AMPUTEE Life UPs and DOWNs PODCAST and your Comments Discussed

[@theampedlife]

Good to be back after some time off! Please leave us your comments for upcoming podcast discussions with the guests. See you on the next one ✌

[@elanavanbrakel2399]

Great podcast, Chris! Thanks for being so honest and vulnerable…I can so relate with physical challenges impacting my emotional wellbeing negatively…Sharing experiences with fellow amputees definitely helps! Thanks for creating this platform. Elana (BKA for 27yrs, Stellenbosch) 🙂

[@michellemarsden4786]

This was made for me. I am battling with my liner and socket. Having to start all over. New liner and casting was done today. Frustrated is an understatement. Good see you back on your channel

[@wynncarter6783]

Such a lovely surprise this evening to turn on KZbin and see you! Welcome back Chris, we've missed you. As always, you are so sincere and transparent, that's what makes your channel so honest and watchable! I absolutely understand there are times for all of us when we find it incredibly hard being an amputee. I'm personally having a blip at the moment with my above knee socket fit, it's certainly impacted on my mental health, not being as mobile due to the fear of the leg falling off. I've not wanted to go out (too much effort) I'm normally so social and happy but it does effect our self esteem.The great news is I'm getting a new socket in ten days so hopefully I'll regain my confidence and be positive once again. Look forward to many more great vlogs from you. Stay well. xx

[@theampedlife]

Hi Wynn!! OMG always so good to hear from you, one of the Amped Life OGs. Thank you for the kind words, and for always being such a big supporter and motivation to make these video's. Sorry to hear you've also had a blip, it sounds like you've experienced something similar to what I have in terms of it affecting your overall well being. Like you I'll be going for a new socket fitment soon, looking forward to feeling liberated again. I wish you the best with your new socket, please let us know how it went. See you on the next one, thanks again for being a friend 🙏

[@victoriapendleton4099]

Welcome back. My husband has been an AK left for 54 years and enjoys your channel. He agrees with you on the weight issue and has dropped 18 pounds (about 8% of his body weight) resulting in a new fitting and better mobility

[@theampedlife]

Hi Victoria, thank you for your message, and for commenting on the importance of weight management. It's never really affected me in the past, but I've been surprised by the negative impact of a mere a 10% gain, on my limb, and mobility now. Good to hear from someone who has overcome this, and confirm that it has improved fit and mobility, this will surely motivate more amputees to pay attention.

[@Ameenkhan-dm4zs]

This is Ameen from silicon valley, CA. It's good to see you back .As I have aged , I have become less active mostly due to weight gain. I used to play golf but have stop playing it. I am pushing myself to start using a gym after work but have not been sucessful. The only exercise I have is to walk my dog.For an amputee what' is a typical daily step count you need where you can feel a difference. Thanks.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Ameen, thanks for the comment, and hope my answer to your question about sneakers helped you. Consistent movement is key, the antidote to health issues is to never stop an exercise routine. Well, this has been my experience anyway. Walking is great exercise, as is swimming and cycling to burn those pounds. I would think that a good average step count per day is between 5k and 10k, depending on age and mobility. Anything above 10k steps should exponentially increase fitness and contribute to successful weight management. I still believe that consistency is key, so a few 1000 steps every day, where possible.

[@tlj3911]

Really glad You posted Your 'back at it' video today. Your 'positive' (because of their honesty/revealing nature) videos are beneficial for the viewers even if they don't fully 'appreciate', initially, their value. Thank You

[@theampedlife]

Thank you for the kind message, look forward to posting some more videos going forward. Your feedback is much appreciated!

[@RIANAVANSTADEN-u4g]

Good to see you again, Chris. Roelof and I were just speaking about you last week.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Riana, aaah thanks for the message, it's heartwarming to hear from the two of you. I hope you're both well and healthy.

[@Goatzillathe3rd]

Thank you for your videos and openness. I’ve been an amputee for two years due to a motorcycle accident. I lost the majority of my left leg and most of the motor function in my left arm as well as 82% of my visual field. I still struggle walking without a cane and wanted to share that with those who feel like failures for taking too long to get walking. It is so different for all of us. Also as Chris has pointed out multiple times, a good prosthetists is key. I wasted months in a wheelchair getting fat and weak due to incompetence and when I finally found a new prosthetist it made a world of difference! I wish you made videos more often as I find them to be great company.

[@theampedlife]

Thank you for your kind words, it's much appreciated and really motivates me to create more video's. Considering the extent of your injuries I truly respect your positivity. Your message will surely be an inspiration for others who have suffered loss and continue to struggle to come back from their injuries. As mentioned in the video, I have a mate who lost his leg in a biking accident (Im a biker too, so I get the love of the open road despite the risks). He will join us for a podcast, I hope you enjoy the upcoming conversation with Veli. Insofar as making more videos go, this is the plan right now. We have some good topics lined up, but you're right, sometimes it's just about feeling you're a part of something, and connecting with like minded people. All the best mate, take care and hope you will be able to set aside the cane soon.

[@taras4952]

Great to see a video from you once again Chris. YOU are a big reason that I've stayed positive and active as a L AK since 2012. I'm now 70 YO and stay active golfing, waking/hiking, gardening and landscaping. Your past advice to test ones own limits has served me well. I understand your up and down experience as an amputee. You'll get through it. Look forward to more vids. Taras from Alberta, Canada.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Taras, thank you for the kind message mate! If these video's have made a small difference I feel like it's so worth it. Your active life at 70 motivates to me to continue to live my life by making the most of my abilities. Your message is exactly what I (and others) needed to feel that life can be good for years to come - thank you for this. I hope to visit Canada some day, I hear that Alberta is beautiful. I have a friend who lives there now, so it's in the planning!

[@ruygutierrez2995]

Chris, I'm so happy to see you back doing what you do so well! I just "celebrated" my third ampuversary and physically I'm doing great. However, for some reason, I have been very psychologically down, and I really cannot find the reason for this. As you know, I started an amputee sailing program here in Maine, USA and this year it was extremely successful but by the date of that fateful anniversary, the trauma and subsequent difficulties I endured came back to haunt me. I have grown to accept my situation as an amputee and I thought the worst was over. I'm trying really hard to stay positive and engaged and since a few days ago, I think I may be able turning the corner. But enough of my bellyaching, it is good to see you back in action, and your studio looks awesome!

[@theampedlife]

Hi Ruy, thank you mate, it's good to hear from all the familiar friends again! Congrats on your 3rd ampuversary, I'm sorry to hear you're struggling right now, let's hold out for better times ahead. It looks like being open about our struggles at times has opened up a much needed conversation here. You've always been such a positive voice, but occasional struggles happens to even the most committed amputees at times. Two things can be true at once, we can be committed but still have a bad day/week(s). I remember something similar to your experience happened to me at around three years. I too was caught off guard, till a mate of mine who lost his leg in combat reassured me that this is something that happens, its a part of the journey, but with a plan and support better days are always ahead. I hope that your amputee sailing initiative will keep growing and doing well, and I still plan to drop by the next time i'm in the US. I've never been to Maine, but been told it's very beautiful. Stay strong bud, we're in this together!

[@rapidfirerob4]

I enjoy the videos you present, Chris. It is clear you are committed to using Ossur products. Why is that? I had an Ossur prosthetic two years ago when I became a below the knee amputee. I play tennis and music, plus still teaching part time. I decided to go with a Fillauer All Pro XTS for increased mobility. People I know referred me to other amputees, who I immediately reached to. It's always good to talk to others who have gone through the same experience. I joined the Amputee Coalition and got a grant from Challenged Athletes Foundation. I am lucky in that I became an amputee due to cancer and have never experienced phantom limb pain. I know many people deal with more challenges than I have.

[@theampedlife]

Thank you for your message mate, and for sharing your experience and thoughts. Regarding the Ossur products, yes I have very strong affection for the brand. I've used two other brands (also good ones) but Ossur changed my life, and I'll be forever grateful to the good people there. Their liners, knees and feet are pure quality, but most of all, the ethos, culture, and care in the organisation is exceptional. I've spent time with the local team here in my country and built a relationship with them, which has truly improved my quality of life immensely. I took a look at the Fillauer All Pro XTS, it's a good looking foot! It looks quite similar to the Terra Foot that Ossur has just launched, robust and versatile. Like you I'm lucky not to have regular phantom pain any more, just the occasional "stabbing" feeling, nothing serious. It's rare to see an amputee playing tennis, not sure I ever have ... it must be quite hard on the residual limb?

[@wendypoggenpoel230]

Like the procast as it's the first time I listen . Very informative I wish I can meet you

[@jackusan]

Chris. I enjoyed your video with my wife and partner through my amputation journey. The question on how long it will take to walk is one I’m sure every amputee has. In my case it was made more difficult as I also had a Traumatic Brain Injury. So it was 3 or 4 months before I was even capable of trying to learn to walk. My first Prosthetic was bare bones and not very helpful. It wasn’t until I got my CLeg that things began to get better. It’s different for everyone, as you say, but getting the proper equipment and a good therapist was essential in my case. I’ve used your videos and my therapist has incorporated them into her knowledge base, to work with me and others. I’m glad you’re back at it and will continue to look for your next video. Jack. By the way, I lost my leg a little over 3 years ago and I am 74 years old now. I keep working everyday to get better and your videos have been especially helpful, because you are an amputee who knows what works.

[@alexfederizo8051]

You're a godsend Chris! You've inspired me to be more positive in my outlook on life now that I'm a BKA. My first year was tough personally but through the support of my loving wife I managed to push through. The tips you gave in your videos helped a lot! Thank you so much! Keep up the good work!

[@theampedlife]

Hi Alex, thanks for such a kind message and for sharing your positivity. Like you my initial experience was tough, and like your wife mine was an angel throughout the process. It makes me so happy that the videos have helped you and motivates me to make more. Thank you for that, I’ll keep em coming! All the best mate, keep on moving!

[@pd5163]

I missed this one Chris, I thought you had gone. Glad to see you are back. I just got a new mechanical leg, no processor with pin lock, so I can ride my bike. My suction leg kept falling off. AKA left leg. I still can’t walk without crutches but making progress. I recently had a triple bypass which put me back a bit.

[@BionicJp]

Hi there Chris hope you are doing well? I saw some videos of the new powered knee and om my gosh I really want 1😂😂😂, I love you podcast it's really awesome, Stay blessed from your biggest amp-fan

[@theampedlife]

I am thanks mate, hope same for you!!

[@BionicJp]

@@theampedlife I'm always good thanks. I just wanted to say thanks for your help and advise that you gave me at ossur mobile clinic 2023 in pretoria /jhb golf estate

[@AlaaBeshr-f1y]

Welcome back hope see you all time

[@theampedlife]

Thank you mate, it's good to be connecting with so many amputees again!

[@etiene605]

Hi Chris. Nice video. Keep them coming bud.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Ettienne, thanks man, I plan on doing just that. Any suggestions for content?

[@HungTran-dv5me]

Osseointegration would help alot with the emotion down fall,because the traditional socket,u cant just put on to get up snd move instantly like Osseointegration quick change,u can walk way further and longer,not like the socket fit u cant walk far,without feeling exhausted,and u cant get ur thigh muscle firing for power abd energy,and the feeling of feeling ur thigh without being constricted like the socket fit.choking u.

[@wendypoggenpoel230]

Hi I I'm a amputee my name is Wendy and I have the same request as Paula most time I feel that I'm not worthy of being aluve