My 10 BIG MISTAKES as an AMPUTEE - Past and Present

[@bmpaddey]

Hi Chris, Great, relevant, video thanks. We have a few things in common: - My leg was also damaged in an accident...motorbike, not a paraglider. - I also went through multiple surgeries...31 in 3 years after the accident excluding the amputation and a final skin graft being # 33. - My amputation was also elective...I was just done with the constant pain and deformed foot and ankle! In hindsight, I should have had the amputation sooner, but I don't regret that I didn't as those 3 years taught me so much about myself...I learnt about not taking for granted; I learnt about dealing with prolonged, intense pain without winging; I learnt how much my family meant to me, and how much they were prepared to do for me in so many ways, I learnt that I had been a selfish jerk for at least 4 years leading up to accident; I learnt that I wasn't actually bulletproof, and I learnt that I was much stronger than I would ever have believed. My amputation has made me acutely aware of fellow amputees and has given me the opportunity to help them through the Amputee Support Group. I'm one of the lucky ones...I have no regrets, but still often miss my leg!

[@theampedlife]

Hi Brian, thanks for your comments. The amazing thing is that I could have been the author of your comment as well ... the similarities are striking. I especially like what you said about learning about myself as a result of the struggles early on. It sounds like you're a faster learner than me though!! Your words: "I learnt about not taking for granted; I learnt about dealing with prolonged, intense pain without winging; I learnt how much my family meant to me, and how much they were prepared to do for me in so many ways, I learnt that I had been a selfish jerk for at least 4 years leading up to accident; I learnt that I wasn't actually bulletproof, and I learnt that I was much stronger than I would ever have believed" These are so true, I hope many of our group see these words because I think they are so spot on and inspiring. Thanks you from my heart for being an active contributor to the well being of our amputee community. Take care mate!

[@theampedlife]

PS ... I still miss the leg too at times.

[@guyimbert6954]

Thanks for putting this up, Chris. Much of it resonates with me. Although I am a new amputee, I have single mindedly been "saving" my leg for nearly 40 years, and met with many orthotists along the way. Regarding blame - so much of this is a journey of discovery that each of us has to take. In the perfect world, your orthotist will introduce you to your perfect solution and you will live happily ever after.....until your body changes and you need something else. In the real world, you are unlikely to find that orthotist at first try. Don't get me wrong, every single orthotist I have ever met is a very special person, but they don't necessarily "get" my needs. It's not a blame game, it's a journey of discovery to find that one incredible individual who has not only capability and compassion, but fully understands your specific needs. That is when you get YOUR total solution. So glad that you have found yours.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Guy, thanks for watching and for your kind words. You are right, orthotists are special people who helps us to improve our lives. But each to their own - it's not an attack or blaming, but as you said, we are simply all different with our individual needs. A journey of discovery as you so beautifully put it. I hope you have figured out your own needs, and that you feel they are being met. Hope to hear more from you in the future!

[@silverguru]

New one. 4 days with my prosthetic. BKA- Feeling pain yet happy to stand. Walking with the walker and it feels new different / appreciate your honesty and helpful insights.

[@theampedlife]

Thank you for the message, and for sharing your experience. Only four days standing, and moving with a walker sounds pretty motivated. With a desire to be physically mobile, independent again, your progress will surely be rapid. Just a thought, I think in the first few weeks our priority should be to become mobile again, but not at the expense of the healing of the residual limb. All the best, look forward to hearing how things have progressed for you. Maybe join the live streams and hear how other amputees have dealt with their struggles? Hop to see you there!

[@rhhmunro]

Lost my leg in 1997 after a gliding accident. Tibial non-union, fused ankle - terrible prognosis for the leg. They offered me limb salvage with an Ilzarov frame but I opted for amputation after three months - hearing your and others' stories of living with infection, glad I did. Thanks for sharing.

[@theampedlife]

You're welcome man, thanks for joining in. I replied to your message on the paragliding video before I saw this one, shared some thoughts with you there. All the best mate.

[@ipswichfinance]

Great video chris covering many important points for all of us . Keep your videos going mate they are so worth while.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Fred, Thank you so much for your kind, supportive words. I hope to start posting more often again, you guys responses really have motivated me to share more content. Take care mate!

[@staceybarker7034]

I really appreciate your honesty. My 52 year old husband just had in April 2021, a partial amputation of his right leg and he is struggling to find himself with this new...everything. Very informative, to help me understand what he is going through a but. Thank you.

[@theampedlife]

Dear Stacey, thank you for your kind message, and to say it is my pleasure to be able to help. At 52 it is a huge change for both of you, but I would like to suggest that so much is still possible. Losing my leg has brought about so many wonderful opportunities for me, despite the struggles and sadder times. I wish you the best, I hope he is up and mobile soon - please keep in touch. Warm regards

[@staceybarker7034]

@@theampedlife thank you. Yes we are facing lots of new things he is just homec2 weeks and trying to navigate in iur house and cope with it all. I am now, more than than ever a caregiver and wife in a new capacity but also trying to back off and let him find his way too as he says not to "baby him" and he is in a grief state of sorts that he needs to feel and go through. We are still so grateful that he is alive and determined to keep going and live our best lives. kind regards and thanks

[@stephenadams963]

my wife is high aka. i had a beloved dog with spinal cord trauma and unable to use hind legs. chris’ comments about weight are true. stay lean. every ounce of weight makes moving harder. thank you chris- your commitment to helping others is so appreciated!

[@theampedlife]

Hi Stephen, sorry about the late response, I missed your message for some reason. Yeah general fitness and weight management is crucial, it affects so many aspects of being an amputee. Thank you for your kind words, it always inspires to make more content on amp issues. All the best to you and you wife, I hope you've been managing OK since posting the message.

[@michelles3747]

Be your own patient advocate, early and often, through your prosthetic journey! Yes, agree, communication is key. Speaking of communication, one thing that has helped me - If you see another amputee and have a question. Stop them and ask. Anyone I've stopped has always been willing to share their story or advice!

[@theampedlife]

Hi Michelle, I agree completely. Never have I ever been annoyed or offended when people ask questions, I love their curiosity, and sharing my experience with them is good for my psyche too.

[@NatalieSF7]

Wonderful video Chris!! Thank you for sharing. My significant other is a recent amputee of 1 yr - traumatic freak accident - after a swim in the ocean and was behind his car, and a drunk driver hit couple cars, thus pinning him. He is now wearing a C 4 Ottobock - swims in masters and cycles. I really like your reflective thoughts and humbleness. We just take it day by day. He did have a skin sore which took couple months of healing and being in a really dark space. He’s introspective and doesn’t want to seek any support groups. I learned not to push too much, as I seek and research varied information re: amputee life and prosthetics etc. Thanks again for sharing, we enjoy your site in You Tube. Very helpful info, appreciate your honesty and openness. You’re helping amputees and their families/ friends. Best of luck Chris! Blessings to you.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Nathalie, thank you for your kind message. I remember a time when I was very withdrawn - it is my natural inclination to do so. We all move at our own pace in our own way - I hope you sig other finds peace and what works best for him - it is different for all of us, there is no right or wrong way. The signs of regression are usually lack of motivation, isolation, disconnection and any self harming actions (eg substance abuse). And likewise the signs of acceptance are having a healthy relationship with our realities, connection, and curiosity. All the best to you both :-)

[@NatalieSF7]

@@theampedlife Hi Chris !! Thank you for your helpful advice. I forgot to note: Dave is a bilateral knee amp- 1 yr. Also, I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and all your challenges as well. What works, what doesn’t. From your videos we learned safety issues, dealing with emotional issues, and walking more comfortably without always looking down. It’s been a challenge daily, but learning also to be assertive and communicate with our prosthetist. Great info- regression and acceptance; Thanks again Chris! pls keep making videos, Dave and i enjoy learning and listening to your advice, challenges, and how you’re doing as well. 👍😊

[@tlj3911]

Darn Manly of You. 'Very' much appreciated. Thank You

[@theampedlife]

It's a great pleasure, I hope there was something helpful for you in there!

[@janicesherrard7669]

11/07/2017 my husband and I were in a bad accident that severely damaged my right leg. After 2.5 years and too many surgeries to count, I finally concluded that my leg would never work again. July 1, 2020 I had an above knee amputation and started the journey of an amputee. Pain free felt GREAT. It has been a frustrating process getting the right prosthetic setup because as wonderful as my relationship with my prosthetist is, he works on such a variety of patients that he doesn’t have expertise on any one particular circumstance. Countless hours of online research on my part led me to demand and receive a socket I felt would work better than the preparatory socket he initially gave me. He also allowed me to “try out” several different MPK’s to find the one I liked best. Anyway, here I am at less than 2 years post surgery walking pain free and cane free on my new leg. Your videos have been inspiration and knowledge used during this process so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@theampedlife]

Dear Janice, thank you so much for this kind message, and sorry for missing it when you sent it. I hope that you're still improving, and that your mobility keeps on improving. Your message will inspire many who struggle to keep on trying, thank you for that.

[@pamshirley2289]

Janice, this is Pam . You commented on a comment I put on this page. How do I get a hold of you?

[@alwayslearningthankyou2708]

All great advice based on actual experience. Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@theampedlife]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and for your message!

[@kootenaystringworks1765]

Nice to see you again Chris.

[@theampedlife]

Aaah thanks so much, it's nice to connect with you guys again. I appreciate your message, it inspires me to post more often.

[@rodneyyoung7336]

Thank you Chris As a new amputee good contrive advice always helps.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Rodney, I somehow missed this message when you sent it, just want to say thank you. I hope your life as an amputee is constantly improving. All the best!

[@Rxzwell]

thank you this helped

[@theampedlife]

Thank you for the message, Im really glad that you found it helpful. Hope you can join our live streams some time!

[@rachelleann2011]

I have the same shirt. I am considering amputation due to many surgeries and a medical error which has left my leg non fuctionial and stiff and incredibly painful. I need my quality of life back .

[@theampedlife]

Hi Rachelle, thank you for your message, and for watching the video's. I can only speak for. self, but as in your case I had a stiff leg, very painful, and completely held me back in my life. The best think I ever chose to do was to amputate. It fleet scary then, but now I have an amazing life as an active amputee. I wish you all the best with this, and please keep I. touch, let me know how it goes. Take care

[@theampedlife]

Ha! The RUN DMC one?

[@camco1989]

hi chris . its good to see you like this. in southafrika it was nice to hear your lectures

[@theampedlife]

Hey man, I recognise you photo, Its so good to see your message. I hope you're well! I really appreciate your message and kind words, thanks for making contact! Best wishes

[@camco1989]

@@theampedlife thanx im doing well. just for today and thats is how life is going . thanks for your respond. its nice to hear from you

[@theampedlife]

Sorry I meant to ask how you are doing?

[@camco1989]

@@theampedlife I'm doing pretty well thanks 😇

[@theampedlife]

@@camco1989 That makes me happy man, well done. You deserve all the good stuff 🙏

[@ArrieG69]

Hi Chris, thanks for the videos. This one especially hit home. I can relate to all your mistakes!! Your Channel is a must for all amps.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Armand, thank you for your kind and and motivating words. Our struggles are not that different, but how we experience them might be. It is my experience that In the end it is the support from other amputees which played such a big role in overcoming these obstacles. If there is a topic you feel needs to be talked about, which could be helpful to us all, please let me know. All the best

[@ottoscholtz9338]

Hi Chris Thank you again for a great informative video, super good advice! I am happy to hear you got your weight where it should be now, I also felt the difference and some much more mobile. Keep working hard physically and mentally and stay fit! Otto

[@theampedlife]

Hi Otto my friend! Thank you for your kind words and the support. Yes weight is such a crucial issue, and one of the easiest obstacles for most to deal with. There are exceptions of course due to genetics etc. Always enjoy hearing from the regulars! Take care

[@TheCuriousOrbs]

Thank you so much for sharing. Really got a lot out of it as a new (6-week) AKA

[@theampedlife]

Hi David, it's great to see you so active on our amputee community. I appreciate your input, it will help someone for sure. How are things going? All the best my friend, we are here to support and listen to your experience and suggestions - this is how we hear and thrive again.

[@davidsalem2896]

Great video Chris! I can relate to all your points ! Thanks for sharing !

[@theampedlife]

Thank you David - its a pleasure, thanks for watching and contributing to the conversation.

[@fashionablyfakeinga6732]

Thanks for all the info.. I lost mine due to Raynaud’s. Took a year to get a prosthetic because I was slow to heal. My stump was hideous as well. Yucko! Im switching from suction to pin lock. hopefully it will work better for me.

[@theampedlife]

Hi, thanks for posting your comment. I'm so sorry to hear Raynaud's affected you so badly. I did some reading up after your message and I see that its very rare that amputation is required - is this correct? I completely understand what you mean when you say Yucko ... its how I felt when I saw my leg pre surgery. Especially with the infection. All the best with the pin lock switch - please let us know how it went! Take care

[@fashionablyfakeinga6732]

@@theampedlife hi! i’m not sure about rare. i belong to a raynauds group and six months after mine a lady in the group had her leg amputated. A few others had fingers partially amputated. I thought oh, i just turn blue when I’m cold. I had no idea how serious it could be. I’m so glad to see how well you’re doing! 👍🏻🦿

[@theampedlife]

@@fashionablyfakeinga6732 Thanks for making this topic visible on our channel. I'm going to research some more myself to be better informed. I really appreciate your input - take care ☀️

[@kevinlynch2248]

Hi Chris!! Great video as always and I always really enjoy your videos. I find that information you share incredibly relevant to some of the things that I have been through. Hopoe all is well with you and I'm looking forward to your next post! Kevin

[@theampedlife]

Hi Kevin, thanks a ton for your message, and for your motivating comments. This is what it's all about - helping each other and connecting on these matters. Your words are rally encouraging. I'm looking to post a video this weekend, it will be a relevant topic in my life at the moment - about our health and long term physical well being. I hope you find it useful, I would love to hear your thoughts after seeing it. All the best!

[@kevinlynch2248]

@@theampedlife Thank you Chris and I will definitely let you know what I think. What I have learned from watching your videos over the past couple of years, is that, in addition to being about the same age, our experiences in how we became amputees are very similar. We both went from being very healthy people who loved engaging in outdoor activities (I used to race both mountain and road bikes and was an avid hiker), to facing years of multiple surgeries and infections, to being dependent on opioids, to ultimately being faced with losing our left legs above the knee, all the while having a wife and two young children and the ripple effect that all of that had on them. There are quite a few similarities in our journeys to becoming amputees and being able to relate to the content you create is so very important.

[@kevinlynch2248]

@@theampedlife At the 9:36 mark of your video, you talk about socket fit and how you found a prosthetist who was able to make a socket for you that when you put it on you knew it was the one. I was wondering if you have ever thought about doing a more in-depth video on that experience and on how incredibly important it is to have the correct socket fit? I am currently struggling, like seriously struggling, with that very thing. I have yet to get into a socket that feels comfortable, or one that doesn't hurt in several areas or put pressure on nerve or another. My prosthetist and I are really struggling here and I am losing hope that I'll ever get into a socket that feels like its supposed to. I have been an amputee since June 24, 2019 and I am currently in my sixth socket. I could go on, but I have rambled enough. Thank you and I hope you don't mind my suggestion!!

[@PastorDavidFranklin]

Well said Chris!

[@theampedlife]

Thank you David 🙏

[@biojunkyard9597]

I really do need to take more time with my prosthetic off and let my leg breathe. My phantom pains fire up when I don't have my liner off though.

[@theampedlife]

Thanks for your comment - letting the skin breathe is so important. Do you mean to say that the phantom pains are more intense when you have the liner on?

[@OFPgaming_pokehaven99]

I love your videos, my amputation was elective (see One Footed Phoenix). I was hit by a car in 2018. I developed CRPS, then decided to amputate a couple months ago.

[@rejoicingbones]

The issue I wasn’t expecting was how long I’d have overall fatigue after amputation. After nine months, I feel I’m just getting back to normal. You’re so right about the socket! My prosthetist is excellent. He nailed the first check socket so well, I only needed that one. After 8 months, I’m just moving to my second permanent socket next week. And the weight too! I gained lots of weight after lock down and it has made my fatigue worse. But lost it all this year and feel great. Listen to Chris, folks!

[@theampedlife]

Aaah thanks for this valuable shared experience - this is what I love about our community - we can learn more from each other on this platform in a week than I had learnt in a decade of being an amputee, trying to go it alone. I have forgotten just how tired I was for a few weeks after the surgery. I guess the lesson is rest well, give the body time to recover, get bused to being on one leg, be gentle with your new self. I agree with the increased fatigue with weight gain, the added effort it took to move an extra 15kg cannot be underestimated. Thanks so much for sharing this ... Listen to Bones, folks!

[@BucketList22]

I have had ankle issues my entire life. I had a surgeon recomed fusing my ankle in an attempt to make a better ankle. So I started what I didn't know at the time would be a significaant journey. Over two years of being non-weight bearing, I had four surguries to repair the ankle, three surguries trying to save my foot, and then finally a BKA. When I came down with my second serious infection, the 6th surgeon and I made the choice to amputate. Honestly I felt a huge weight lifted off of me. I finally could see a light at the end of the tunnel. This wasn't the ending I hoped for but I am going to make the most of it!

[@theampedlife]

Thank you for the message, and for watching the video. I totally can identify with the weight being lifted after amputation, and the relief of the uncertainty ending. I hope that you experience the improvement in quality of life that I did after amputation, certainly it sounds like you have a great attitude and sense of determination under the circumstances. I wish you all the best, and hope you get the most out of your decision!

[@normthompson9588]

I love your videos way to go your straight up as I am I new I wanted to go back as a HD Mechanic welder Re I don’t read and write well I use software to help me with that part of life I also go walking with new folks to missing a leg or legs if I can help them I feel great I was able to make there life a little bit easier NormThompson

[@theampedlife]

Hi Norm, thanks for your message and also for what you do for people with amputations. I love how determined you are to involve yourself with life, finding ways to make things happen to live the best life you can, and overcoming your own struggles - way to go mate!!

[@rechargemassage5126]

All relevant things to think about for all I would say x

[@theampedlife]

Thank you! Please keep on sharing your thoughts, as a Physio we can learn from a few suggestions from you too ☀️

[@therealkungpao]

Good points mentioned. I've held back on getting a prosthesis for almost a two years now, because im glad i was able to realise a lot of these points during this time. I have gotten somewhat glad that i did not rush into a leg because now i feel like i know myself and my limitations more than i did back then. At the time, with the information i was given by my prosthetist - i had no idea if the ones he offered to assemble were good or bad? I had no idea what else was on the market or the general pricing for prosthesis. I was just getting used to the term socket, foot, knee and etc because i had no idea that everything was assembled at that level. Now i've set to get myself a leg in 2021, my question is: - Is it a bother to go see different prosthetist and get quotes and recomendation of different legs? - Will each charge for a quote and consulation? - Is it bad to use crutches for months/years? Like bad for your hip? - Recommendations? Thank you

[@theampedlife]

Hi Jo, thanks for your comments and message - I think these are excellent and very valid questions. My short answer is that you do whatever it takes to improve your quality of life. When I was unhappy with the socket my guy made for the second time I felt it was time to get a second opinion. There should be zero charge for a consultation, I clarified that before the appointment. It's also a business for the prosthetist, spending time with you is part of the marketing the prosthetist invests in to have you as a client. I was introduced to the Ossur lineup and the "total solution" concept with my current prosthetist. His socket and the gear I started using really really changed my life. Its worth it to look around and invest some time in the research. About the crutches - I think that in the short term its fine, but overexertion with crutches comes with its own issues, such as shoulder joint problems etc. The sooner we can safely get onto a well fitting leg the better for our bodies. These are my thoughts, I hope it helps! All the best

[@davegoodridge8352]

Thank you

[@theampedlife]

Hi Dave, your welcome, thank you for your kindness.

[@patriot1384]

Thanks for the information Chris. I had a scaffolding accident this summer and months later the decision has been made to amputate my right leg just below the knee. I'm mentally prepared and looking forward to getting back on track. My amputation is scheduled for 2 weeks from now so, one more hurdle in my recovery.

[@theampedlife]

Thanks so much for posting this message, and I'm sorry to hear about your accident. I see its been two months since you wrote this, which means the amputation was around 6 weeks ago - how are you doing mate? I truly wish you all the best. It's a changed way of life in many ways, but it can be a really fulfilling one with the right decisions, and by adapting to our changed abilities. Hope to hear from you again, and all the best for the new year ahead!

[@davidsalem2896]

Also, how has the torsion helped you? I’m keen to look into it. I have the iceross liner, triton foot and X3 knee. I’m keen to see how the torsion works.

[@theampedlife]

Hi David, thanks for commenting. the Ossur Proflex Torsion mimics the movement of a natural foot really well. It was such a step up from anything else I had used up to that point. Try it, I'd be really keen to hear what your experience of it is like.

[@davidsalem2896]

The Amped Life with Chris thank you Chris! I will let you know as soon as I trial it!

[@theampedlife]

@@davidsalem2896 Cool! Thanks David, Im very curious as to what you think.

[@pattyduke8442]

Thank you, l just had my right leg amputation. l.elec t ed too have now not later ,infection from.badly broken ankle. embracing best l can 64 healthy woman...

[@theampedlife]

Hi Patty, thank you for sharing your story. Its always going to be a really tough decision, one that only you can make. Well done for having the courage and perseverance to move ahead with you life. Doing the best we can is the best we can do - embracing life at 64 is a lesson to me that I need to do the same at 54 - thank you for making me aware of this. Take care :-)

[@dimarcodrahgi5866]

New AK amputee here, do you ever feel nauseas? Particularly towards the beginning of the transition? Maybe it’s the Lyrica PreGamblin

[@theampedlife]

Hi Dimarco, thanks for the comment and for watching. No I have never struggled with nausea, Im not sure what you mean by "the beginning of the transition"? Do you mean the medication Lyrica causes nausea? I hope things are going well as a recent AK amputee. As AK amputees we have a little more challenges to deal with (vs BK) and the importance of finding the right knee is crucial. Im making a video today to talk about this, I hope there is some value in it for you. All the best, please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing in the next live streaming event!

[@dimarcodrahgi5866]

@@theampedlife Hello! Im sorry for the late reply. I get wound up in what im going to say and take forever. I am hopefully getting my AK prosthesis around early August 2023 and it will be a “lynx knee with a proteor ankle” both will have “ micro processors” this is all new to me. Once I had the accident I bumped up my medical insurance here in west Los Angeles from $15 per month to $500. I pray this will help with the quality. Before my accident I was running 3x a week for the police academy, and lived an active life before that. I believe this is where the nussuae comes from.I cant get a lick of cardio in now. Very very happy to gear from you. Still new to this community really have never met another amputee. Take care. I will stay in touch if that is OK -Kian

[@gregwyatt8108]

I didn't wait. I was bed bound and druged after a fall in Sept 2022 and couldn't move my left leg at all, my vascular surgen told me flat out " You are going to have a misrable existance if we don't do anything or we can amputate. But you have to do it of you're own free will" I didn't want to live in a nursing home the rest of my life. So to make a long story short, I now have my prostic leg take P.T. 3 x a week, drive my car, go to the store. I'm not saying that it was easy but for me I think I made the right choice.

[@theampedlife]

Hi Greg, what a story, respect to you and the honest surgeon. Great that you're taking on the loss with such positivity, you seem determined to live your life, despite the difficulties and frustrations at times. As you say, not always easy, but in the end it was the right choice. All the best man!

[@michaelgawerecki9397]

Hey Mr cris my amputee life is QUITE the opposite. Wish I'd chosen death instead. FOUR years later still can't walk on this crappie prosthetic.

[@theampedlife]

This is quite distressing to hear Michael. If it helps in any way - in the first few years I often thought that its not worth living through the loss. It's so hard to believe I felt that way now, as so much has changed. My experience is that with a good team and support, good advice, and some dedicated plans things gets so much better. I needed to find a purpose in all this mess, which made life worthwhile again. I wish for you that you can say the same one day, but please keep on trying new alternatives, stay with what works, let go of what does not, and look for new possibilities in your life, something which gives you a sense of value and a reason to live for the next day. This process ultimately saved my life and today I am grateful for hanging in there.