situations. So questions will always go unanswered because other amputees don’t want to help with the questions. If the doctors and prosthetists were an actual amputee, they could answer the questions. But because most are not, they don’t have the expertise to help answer the questions. I’ve been thinking of starting my own channel simply because no one at all is willing to help answer those questions. But at the same time, I don’t want to paint a target on my back to be attacked by jerks, losers, or bullies that are only looking to cause harm. It’s hard enough being an amputee, it’s also hard enough when you have people in real life treat you like you’re either an invalid, or incompetent, but also like your an inconvenience, like being in a wheelchair and having someone walk up behind you and push you in the wheelchair “out of their way” and act like they are far more superior than someone with one leg in a wheelchair.
I totally get what you’re saying. Anything that puts you out there in social media makes you a target. I thought hard about making a RUclips channel for exercise for BKA. But I don’t want the negative or to be a target. To a degree, I also see through viewing that what gets attention tends to be the exaggerated and I don’t like that. Lastly, making my financial well being based off my amputee status would seemingly make me have to indulge way to much time focusing on my amputation and content related to it. Too many cons. I completely appreciate the benefit in helping others cope and learn though.
I find it to be sssooooo important to tune into videos/content of people who are directly effected by things some of us have the luxury to not have to talk about everyday so we can all have a better understanding. It takes nothing to dedicated time to doing so. Can’t wait to tune into more of your upcoming content Jo 🖤
So there I am, sitting there watching TV with the family, and I see a commercial for some kind of drink thing and notice a familiar face in it. I interrupt the conversation of the family around me to announce that I have watched her on RUclips for the past couple of years and explain that she’s an awesome amputee from a few towns over! So excited to see your face on something other than RUclips and excited to see where else you’ll pop up! I started watching you when you had your first surgery because my step-mom was going through it and wanted to know other’s experiences and haven’t quit watching since. She passed a few months ago, and though we lost contact for a bit, I have always looked forward to seeing your videos. Thank you for sharing your experiences! I’ve learned so much.
With about half of the surgeries I’ve had, there has come some significant change in my gait or range of motion. I’ve found that it takes my brain about two years to adapt to the new normal such that it becomes unconscious.
Oh my gosh, the part about creativity and resoursefulness is so true. I am not an amputee but i've spent the last few days researching and asking other chronically ill folks how they streamline their days and it really all comes down to figuring out how to make life work for you in a life thats not built for you. It can be kind of silly and funny at times and it did give me a confidence boost to realize how much i've had to get resourceful to do things others take for granted.
I've been a paraplegic my entire life and I have to say I agree with the whole adaptation / planning thing. Spontaneity doesn't work for me. Question : I saw a video (can't find it now) in which a below knee amputee was saying she misses going barefoot because her meat leg is too short without a shoe. You're barefoot in many of your videos. Did your prosthetist just do a better job?
I know running blades don't have shoes but I thought most people opted for at least one limb designed to be worn with shoes, as it cuts down on the wear and tear of the prosthetic. Was the issue that their meat foot would have to be at the same angle as their prosthetic to walk and it's really hard to walk like that without the appropriate heels on? I know Jo mentioned that her foot is the model designed for hiking not wearing heels. And I don't know if everyone with a heel compatible prosthesis has an adjustable angle one. Or if an adjustable angle would even be affordable or compatible with all conditions.
In another video that Jo did, she had a guest star with her, named Annika. Annika talked about having a foot that was specifically made for walking on the beach, which I would assume includes any necessary height adjustments for walking barefoot. But either way, I would expect that your prosthetic foot should be adjusted to be the same length from hip socket to the heel of your other foot, so that you can wear the same pair of shoes on each foot, go walking barefoot, etc... and not have to deal with the issues of having one leg be longer than the other.
My prosthesis is also a below knee amputee. He loss his foot in an accident when he was 21 years old and has been an amputee for 47 years so you can live a long life as an amputee. I'm just starting out and what was great was I have him as a source for a lot of my questions like, "Is it suppose to feel this way?" When I tried my new leg on for the 1st time and he knew what I was talking about because he's been there. My amputation was planned so I even got to meet him before my operation and ask him questions and it really helped to calm a lot of my worries. BTW he made me a beautiful leg.
Hi there Jo- I really enjoy your channel. I am not an amputee but I was run over by a car years back which put me in the hospital 3 months and meant I had a lot of retraining to do and a lot of pain to learn to live with. Amongst these- lower back pain. So I just came on here because I wanted to share a neat little "trick" to help relieve this pain. In order to just make a slight change to your lower back posture and really relieve this pain you want to make kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises) when your lower back is painful. It really helps a lot! Just stand up and do these exercises for 5minutes or so and you will feel the difference. You can repeat as often as you want and need. I hope this can be of some comfort to you.
I love this intro so much I'm really glad I found your channel. It started by looking up information regarding disabilities and then about amputation and proshetics and I clicked on the first videos that seemed interesting and honestly above the amazing value I find in your content regarding general information about the life as an amputee I couldn't help but subscribe cause you are genuinely super interesting and fun and really have a great way to communicate the topics you talk about, even when it's not necessarily about amputation or disability which I think is super cool so we can see more of you than just "oh, she's missing a leg, that why it's footless joe" Anyway just wanted to pop a positive message, love your content, it's especially chill to listen to while working or doing various tasks and very informative and fun.
Howdy Jo, Thank you for discussing and explaining these changes after amputation. I was wondering if I was the only one experiencing some of the things you mentioned here. 13 month's post op, and just beginning to walk short distances and still using my Walker. I do practice every day on my cane and happy to report I'm making progress. (See video please) You're not just whistling Dixie about the caloric intake, I find that to be the case as well. As a matter of fact.. I've put on a few pounds, however I needed to because I was 100 lbs B4 amputation. I need my strength to push through all of this. Thank's for all you do and for the encouragement especially. 🥰
Unfortunately a lot of people spend a lot of their lives in pain. And it sucks, I know. I have not had a pain free moment in nearly five years. Like to the point that I have actually forgotten what pain free even feels like. You get used to being in pain all the time. It still hurts, you don't necessarily get used to the pain, but you get used to being in pain. It's your normal.
Somewhat recently I injured my shoulder and had to get surgery to repair it. For a couple days that arm was basically dead weight that did nothing but cause pain and get in the way, and for a couple months after that had very limited use. I'm in rehab now and it's almost back to normal. But that experience gave me a taste, albeit a brief one, of what this kind of thing is like. And holy s#&*, I hated it so much. I have so much respect for people like you that have to deal with losing a limb for life. The way you can still be positive and do so much despite it is mind blowing.
I had a bad motorcycle accident 5 months ago an my left leg had to be amputated below the knee , I hope one day my mental state is back in check with the rest of my body, I like your videos they are very helpful
I have no idea how this ended up in my recommends, but I enjoyed your personality in this video very much. I don't know your full story, as this is the first video of yours I've watched, but you seem like a very cool, interesting, grounded, and all-around amazing person.
So I just found your channel and I wanna say... you have the best energy. Watching you just made me so comfortable and made me want to be your friend. You just seem like such a fun awesome person. Definitely subscribing 😊
has anyone told you you look like victoria pedretti? so glad youtube recommended me your videos (ironically the one about how youtube is age restricting you but hey you got a new sub out of it at least!) i am disabled with chronic illness so while there are some differences in regards to how are disabilities manifest i am so happy to see a disabled youtuber talking openly about her disability and life experiences, the good the bad the mundane and spectacular. thanks so much for sharing your life with us!
I’m a chair user, not an amputee, and my chair using isn’t due to any kind of injury- just the slow drudging process of a progressive illness that’s turned me into an old person before my 24th birthday. 🙃 Before I got into the chair, I don’t think I fully comprehended the transformation I would need to make either in terms of muscle tone. Actual, purposeful exercise had been off the table for years at that point because my body will not tolerate running or lifting or exertion of any sort without retaliating with horrible spasms, and I was finally reaching the point where walking and ADLs were getting more and more difficult. Being naïve, I was just like “it’s legs that are the big problem! My legs hate me! Take legs out of the equation and it’s smooth sailing!” No. My shoulders and arms needed to turn into hips and legs, and that was an exhausting, time consuming, slow, grueling process where I could barely control myself on sidewalks and most hills were out of the question. In a couple of months though, my shoulders and back were toned in a way they’d never been in my life, my pecs had increased, and I swear my biceps and triceps doubled in size and mass. My core also got stronger, but that part of me was already strong for different reasons. I don’t look like a body builder (not that I’d want to, I don’t think I’ve ever cared about purposely toning my muscles for aesthetic reasons and don’t even really like how that looks on most people, let alone on me) but I do have a lot of functional muscle now. It’s muscle that built up through doing work, and does a really necessary job. I can now whizz up a hill that used to have me nope-ing in the other direction when I started no problem. Sidewalks aren’t an issue anymore. And can I just say, I’m fast. I was born with my illness, symptomatic since birth. Things like running or exertion were difficult for me even as a small child, forget when I lost my ability to do those things without massive consequences by the time I was a teenager. I’ve been watching my body sort of.. slip away from me more and more as the years went on, and my chair made me feel nimble and agile and fast for the very first time. I think I’ve spent my whole life wishing I could be an athlete, wishing that my body could be capable and strong and able to do physical things. My chair has given me a bit of that, and I can’t describe what that means to me. I know my story is a bit different, different disability and all that, but I see overlap. Thanks for this video, it was really cool.
this was really helpful, i recently wrote a character who had an amputated leg, and i realized a couple things i had overlooked so much when writing him. i'm currently using this video and doing more research to revamp and rewrite this character to be more in line with how amputees actually are (i promise i normally do my research before making characters with things society tends to label as abnormal, disabilities and disorders especially, but i guess i forgot to this time)
Thanks Jo. My own experience is that the heightened creativity comes from having to compensate for maneuverability difficulties. We are forced to think outside of the box, and that becomes our tendency in many situations. I'm stuck in some bubbles though, and that might be partly because we all usually want to side with popular opinion. 💖
Hey Jo, just dropping by after seeing your video on youtube labelling your material 18+ and demonetizing your stuff. Left a few comments to motivate them to not be so utterly tonedeaf to find the gal saying gosh darnit to be so sinister for the youth. Keep on keeping on. Learned a bunch of new stuff today about biology, thanks~
Love to see the good example you provide for others. Those that share a common loss or those who should be grateful for the body that is all there. Truly you are an inspiration for all.
Thanks for talking about all of this ❤️ i think it's awesome that your using your experience to help educate others and I'm certain that people who find themselves in a similar situation will greatly appreciate the information and the stories you've published 😺
Your "little chicken thigh" isn't much smaller than my "normal " yes , bird legs..... and your "beefy" thigh is absolutely beautiful, not to be out of line Mr. Jo, 😆 Keep being you and shining that light Jo, for more people than you'll ever know on many different highs or lows in people's life 😀
Hi, I'm a rightly. I wish more people would understand how much more it energy takes to do the some jobs. Your videos makes happy knowing someone else knows. Thanks Nothing but love
I have to say this, i'm incredibly addicted to your videos. Not only are these a window for people who fortunately didn't have to go through amputation to understand what the experience and difficulties are, but the way you're positive when discussing pain and aches and all the troubles that you still experience. Its really inspiring. Thank you for sharing this with us, really. This is what body positivity should look like, not fat people thinking they're beautiful and healthy (and i say this as someone that's been overweight my entire life, and struggles with keeping a healthy weight - I'm 20kg overweight atm, thanks COVID- and i've been bullied all my youth about my weight, and i still deeply despise all the fat people hijacking the "body positive" movement).
I'm so so happy youtube recommended me your videos. I'm not an amputee myself but I'm writing a story with an amputee in it and I never knew where to do proper research on the experiences and changes that come with a prosthetic. I didn't even consider lower back and hip pains as a possible result of the missing leg and adaption to it! But these things aren't just important to know as a writer, they're important to know in general. Amputee or not, it's always good to know how the world looks from another perspective and your stories and answers help clear up stereotypes, misconceptions or just pure not-knowing. Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences, it's so wonderful to see
I thought the life expectancy being lower would have been due to unfortunate accidents. Left handed persons have a lower life expectancy due to accidents with tools designed for right handed use. Very interesting stuff though on your channel, so glad I found it!
Jesus, the youtube-algorithm loves you lately. You kept popping up in my recommended with multiple videos for a bunch of days in a row - even with one title ripping on youtube censorship. Dont know what im here for now, but thats how it works... maybe i find a vid about your prosthetics, as i think i would be interested in different pros and cons and whats hightec in that field. Gratz for winning the algorithm over (At least for my account)
Thank you for sharing. It helps me to know being an amputee myself I learned all the things you have described even after nearly 40 years without my arm
![Walking into a hospital & leaving as an amputee: my amputation story [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/x9EEbrs4oWc/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Toughest Thing After Amputation is NOT What You'd Expect! [CC]](/img/1.gif)
Thank you so much for watching and to Switchcraft for sponsoring me! 🧙🏽♀️💜 Download Switchcraft for free here: pixly.go2cloud.org/SH2zM
Someone is posting inappropriate comments on the comments of other people. I just reported it for being inappropriate. Just figured you may want to know.
@@dwentlandt1022 yeah someone is posting porn links or something.... also reported them, if there was a time and place for that.... RUclips and this amazing channel would not be it
Don’t know we’re to put this so have you ever scalp Massager to stop fantom itches I know it sounds odd but it stimulates the nerves that are there and relieves it my grandma dose this on her foot seance she lost her toes so might not work but I may help
You now have the physique of a speed skater. lol Perhaps this has given you a natural advantage? Winter Special Olympics beckoning?
Was very interesting thank you.
Fun thing: I've been watching your shorts for a while and then ran in to a friendly old Lady in the neighbourhood who lost her leg a while ago. She was talking about having to buy so much more food and being constantly hungry. I told her it's because she's using so much more energy due to her body compensating for her loss of limb. Her mind was blown. She was so happy to understand her body better, all thanks to you.
So thank you for educating the world!
…and the brain has to do all this adaptation like which muscles needs signals instead, that there’s no more position sense, pressure sensation, etc from the missing lower leg. That’s extra work for the brain. And at baseline, the brain accounts for 20% of the body’s energy consumption. No wonder you would end up hungrier!
This is beautiful ❤️
My BTKA boyfriend was told they expend 40% more energy than 2 leggers
Wonderful and supremely useful presentation. Thank you, once again Jo !!!
It's always seemed perfectly normal to me that a residual limbs ends up being smaller than the remaining intact limb because muscle atrophy is going to happen, same reason why many full time wheel chair users have very skinny legs, but your comment about trying to exercise both sides equally really made me think. How much CAN you compensate for the fact that the muscles around the knee area are no longer attached to stuff further down?
Whenever I’ve seen an amputee their limb with the amputation is always skinnier than their other one so I just saw that as normal. Like I’ve also seen that as just something that happens when you get an amputation.
Same thing happens when a salamander regrows a leg. It's just going to be smaller for the rest of their life.
If the problem is the weight isn’t there, isn’t the solution to attach weight?
@@Fluffkitscripts interesting thought.
@@Fluffkitscripts I'm not sure that would work. Normally, you're legs bench press the weight of your entire body away from the ground with every step. Attaching more weight to the amputated leg would only mean that the healthy leg has to push even more weight .
Jo: oh I just spilled coffee.
Us: You talk with your hands and wave the mug around like person stranded on a remote island waves a flag when they see a ship. It was only a matter of time. (Don't ever change)
More seriously:
I suspect that diabetes related amputations highly skew the life expectancy stats and you have nothing to worry about.
I'm always amazed at how you attack those stairs.
@jackalope also if you need amputation probably you have another complication(cancer in the limb, a big accident or something like that) that probably does not help to make you live longer
Correlation does not mean causation
@@jackmckeown7601 yeah, but the mean is influenced by the correlation (i am a statictics student)
that coffee mug was making me nervous to the point of missing what she said because i was focused on the mug hahaha it was just a matter of time.
@@jurekmc A lot of people have elective amputations because if you have a useless foot or ankle it might make you think it would be a better quality of life. My bf is struggling and his healing has been a longer process than normal
I'd love to hear you talk about body image as somebody with a disability. Before I was physically disabled, I was in eating disorder treatment, and there was a big emphasis on appreciating your body for what it could do rather than how it looked. After I became physically disabled, it was a whole new process to love my body even though there were many things it couldn't do, and I wish that framing wasn't used so much.
I would LOVE to make a video on this. I've had a very similar experience actually! Thank you for sharing a piece of your story with me!!
Out of curiosity (and you absolute don’t have to answer), looking back, how do you wish recovery was framed more as?
I was in the exact same situation. My physical disabilities got much worse when I was nearing the end of treatment and now it’s hard to try and use that mindset. They say “your legs help you walk” and mine don’t anymore so…
@@LovelyIKnowx I know you weren't asking me, but perhaps body image workshops and similar therapies could frame the issue moreso as a question of, what do the parts of your body *represent* to you? Adds a richness and depth of its more personal meaning, imo. Rather than just what your body does for you or not, which only places utilitarian value.
Like when I look at my deformed uneven feet... (I've been a wheelchair user for congenital neurological reasons, but also because of a broken leg that healed crooked)... Instead of me trying to appreciate what they do for me (truthfully they do absolutely nothing for me and in fact only serve as constant risk of injury and inconvenience) - Instead of being bummed out and feeling even shittier about my body image because I feel like my body is essentially disposable... I could instead say, wow look at these two unique feet... They certainly have personality don't they lol (always gotta add a little humor in there 😉) I mean damn, look at all the shit they've been through! No one could look at these banged up worn out feet and not think, damn dude... You're a bad ass motherf***er!!! 😜
I want to look at my body in the mirror, with all of its unevenness, all the bulges and deformities, all of its self-perceived inadequacies, and the plenty of parts I could want to change if I could... and I want say to that body in the mirror: YOU, are a f***ing soldier... and don't you forget that. You wear those banged up feet, those mismatched legs, those cockeyed hips, and that aching crooked spine... When you go out into the world, you wear that body like a badge of honor 🏆💪 I want to proudly march these marks of pain and perserverance out into the world, with courage of heart and strength of character ❤
I find this mindset a lot in therapy too (the mental health kind). Like telling me to appreciate what my body can do while my body is causing me massive amounts of pain is not gonna help. In fact it'll actually do the exact opposite. Especially when it turns into the extremely toxic "But look on the good side of your illness". Uh, there isn't one. There are exactly zero upsides to having a 24/7/365 migraine.
The whole body adapting reminds me of how md losing my hearing has made me so sensitive to sound vibrations. Like i can feel the boom the fireworks make, i can feel the vibrations of my voice bouncing back from a wall that is a foot away. Its mindblowing how our bodies can adapt
Wait people usually can't feel the boom fireworks make? I'm not deaf, but I've always been able to feel them.
@@waffles3629 honestly, i think it depends on the person. I know some people can feel the bass of loud music, so it doesnt suprise me that some people can feel the loud noises of fireworks, but i also know people who cant feel the boom of a firework. And honestly, ive yet to meet someone why can feel the vibrations of of thier voice bouncing off a wall or a book.
@@rose.of.summers I think I can! I've always felt some kind of vibration when i talk while looking into a book or if I drop something on the table in front of me or if someone turns up the music, etcetera. I'm not deaf, either. I've got autism and FND, so my sensory processing is way different. I'm less sensitive to sound, so I struggle to hear things somewhat (enough to need captions and lip reading). More sensitive to touch, taste, and smell. A combination to light, due to vision disturbances. But vibrations? Definitely feel those, in some way. Maybe not same as you do, but I never liked loud music because I feel the vibrations so intensely it makes me anxious. Likewise I feel fireworks in the core of my body, and I can feel the vibrations through the walls when the neighbour's phone rings a floor above me. During storms, no amount of music on my headset will make the wind quiet, because I feel it.
You can use echo location now
@@Carbon-cringe-human echolocation but with vibrations instead of echos. I shall dub it vibrolocation
There's nothing like a small existential life crisis while eating cold pizza. Best way to start a day!😆
I'm eating a cold pizza right now 🤣
Hot pizza here...but for dinner.
Yep, agreed. I started my day today by eating breakfast cereal in milk at 2 am. Now it's 3 am, it's windy outside, cold out of the blanket, not tired exactly, so I'm just chilling.
I love love pizza. Hot, cold, it's still great! 🍕
And watching Kurtis Connor
How is it possible to move that coffee cup much without spilling. You are so inspiring, keep up the good work 😎
She did though...
BTK right leg and most of left foot here. A PT or OT at VA turned me onto your videos when she walked in on me crying. Been watching since. You are an inspiration.
You're so fantastically real. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Also, I never considered the increased caloric needs of an amputee
Aww thank you so much! I really appreciate that!
You do not need an increase in calories
I'm curious whether the increased caloric need only affects leg amputees or is also a thing for arm amputees, maybe to a lesser degree.
@@jenniferdaugherty5422 I'm sure you know better than she does, after all, you're a random person on the internet!
I'm only 7 weeks out from an original "elective" turned "essential" bilateral above knee amputation. I have been soooo much happier since (I was dealing with a boatload of pain and agony prior). The one thing that's kind of thrown me though is the phantom pain/sensations. Those can really mess with your head. Just last week I swear something was "crawling up my leg" (bug, spider, etc.), only to remember, I don't HAVE legs! I've always been disabled with mobility issues, so I haven't had to adjust to that, but there still is a learning curve in how your body moves minus limbs.
I can deff relate to this. Me, December 13, 2021 - Bilateral AKA. Came home from rehab Jan 06, 2022. The Phantom pains / sensations drive me crazy. I still have restless leg syndrome that make me jump. I still feel itching. I am Diabetic.
@@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt oh man. I have two regular legs and I have RLS. I can’t imagine how much worse it would be to have RLS and no legs! At least I can stretch, move, punch my legs when they’re playing up!
@@Miss_Distress Yes it drives me nuts. The worst is when I get the lightning sensations, it makes me want to jump right out of my chair. The phantom is just as real because of how the brain is wired. I've caught myself trying to scratch an itch, cross my legs, etc.
BK on the left side here. My favorite so far (call it 10/8/21 for removal and might be off by a day or 2) was feeling like my foot fell asleep. Can also confirm those lightning sensations suck as a fellow diabetic.
The one point that really scared the fertilizer out of me was when my Podiatrist told me that a leg amputee has a 50/50 chance of losing the other leg within 5 years. Mostly due to the same health issues that zapped the first leg. This leads to your point about mortality. Some people won't/can't take care of themselves and it turns into major health issues. It's been 2 1/2 years since my BKA and my remaining foot has some problems. Being a single amputee is stressful enough, I don't need more. Also because of my size (360#) I'm not a candidate for a second prosthetic; if I lose the second leg I'll be in a wheelchair. If that happens I will have to go to assisted living and I don't know if I could handle that. So I worry that my life is mostly done at 55. I'll try to heal up my last foot and get back to physical therapy so I'll have a chance at salvaging my remaining years.
Please get to that PT as soon as possible. If it can possibly heal, then I know you can do it. ❤
Dude loose some weight.
I know exactly where youre coming from, I also have a bka for 9 months now but just like you I have issues with my other leg, well foot really! I have an ulcer on my 2nd toe that wont heal for 7 months now and its agony! Iv been terrified that I would lose my only leg but am having iloprost infusions to open up blood vessels so it might heal easier but the pain from this toe is so unbearable now that iv had enough! I just cant bear it anymore, but if they amputate it then they are concerned that it might not heal properly and then what? I just dont know how to handle it all anymore! I wish you the very best for your health and future and would like you to know that i understand just how you feel. God bless. Xx
@@winnieoconnor2421 Ditto. Don't let 'em cut any more off. That is not a solution. Make sure your blood sugar is good, try intermittent fasting if not. Exercise that leg, stationary bike, easy walking, swim if you can. Also, if like me you had a poorly fitting prosethetic and you've spent too much time leaning on a cane, or a walker, you may have pinched a nerve that makes that toe hurt like @&%÷+! Get a good fit on yout leg and a good PT who works with amputees. This saved my other leg and my life.
Hi, I'm a rightly.
You can do it.
Just remember to enjoy life along the way.
I BINGE your videos. Watching them help me feel closer to my grandmother since she was an amputee. She passed away in 2018 but these videos make me feel like I understand her a bit more even if she isn't here. Thank you Jo. I appreciate your realness and your info!
💜💜💜💜💜
New amputee here. And wow what a struggle these first 6 months have been. My hubby introduced me to your channel and I love hearing you talk about all aspects of being an amputee.
I really love how you keep an optimistic attitude towards your amputation and its effects, but don't fall into a toxic positivity. You keep negative things negative, but don't let them stop you from enjoying the positive ones, wherever they may come from.
When Jo got up on one leg so easily, so gracefully, even so powerfully I gasped. I have two working (sort of as I have bad circulation in my arms and limbs) legs, but when I am sitting down on the floor and need to stand up the visual is not something that I would willingly share online. Let's just say it is less than You Tube-worthy. Glad to see this video and really glad You Tube is trying to "grow-up".
A year later, but wanted to say as someone with mobility issues - your strength and adaptations and struggles are every bit as RUclips worthy. I can’t tell you how much better it made my life that I happened on another RUclipsr who has several disabilities in common and some related conditions to me - before I got diagnosed even. It makes a big difference to be able to see other people living their lives in similar circumstances to your own, especially with disabilities and other situations where you’re in some way a minority. It makes a huge difference. I feel like I was able to jump years ahead in my ability to understand myself and others, my ability to cope, my ability to see where my life could go, just because I was able to find a channel like this one.
You may not think your story is interesting, or your movements are beautiful, but it can make all the difference in the world for other people who struggle like you’re struggling.
None of this is to say that you are obliged to educate the public, become a disability advocate, or do more than just exist in the way that is the most tolerable to you. We spend so much more time and energy just surviving, it’s more than fair to concentrate on filling your own cup. But if you feel like you’d like to share, and part of what gives you purpose and pleasure is helping others or creating stories and self consciousness is holding you back-know that you have so much to offer the world, and it’s important whether or not it’s pretty or graceful. Often it’s needed even more , because pretty is marketed so violently to us.
Your experiences and your story are unique and important, and the world is richer for them.
This concludes my TEDTalk. 😅 Just a little passionate about this subject.
On the subject of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger"
I've found a good way to phrase this is: everyone is potentially strong, not everyone is forced to use all their strength. And then yeah everything else you said is good. It does build skills other people don't have but most people who have that kind of adversity would have rather never been put in that situation to begin with.
Hi. I’m a 21 year cardiac bypass “survivor”. You and those like you help keep me on the gratitude track.
Some days I just “don’t wanna”!
Your upbeat personality and acceptance are a great help to me and a reminder of how small my problems are!
Feel free to share your “bad days” with us too!
Keep up the great content!
Hey, I wouldn't say your problems are small, they're just different. If thinking of them as small helps you, that's great! I just don't think that comparing disabilities and/or illnesses makes sense because everyone is different and what feels like not a big deal for you may be devastating for someone else and vice versa, there are so many factors that can make your experience easier or harder. Even if you lose a finger and there are people who lost whole hand, that doesn't mean your problem isn't serious. Take care :)
@@JankoWalski-hz3lu thank you!!
Non amputee with a limb difference, and Noonan Syndrome, here. I love the idea that us disabled folx would be much more likely to survive the zombie apocalypse. The ways I've had to adapt because I'm much shorter than average or my limited motor skills. Its a bit sad to think we had to for our own good but still pretty freaking amazing how well we can adapt in a world not built for us. You are so awesome I love how authentic and honest you are in sharing your story.
I was distressed that she has been having difficulty with censorship. I love her videos. They are so positive and down-to-earth.
Take care folks. Be fine!
I also have Noonan syndrome!! I never met someone online with it too! Im 4'10" at 18, and have a slew of disabilities as well!
wtf is folx
@@plant5875
She meant folks.
This is amazing information. My grandmother was an amputee as a young mother in the early 1920’s and she lived until 1981! She didn’t have the fancy leg you have. Hers had a belt and a metal joint at the knee. I never asked her any questions about how it was or how she felt about it. But she traveled the world with my grandfather and he died of a stroke before she did. It’s too bad talking about her leg wasn’t something we as a family did. Thanks for your sharing and openness about your amputation.
I'm a casual writer, and very recently I thought up a new story including a character who is an amputee below the knee just like you. I try not to stray from what I know and personally experience too often, as to avoid getting things horribly wrong and being horribly offensive, but I've been watching a ton of your videos to help me understand and I think I'm confident enough to include them in the story! I'm still gonna do some research and look around for more people like you who are willing to share so much, but all this is a really good start. So thank you :)
"There's balance and coordination that goes into waking on a prosthesis..."
Yup, and the really crazy part is, that a lot of that calorie burning, comes from your brain! That's not to say that you're not burning calories through physical exertion, but the amount of work your mind has to do to process those compensations is just mine blowing. We don't think about how much energy (and therefore calories) goes into just keeping us alive, let alone processing everything else. Just processing your most basic functions, and basic thinking, your brain burns about 20% if your calorie consumption everyday. That doesn't take exercise, basic walking with a single leg, or mass neuron production and rewiring to make connections to adapt to your new normal. Most people severely underestimate the needs of our minds, but it's a big energy consumer. Fun fact, you also burn more calories just by reading! Brains are bizarre
I just recently got subbed (ten minutes or so ago), and I am fascinated by your openness, personality, and positivity.
That does not mean that I pity you; I love to see how people are able to adapt to nearly any kind of adversity in their lives.
Here in Hamburg, Germany, there is an exhibition that has been around for nearly 20 years now. It's called "Dialog im Dunkeln", "Dialogue in the dark".
As you can imagine this has to do with vision. In this exhibition you are lead around completely pitch black rooms, with a white guiding stick commonly used by blind or strongly visually impaired people. The amazing thing is that you are guided BY blind or visually impared people.
You are led through multiple rooms 'showing' different daily occurences and situations of everyday life.
BTW: any kind of lighting is completely forbidden in these rooms, so no phones, smart watches, etc.
The last room is a small cafe, again pitch black, staffed again only by blind or visually impaired people. Here you can sit down with your guide at a table, get some drinks, ask them candid questions, and get more insights.
I have learned to respect people with any kind of disabilities since visiting this exhibition multiple times.
I have accepted that people with disabilities usually don't want pity, they want respect for their ability to adapt and live normal lives.
Sure, some things are different for them.
Yet that does not mean that their lives are less fulfilling or fulfilled.
Recently they added their "Dialog im Stillen" / "Dialogue in silence" to their exhibition. In this case people with hearing disabilities lead around the visitors that are given the best sound-canceling headphones possible, again, through everyday situations.
During either exhibition you get to communicate with the guides in their 'natural habitat', so to speak. You come to realize how incredibly adaptive the human body and mind can be.
How much we can compensate for if we are willing to put in some effort.
That's why I find your outlook so incredibly refreshing. It gives me things to think about, and appreciate many aspects of an amputee I've never thought about before, just because they have never occured to me. Not out of negligence or disinterest, but rather because it was so unusual that it simply did not register.
Sounds like a facinating exibition
I’m so glad you showed the difference between your legs! I was just made a video about this! I also thought amputation would put me back to normal which isn’t the case. But new normal can work too! Blessings friend 💕
It makes sense that amputees might have a shorter expected lifespan given the variety of reasons people get amputations. Of course some people lose limbs in war, which comes with some obvious risks of premature death. Aside from that some people have amputations because of other diseases that could cause system damage (cancer, serious infection, diabetes, etc.). If you die prematurely due to one of those diseases it isn't really the fault of the amputation, it's just incidental to the cause of death. That said there probably are some reasons that an amputation could lead to a shorter life expectancy such as a reduced level of exercise (on the whole, clearly your level of fitness is way higher than average), or even more directly with an increased risk of further injury (I don't have solid citations for that, but I would be surprised if that wasn't true)
It would stand to reason that asymmetry and increased force on the remaining limb would probably lead to a lot of acute and chronic wear-and-tear. Plus there's only so long anyone's exceptionally strong and durable limb could remain exceptionally strong and durable.
also there is the possibility of continuous pain depending on the reason for amputation
@@stevegeorge6880
Hi Steve 👋
I have Vascular Disease, hence blood clots was the cause of my right leg being amputated. My Surgeon orders frequent Ultrasounds to check for blood clots, in both legs. Have to make sure the sound leg is treated like Gold. Glad she is staying on top of this. Being 65 years old is no spring chicken, lol yet it's not really that old either. Regardless you are correct in your statement, thank's for bringing up this subject 👍
A large number of amputees are already not in the best health, diabetes leading to amputation is extremely common. Pre-existing health conditions are reason amputee life span is shortened not because missing a limb directly causes it.
@@claritey
True that!! 👍 Underlying health issues are far more likely to cause problems or death. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, stress, cancer..etc. Add up overtime and take their toll. None of us know when our number will be called. Point being: Live, laugh, love.. enjoy every day. Every day is a good day to have a good day! After loosing my leg, I'm grateful to still be on planet Earth. 😁 Because I almost lost my life.
❤️✌️🌹💫✨🎆✝️🙏🙌
"Whatever flavour of amputee you find yourself as"
This is why we love Jo
You are a gem.
Aw shucks! Thank you! 💜
Hey, Amputee and prosthetist here, been enjoying your videos, both from a personal and professional standpoint.
Cold leftover pizza is the best!! Also body adjustments are incredible.
the fact that a person makes a whole new limb for someone else is really amazing. I have a slight difference in mobility in my right foot and that already has a super impact on the way I walk and makes my lower back hurt so having someone who can adjust something this big is amazing.
Why not get a shoe lift
@Chaim Moshe Zaltsman because won't help. Is a mobility issue, one foot has greater mobility than the other. If i put something like it i would limp.
@@natalianoce oh
I absolutely adore your videos! I love how honest and real you are and I think it’s cool that you are honest about mental health.
Aw oh gosh! That is so kind of you to say - thank you so much!!!
After breaking my leg it was over 1/2" shorter. It does feel strange to go barefoot, or if I'm tired. Keep on living. Thanks for sharing.
I find from a medical/nursing point of view that often the lower life expectancy is either from a primary or secondary reason:
Primary from amputation: Infection post surgery, higher risk of falls resulting in intercranial hemmorhage, minimal care of the limb resulting in dry skin to wounds of the limb especially in prosthetic users causing skin infections and sepsis.
Secondary from amputation: Patient is diabetic and they've had to have amputation due to diabetic ulcers, however that diabetes doesn't get under control resulting in cardiac/renal conditions, dialysis and death.
PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease) where clinicians have decided the best option is to remove the lower limbs, especially in young people but furthering in age the PVD gets worse as a result of cardiac conditions like CCF and the patient passes away from the cardiac condition but it's simply a coincidence the patient has had amputations.
When factoring all this, yes the age is shorter for those with amputations. The risks of other health outcomes as a result of an amputation are heightened, but as long as the individual takes care of the limb AND overall health, there should not be a decrease in life expectancy between whether the individual has had a limb removed or not. It all highly depends on the patients clinical situation and commodities.
You so merrily talk about your pains like it's nothing
You are so admirable
I would love to see a video about body image, you are so positive and inspiring!
A lot of folks struggle with loving themselves after becoming sick, injured, attacked, or anything else that permanently changes their bodies.
You and your videos are such a gift. Thank you!
Heck yeah fellow member of Kurtis Town!
first video i watch from you and I gotta say... YOUR ENERGY IS CONTAGIOUS AND YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!
It's so fascinating to me how soon you can get a prosthetic after amputation! The human body is so strong!
Your normal leg became “beefy.” That reminded me of something my rheumatologist did when I complained about the bursitis in one hip.
I had been hit by a bicyclist while walking - and the hip which hit the ground now has a permanent case of bursitis.
To confirm that my life was indeed being affected, the doctor gets a tape measure and measures the circumference of both of my thighs. Sure enough, the bursitis side was smaller - I was using the good leg enough for the muscles to increase in size. That was the first time I realized that chronic pain could reshape our bodies. It was a sobering thought.
As soon as I had my right leg below the knee amputation, within 8 weeks my circulation went on my left leg and my foot swelled up. It was perfectly fine up until that point. That is what contributes, too, to a higher mortality rate. As you said, complications can happen. You are exceptional . You have kept on moving and have been able to. Sometimes we older folks just cannot move like that anymore which also adds to the higher mortality rate. Thank you so much for this video.
@Kelly Lynn
Glad you pointed out that us older individuals can't move around like that anymore. I'm no Spring chicken and finding it more difficult to function as I use to 10 to 20 years ago. RBA since January 2021, but I manage pretty well. Thank you for bringing this to light 💖
I love listening to your videos, even though I am a year late, but finding your videos is definitely what God knows I needed for this time in my life. I became an amputee 12 years ago, divorce now after 30years, and sooo many other changes in my life. I appreciate your insight. I’ve experienced many thoughts as you have and it’s good to hear and relate to you. You are amazing!!!
You have so much positive enthusiasm it’s almost addicting.
Random thought I had while watching : Jo should do a collab with Doctor Mike. This was so informative and makes total sense. Thanks for spreading info and love through your vids
I'm R.B.K. just past 4 months. All I seem to want to eat is foods high in protein. And I'm snacking more as I become more active on my rocket foot. It has been an interesting ride for sure.
Thank you Jordan.
@Juan
Same here with the food, I stay hungry and do the same thing...snack a lot more. Takes load's of energy to live this one-legged life. Gotta' keep the energy up to keep moving forward. Trying to eat healthier, but sometimes those M&M's just jump in my mouth. Lol
Gods, I love how you blend giving us information with so much positive energy.
Thanks for all of this.
Jo , I'm in Indiana recovering from my third toe amputation in7 years.. I watched your video of your story. I have so much admiration for you !! May God bless you & your family.thank you for sharing your story.
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Jo!
I loved how fast you got down the stairs at the beginning of the vid.
Having followed you for a few years it truly lifts my heart to see how agile you are these days!
love
Steve Holliday
jo i love how you talk to us, the audiance like were your friends!
I have so many questions about my prosthetic leg and the only person I can ask is my prosthetist. However, they aren’t actually questions he has been able to answer. And from what I understand, no one can answer those questions. Not because they don’t know the answers necessarily, but because it requires the expertise of someone that’s been through the same situations. So questions will always go unanswered because other amputees don’t want to help with the questions. If the doctors and prosthetists were an actual amputee, they could answer the questions. But because most are not, they don’t have the expertise to help answer the questions.
I’ve been thinking of starting my own channel simply because no one at all is willing to help answer those questions. But at the same time, I don’t want to paint a target on my back to be attacked by jerks, losers, or bullies that are only looking to cause harm. It’s hard enough being an amputee, it’s also hard enough when you have people in real life treat you like you’re either an invalid, or incompetent, but also like your an inconvenience, like being in a wheelchair and having someone walk up behind you and push you in the wheelchair “out of their way” and act like they are far more superior than someone with one leg in a wheelchair.
I totally get what you’re saying. Anything that puts you out there in social media makes you a target. I thought hard about making a RUclips channel for exercise for BKA. But I don’t want the negative or to be a target. To a degree, I also see through viewing that what gets attention tends to be the exaggerated and I don’t like that. Lastly, making my financial well being based off my amputee status would seemingly make me have to indulge way to much time focusing on my amputation and content related to it. Too many cons. I completely appreciate the benefit in helping others cope and learn though.
I find it to be sssooooo important to tune into videos/content of people who are directly effected by things some of us have the luxury to not have to talk about everyday so we can all have a better understanding. It takes nothing to dedicated time to doing so. Can’t wait to tune into more of your upcoming content Jo 🖤
I love the way you express and talk, very entretaining
What a breath of fresh air! Thank you for your video.
So there I am, sitting there watching TV with the family, and I see a commercial for some kind of drink thing and notice a familiar face in it. I interrupt the conversation of the family around me to announce that I have watched her on RUclips for the past couple of years and explain that she’s an awesome amputee from a few towns over! So excited to see your face on something other than RUclips and excited to see where else you’ll pop up! I started watching you when you had your first surgery because my step-mom was going through it and wanted to know other’s experiences and haven’t quit watching since. She passed a few months ago, and though we lost contact for a bit, I have always looked forward to seeing your videos. Thank you for sharing your experiences! I’ve learned so much.
I’m happy you are a fellow Curtis Conner fan 🤣
Learning about how much your body changed is very interesting! This is very educational and I love your vibe while talking about your body!
With about half of the surgeries I’ve had, there has come some significant change in my gait or range of motion. I’ve found that it takes my brain about two years to adapt to the new normal such that it becomes unconscious.
Oh my gosh, the part about creativity and resoursefulness is so true. I am not an amputee but i've spent the last few days researching and asking other chronically ill folks how they streamline their days and it really all comes down to figuring out how to make life work for you in a life thats not built for you. It can be kind of silly and funny at times and it did give me a confidence boost to realize how much i've had to get resourceful to do things others take for granted.
I've been a paraplegic my entire life and I have to say I agree with the whole adaptation / planning thing. Spontaneity doesn't work for me. Question : I saw a video (can't find it now) in which a below knee amputee was saying she misses going barefoot because her meat leg is too short without a shoe. You're barefoot in many of your videos. Did your prosthetist just do a better job?
I know running blades don't have shoes but I thought most people opted for at least one limb designed to be worn with shoes, as it cuts down on the wear and tear of the prosthetic.
Was the issue that their meat foot would have to be at the same angle as their prosthetic to walk and it's really hard to walk like that without the appropriate heels on? I know Jo mentioned that her foot is the model designed for hiking not wearing heels. And I don't know if everyone with a heel compatible prosthesis has an adjustable angle one. Or if an adjustable angle would even be affordable or compatible with all conditions.
In another video that Jo did, she had a guest star with her, named Annika. Annika talked about having a foot that was specifically made for walking on the beach, which I would assume includes any necessary height adjustments for walking barefoot.
But either way, I would expect that your prosthetic foot should be adjusted to be the same length from hip socket to the heel of your other foot, so that you can wear the same pair of shoes on each foot, go walking barefoot, etc... and not have to deal with the issues of having one leg be longer than the other.
My prosthesis is also a below knee amputee. He loss his foot in an accident when he was 21 years old and has been an amputee for 47 years so you can live a long life as an amputee. I'm just starting out and what was great was I have him as a source for a lot of my questions like, "Is it suppose to feel this way?" When I tried my new leg on for the 1st time and he knew what I was talking about because he's been there. My amputation was planned so I even got to meet him before my operation and ask him questions and it really helped to calm a lot of my worries. BTW he made me a beautiful leg.
Hi there Jo- I really enjoy your channel. I am not an amputee but I was run over by a car years back which put me in the hospital 3 months and meant I had a lot of retraining to do and a lot of pain to learn to live with. Amongst these- lower back pain. So I just came on here because I wanted to share a neat little "trick" to help relieve this pain. In order to just make a slight change to your lower back posture and really relieve this pain you want to make kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises) when your lower back is painful. It really helps a lot! Just stand up and do these exercises for 5minutes or so and you will feel the difference. You can repeat as often as you want and need. I hope this can be of some comfort to you.
This is the secound video of your that poped up in my recomended and i'm now hooked
I love this intro so much
I'm really glad I found your channel. It started by looking up information regarding disabilities and then about amputation and proshetics and I clicked on the first videos that seemed interesting and honestly above the amazing value I find in your content regarding general information about the life as an amputee I couldn't help but subscribe cause you are genuinely super interesting and fun and really have a great way to communicate the topics you talk about, even when it's not necessarily about amputation or disability which I think is super cool so we can see more of you than just "oh, she's missing a leg, that why it's footless joe"
Anyway just wanted to pop a positive message, love your content, it's especially chill to listen to while working or doing various tasks and very informative and fun.
I had never considered the concept of life expectancy when it comes to amputation. Thank you.
Howdy Jo,
Thank you for discussing and explaining these changes after amputation. I was wondering if I was the only one experiencing some of the things you mentioned here. 13 month's post op, and just beginning to walk short distances and still using my Walker. I do practice every day on my cane and happy to report I'm making progress. (See video please) You're not just whistling Dixie about the caloric intake, I find that to be the case as well. As a matter of fact.. I've put on a few pounds, however I needed to because I was 100 lbs B4 amputation. I need my strength to push through all of this.
Thank's for all you do and for the encouragement especially. 🥰
The most important thing for you is to not feel any pain. I just can't imagine you spending the rest of your life like this
Unfortunately a lot of people spend a lot of their lives in pain. And it sucks, I know. I have not had a pain free moment in nearly five years. Like to the point that I have actually forgotten what pain free even feels like. You get used to being in pain all the time. It still hurts, you don't necessarily get used to the pain, but you get used to being in pain. It's your normal.
Thanks, this helps me to better understand people going through this. Good to know.
Somewhat recently I injured my shoulder and had to get surgery to repair it. For a couple days that arm was basically dead weight that did nothing but cause pain and get in the way, and for a couple months after that had very limited use. I'm in rehab now and it's almost back to normal. But that experience gave me a taste, albeit a brief one, of what this kind of thing is like. And holy s#&*, I hated it so much. I have so much respect for people like you that have to deal with losing a limb for life. The way you can still be positive and do so much despite it is mind blowing.
You’re an excellent teacher, Jo. 👊
I absolutely love what you said about disabled people and the zombie apocalypse! It’s so true, we are resourceful and creative and resilient!
Thank YOU Jo you're bringing good in this world
I had a bad motorcycle accident 5 months ago an my left leg had to be amputated below the knee , I hope one day my mental state is back in check with the rest of my body, I like your videos they are very helpful
You are a positive influence to others keep up the good work.
Kind of unrelated but your dog is a national treasure
I love how real you are like you even included the coffee spill 😂
And I agree, are bodies are really freaking cool.
Sweet Jo. You are an inspiration for those with all limbs. I just wish I could hang out with ya a give ya a mama hug.💖💖💖
I have no idea how this ended up in my recommends, but I enjoyed your personality in this video very much. I don't know your full story, as this is the first video of yours I've watched, but you seem like a very cool, interesting, grounded, and all-around amazing person.
So I just found your channel and I wanna say... you have the best energy. Watching you just made me so comfortable and made me want to be your friend. You just seem like such a fun awesome person. Definitely subscribing 😊
has anyone told you you look like victoria pedretti? so glad youtube recommended me your videos (ironically the one about how youtube is age restricting you but hey you got a new sub out of it at least!) i am disabled with chronic illness so while there are some differences in regards to how are disabilities manifest i am so happy to see a disabled youtuber talking openly about her disability and life experiences, the good the bad the mundane and spectacular. thanks so much for sharing your life with us!
I’m a chair user, not an amputee, and my chair using isn’t due to any kind of injury- just the slow drudging process of a progressive illness that’s turned me into an old person before my 24th birthday. 🙃
Before I got into the chair, I don’t think I fully comprehended the transformation I would need to make either in terms of muscle tone. Actual, purposeful exercise had been off the table for years at that point because my body will not tolerate running or lifting or exertion of any sort without retaliating with horrible spasms, and I was finally reaching the point where walking and ADLs were getting more and more difficult. Being naïve, I was just like “it’s legs that are the big problem! My legs hate me! Take legs out of the equation and it’s smooth sailing!” No. My shoulders and arms needed to turn into hips and legs, and that was an exhausting, time consuming, slow, grueling process where I could barely control myself on sidewalks and most hills were out of the question. In a couple of months though, my shoulders and back were toned in a way they’d never been in my life, my pecs had increased, and I swear my biceps and triceps doubled in size and mass. My core also got stronger, but that part of me was already strong for different reasons. I don’t look like a body builder (not that I’d want to, I don’t think I’ve ever cared about purposely toning my muscles for aesthetic reasons and don’t even really like how that looks on most people, let alone on me) but I do have a lot of functional muscle now. It’s muscle that built up through doing work, and does a really necessary job. I can now whizz up a hill that used to have me nope-ing in the other direction when I started no problem. Sidewalks aren’t an issue anymore. And can I just say, I’m fast. I was born with my illness, symptomatic since birth. Things like running or exertion were difficult for me even as a small child, forget when I lost my ability to do those things without massive consequences by the time I was a teenager. I’ve been watching my body sort of.. slip away from me more and more as the years went on, and my chair made me feel nimble and agile and fast for the very first time. I think I’ve spent my whole life wishing I could be an athlete, wishing that my body could be capable and strong and able to do physical things. My chair has given me a bit of that, and I can’t describe what that means to me.
I know my story is a bit different, different disability and all that, but I see overlap. Thanks for this video, it was really cool.
this was really helpful, i recently wrote a character who had an amputated leg, and i realized a couple things i had overlooked so much when writing him. i'm currently using this video and doing more research to revamp and rewrite this character to be more in line with how amputees actually are
(i promise i normally do my research before making characters with things society tends to label as abnormal, disabilities and disorders especially, but i guess i forgot to this time)
The fact it took 8 and a half minutes to finally spill that coffee is amazing. I was starting to think it was a trick cup :D
Thanks Jo. My own experience is that the heightened creativity comes from having to compensate for maneuverability difficulties. We are forced to think outside of the box, and
that becomes our tendency in many situations. I'm stuck in some bubbles though, and that might be partly because we all usually want to side with popular opinion. 💖
Hey Jo, just dropping by after seeing your video on youtube labelling your material 18+ and demonetizing your stuff. Left a few comments to motivate them to not be so utterly tonedeaf to find the gal saying gosh darnit to be so sinister for the youth. Keep on keeping on. Learned a bunch of new stuff today about biology, thanks~
Omg. I love your voice and your passion.
Love to see the good example you provide for others. Those that share a common loss or those who should be grateful for the body that is all there. Truly you are an inspiration for all.
You are beautiful and I'm glad to see you smile, keep doing what you do
Thanks for talking about all of this ❤️ i think it's awesome that your using your experience to help educate others and I'm certain that people who find themselves in a similar situation will greatly appreciate the information and the stories you've published 😺
Your "little chicken thigh" isn't much smaller than my "normal " yes , bird legs..... and your "beefy" thigh is absolutely beautiful, not to be out of line Mr. Jo, 😆 Keep being you and shining that light Jo, for more people than you'll ever know on many different highs or lows in people's life 😀
Hi, I'm a rightly.
I wish more people would understand how much more it energy takes to do the some jobs.
Your videos makes happy knowing someone else knows.
Thanks
Nothing but love
There are so many issues "normal" people have no clue about!
Great video!
A real eye opener!
I have to say this, i'm incredibly addicted to your videos. Not only are these a window for people who fortunately didn't have to go through amputation to understand what the experience and difficulties are, but the way you're positive when discussing pain and aches and all the troubles that you still experience. Its really inspiring.
Thank you for sharing this with us, really.
This is what body positivity should look like, not fat people thinking they're beautiful and healthy (and i say this as someone that's been overweight my entire life, and struggles with keeping a healthy weight - I'm 20kg overweight atm, thanks COVID- and i've been bullied all my youth about my weight, and i still deeply despise all the fat people hijacking the "body positive" movement).
Thanks for the cool video!! Also those shorts look so good on u!!
My pup has a bum heart, too, but she's 12 and loves a good hike. I feel very fortunate
Gosh darn it this is so informative, thank you for doing this.
I'm so so happy youtube recommended me your videos.
I'm not an amputee myself but I'm writing a story with an amputee in it and I never knew where to do proper research on the experiences and changes that come with a prosthetic. I didn't even consider lower back and hip pains as a possible result of the missing leg and adaption to it!
But these things aren't just important to know as a writer, they're important to know in general. Amputee or not, it's always good to know how the world looks from another perspective and your stories and answers help clear up stereotypes, misconceptions or just pure not-knowing.
Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences, it's so wonderful to see
I thought the life expectancy being lower would have been due to unfortunate accidents. Left handed persons have a lower life expectancy due to accidents with tools designed for right handed use. Very interesting stuff though on your channel, so glad I found it!
Jesus, the youtube-algorithm loves you lately. You kept popping up in my recommended with multiple videos for a bunch of days in a row - even with one title ripping on youtube censorship. Dont know what im here for now, but thats how it works... maybe i find a vid about your prosthetics, as i think i would be interested in different pros and cons and whats hightec in that field. Gratz for winning the algorithm over (At least for my account)
One thing we can all agree on is that Jo is beautiful and resourceful inside and out!
Thank you for sharing. It helps me to know being an amputee myself I learned all the things you have described even after nearly 40 years without my arm
the fact that u watch kurtis makes so much sense