AMPUTEE STORY What REALLY happened? Come with me back to where it all went down

My name is Kerri Trammel and I am a left below-the-knee elective amputee. What is an amputee? Elective amputation means the patient, me, is choosing to amputate based on preference with medical need but not a medical necessity.
Today, January 18, 11 years ago, was moving day. My husband and I had to move the bikes from one house to the other. It was freezing. I dressed in several layers and my bike had cold tires. Warm tires are sticky, cold ones aren’t.
I didn’t even make it out of the neighborhood. When we turned at the stop sign, I pinned the throttle and my bike slid out from under me. The metal bars that were supposed to protect my plastics in a wreck landed on my foot and snapped it sideways.
Over the last 10 years, I have had several surgeries trying to restore the function of my foot. For no medical reason or explanation, it froze in a pointed position. This means I had to either walk on my toes which was painful on the joint or I wore heels all day. I continued to work as a double-booked hairstylist and salon owner for the entire 10 years. I was standing for 8 hours a day in heels then to go home and work on our acre land with animals. On a typical day, I would end up crawling in the evening to finish my day. Then do it all again the next day alone. My husband was an over-the-road truck driver so I didn’t really have the opportunity to rest. I was the only adult around most days.
After countless hours of talking, praying, researching, and asking questions, we scheduled my elective amputation for July 2, 2021.
I spent the months before amputation preparing. My friends donated frozen food to us and filled our freezer. My mom set up an Amazon gift card list so our out-of-town family and friends could send food gift cards to us. This was the most important part of the preparation we did! I can’t stress enough to have food ready for your family.
We researched and bought second-hand medical equipment that insurance didn’t cover like a knee scooter, shower chair, ADA hand rails, iwalk, heating pad, and crutches. Insurance paid for my wheelchair so we got that before the amputation.
I am now 6 months post-op and am completely pain-free. I play with my kids, I wear my leg 15hrs every day.
*Book A 1:1 & Get My Amputee Q&A Guide Here*
stan.store/GlitterMyChaos
*Timestamps*
00:00 AMPUTEE STORY What REALLY happened?
01:18 Amputee story
01:33 Amputee revisits the scene of the accident
04:11 Amputee before amputation
05:26 Why I chose amputation over ankle fusion
10:23 How to prepare for elective amputation day
11:09 Medical equipment needed for below the knee amputation
12:04 Amputation day
13:03 Amputee gets prosthetic
14:26 Amputee message to family members and friends
*DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE*
My posts may contain affiliate links to products I actually use and love! At no extra cost to you, I may get a small commission for my recommendation. Thank you for supporting my family!
*Products I Use And Love*
Bentonite Clay: amzn.to/3EDdg6G
iwalk Purchase: amzn.to/3k3WW5u
Fulvic Acid: kerritrammel.theonglobal.com/
Knee Scooter: amzn.to/3ERCs9P
Curved Shower Curtain Rod: amzn.to/3rACQTy
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Spray: amzn.to/3Ir5Owb
Pure Castile Soap: amzn.to/3qPFF4b
Liner Stand: amputeestore.com/products/ott...
*Watch Next*
My Full Story: • AMPUTEE STORY What REA...
My Foot Before Amputation: • BEFORE AMPUTATION My F...
How I Live On A Broken Foot : • A day in the life befo...
Saying Goodbye To My Foot: • Pre Amputee’s Final Go...
Amputation Day: • AMPUTATION DAY Day 1 O...
*Come Say HI*
Amputee Mom Blog: www.glittermychaos.com/
Friend me on Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram: / kerritrammel
Connect me on Pinterest: / glittermychaos
Dance with me on TikTok: / electiveamputation
*Shop My Products*
My Self-Love Journal: app.thebookpatch.com/BookStor...
*Contact Me For Business ONLY Please*
[e-mail]
PO Box 6601
Glen Allen, VA 23058
*Subscriptions I Use*
Grammarly: app.grammarly.com/?q=plagiari...
Canva: www.canva.com/q/pro/?irgwc=1&...
Legal stuff: aselfguru.kartra.com/page/Com...
Share-a-sale: account.shareasale.com/newsig...
Keyword research: www.tubebuddy.com/electiveamp...
*Tools I Use*
Tripod: amzn.to/37RkVlq
Microphone: amzn.to/3Daj0UA
Lighting kit: amzn.to/36z50YC
Ring light: amzn.to/3Nglju9

[@mrssecond2none]

I'm so glad i found this video, my husband is having his below the knee surgery 7/8/2022. I'm watching all of your videos . Unfortunately my husband has other health concerns where he can't work but we ( our family and I) are going to make sure he has a normal life.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

I’m wishing him the best for tomorrow! I know it’s a scary place to be not knowing if your life will be better or worse. Mindset is so important. Please comment on any of my videos if you have any questions.

[@muskasafi7123]

Best of luck and stay strong

[@loveandpeaceplease80]

I saw you on a yt short I cried and said poor thing as I watched u cry seeing ur leg for the first time. You are so strong and beautiful! Thank you for sharing ur story.

[@karap2825]

That's the exact reason I'm here 😮

[@justteezee360]

You are a strong woman. I'm so happy for you. I glad you are doing good. I work with amputee older patients and it's hard for them. 💜💜

[@jongrubbs7148]

Remember amputation does not mean the drs failed. Sometimes it is the best opion for you. I know it was for me. Please feel free to ask me questions about my amputation or my prosthetic leg. Stay safe and hop on my friend.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you for this! It was exactly what my amputation Dr said. It took away the failure and gave us the permission to try a fix that will work for me. Thank you for your wisdom and help!

[@speror5677]

I have some leg issues… extreme pain and swelling I’ve had multiple surgeries last one was very painful due to the drs at the hospital not talking to my dr dealing with my chronic pain so the pain medication the hospital gave me was much less than what I was taking before so very painful Traumatizing so now I’m leaning towards amputation But I’m frightened would you say it was worth it and what negatively affects it do you regret anything about

[@darinpendley4710]

Hello my name is Darrin please continue making videos I watched this video about 13 hours ago but I couldn't get myself to comment on it till now, it made me think about my journey with my right below knee amputee leg, I'm a single 51-year-old man that has been single for over 25 years I have friends that stop by my place my closest siblings are over 150 mi away and it's been 13 and 1/2 months since my amputation due to my wound not closing properly I haven't got a prosthetic leg yet hopefully maybe next week, I look forward to seeing how you get through the loss of your leg on a daily journey and get through it PS give your husband some love he must be an amazing man to do all the things that you show in this video it's awesome

[@ElectiveAmputation]

It’s so nice to meet you! Thank you for watching and sharing your story. I feel like the more people who share, the more normal we can feel to ourselves and to others. My husband is a true gift! He has been incredible through this!

[@laurasuehoward]

Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad you feel better!!

[@christieg881]

I was there, and still it brings tears to hear it all again. I'm so glad you are doing these videos to help others!

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Me too. I got choked up writing it out. I had to take breaks filming it. I wish it didn’t happen but I am so glad I have the life I have now also. Thank you for always being there for me! I love you!

[@mooseontheloose1389]

You have no idea how much she has helped me get through mine. I appreciate her sharing her everyday struggles and success’s.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

@@mooseontheloose1389 🥰 I’m so glad this is helping!

[@mooseontheloose1389]

@@ElectiveAmputation it definitely is. I’m picking up lots of tips.

[@chloemorrison1150]

Came here from KZbin shorts. I’m so happy for you💕

[@nancycoleman5298]

I am so excited that you are doing so well! I’m sure it will only get better as you get more experience with your prosthesis.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you! I am too! Looking back it’s weird where I have come from. It makes me wonder why I spent so long on that foot. But I know I wasn’t ready to say goodbye any earlier

[@scottowens4068]

Thank you for this video! I am having a below the knee amputation in February this video has helped

[@ElectiveAmputation]

im so glad it helped you! best of luck!

[@Msbabs31]

You are an inspiration, God Bless you!

[@juneschaffner]

I wanted to let you know girl you are Amazing!! Everything you do is a True Inspiration for your Family, Friends and other's!!

[@nathanielovaughn2145]

Excellent stuff here! You are a beam of sunshine and I'm glad to see you are doing so well.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!

[@mooseontheloose1389]

I totally get the sitting out thing. I did the same thing. I’m looking forward to getting out there and exploring again. Keep these videos coming please.xx

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Yes I’m excited for your new chapter to begin too! I can’t wait to hear of all of your adventures! It’s weird because my first idea is to sit down but then I remember I can participate. So I need to break that habit now.

[@juanfootjohn2125]

This is an perfect video. Nice work. Like you footless Jo convinced me it would be o.k. Had I seen this one before my amputation it would have helped greatly. It still helps now thank you.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Wow that’s a big compliment, thank you! I hope it helps a lot of people be brave enough to make this decision.

[@juanfootjohn2125]

@@ElectiveAmputation I think it will for sure. you are so well spoken.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

@@juanfootjohn2125 thank you!

[@janiceoldham1794]

You are so brave!!!

[@zima3181]

You are amazing. ❤️

[@christinmari]

Compared to your look in Europe, you appear to be a whole other person! I've lived in pain for 2.5 decades, which isn't ever going to be operable, so I really appreciate the toll pain takes on one's body. You look amazing, my girl. I'm so happy for you.

[@jongrubbs7148]

Happy to see you again malking videos. You are doing great on your prothetic leg. The longer you have it the more comfrontable it will become as well as a part of you. By the end of the year only you and your family will know you have a false leg. Stand proud. Stay safe and hop on

[@ElectiveAmputation]

It is really becoming a part of me which is nice like you said. I’m ready to forget about it and just live life!

[@paolovitelli7070]

Sono poche le persone che con determinazione e coraggio riescono ad fare quello che avete fatto voi signora., in una sola parola Grande donna. Buona giornata

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Wow, grazie per questo! Dal momento che Internet può essere un posto brutto, apprezzo molto le tue parole gentili. E alla fine parlerò correntemente l'italiano parlando con te! ahah

[@paolovitelli7070]

Prego piacere tutto mio, riesce sempre a trovare l'ironia giusta

[@mickman36]

God Bless you 🙏 ❤ now and Always.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you so much! Same to you

[@mickman36]

@@ElectiveAmputation I lost my elderly mother just over a year and a half ago 2 weeks before my 47 birthday. Then my financee and myself sadly broke up 12 days later. My father passed away only a few days before my 23rd birthday back in 1997 and I'm also an only child. I was a carpenter by trade but hadn't been working for a number of years what with not wanting to leave mam on her own and with my own personal depression but Dear Lord what you've went through even Thank God with your amazing family support etc 🙏 makes my experience pail into insignificance. But I live here no in mam's home the home I grew up in on my own and it gets very Lonely day in and day out. But you are God's Greatest Gift to this earth and a Complete Inspiration to not alone people like myself but to Us All. God Bless You

[@stinejohansen8342]

Im new here. You are so strong. 💪🏼

[@darinpendley4710]

As of right now you have 814 subscribers in this video has been viewed 497 times that might not seem like a lot to you but just imagine if you had 497 people in front of you listening to your story right now that's pretty special

[@ElectiveAmputation]

That’s a very humbling perspective. Thank you for this reminder!

[@chrisbutler2896]

Yeah, I don't see this as "elective." You had no choice! It's wonderful to see you so happy and pain free ♥️✌️

[@jacquelinestevens6145]

Bless you for your bravery and peservience. I broached this question with my orthopedic pain management specialist after a surgeon sewed through my sciatic nerve inside the HIP capsule. I have a permanent foot drop on my right leg from 3 to4 " below a knee that we works just fine but I have no control of my ankle or toes but have jabbing neuropathy pain in the metatarsal area of my right foot. I am a widow with a sister who Ives out of state in a small town and a country house a 12hour drive from my current home.. I no longer drive, travel do my errands etc. I discussed elective amputation and all physicians said NO. I do have a medical need but a psychological need. I was very active, not a runner but walked 2 miles every day and #1 on my bucket list still is I want to walk on the Great Wall of China and see the terra-cotta soldiers in China with quite a number of places to see and also to drive my 38' disell motor home again to see more of our beautiful country. I also love to dance. Why did you go to Oklahoma for your surgery? How do I find your info regarding price and finding referrals to competent surgeons etc? Utube? Please send links. I am so proud of all you are accomplishing, 🙏🙏. Keep it up!!!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@TitikKoma-dr4cl]

hello ceeri you look strong

[@jongrubbs7148]

Happy amp versary stay safe and hop on

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Hop on friend!!

[@jongrubbs7148]

Remember there is a motorcycle you can ride it is the can am. Yes it does have 3 wheels but it is automatic. Maybe one day we can go riding with a group of amputees. Stay safe and hop on.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

@@jongrubbs7148 I definitely need 3 wheels 😂 and automatic is good too since I can’t foot shift. If you put it together, let me know!

[@carriekeith2266]

Volunteering to get your foot amputated might seem like something one would never consider, but when living in that pain, day in and day out, and it keeping you from doing things you want to do, you get to a point you would do anything to feel better. I went through the same thing after a motorcycle accident, except it was my knee. After my first surgery, my leg would not straighten past a certain degree. I worked on my feet all day full-time too, and it was extremely painful. Lived like that for 10 yrs, until I finally got a 2nd surgery, and there was a bone fragment under my meniscus they missed the first time around, that was keeping my leg from straightening!! The doctors were astounded I had been working all day, every day, like that for 10 yrs! I was seriously considering other options, as well, until the dr's convinced me to let them "have a look around first", because from x-rays and mri's, there should have been no reason for it not to be working properly. It's been fine since my 2nd surgery, and fully functional, with little pain and swelling, thank you, God! Having a chronic injury is horrible to deal with, and on top of it, most of us develop a drug dependence to go along with it. Not a pleasant place to be, and many gracious thanks to your wonderful husband to stand by you through it all!! God bless you, and I pray continued healing for you, and many blessings to come.

[@jamielauro2623]

Haha trump in the beginning cracked me up!! That had to be really tough going back to the scene of the accident!! Your foot looks absolutely destroyed.. I love footless jo you channel is very helpful seeing how positive you are motivates me to that way

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you! It was hard. Seeing my biggest mistake head on. But life is full of lessons. Some are easier than others. 💖

[@AndrewSanders-dv7xu]

I just had BKA last six months doing great

[@johngarretruelo1434]

Wow😍 so inspiring story thank you Ma'am sharing the wonderful story many young people will inspire to your story especially to the people who had an amputee and keep a Good person ma'am.. May I ask you ma'am? Do you know where can I built or where can I buy part of the prosthetics?

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you! I get my prosthetics from my prosthetist. I have also seen them for sale on ebay and facebook marketplace. but they are custom made so I'm not sure how much luck you will find on the internet shopping

[@johngarretruelo1434]

@@ElectiveAmputation ahhhh okay how much the total cost of your prosthetic legs? I lost my leg since birth so that's why I'll ask you☺

[@ElectiveAmputation]

@@johngarretruelo1434 I think the range varies. If you are above the knee the price more than doubles because of the knee. But below the knee I think it is around $30,000 in the states. I have insurance so I’m not sure.

[@juanfootjohn2125]

I used to race motocross. I can't tell you how many times I crashed some at really high speed. I hear about your crash and just thank my lucky stars. I have totaled two street bikes doing stupid things. also very lucky there. I will ride again but will stay away from the super bikes. leaving Honda and Yamaha for Triumph.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

I have know so many who race and fall or literally jump ladders on the highway and are fine. I fall over at 10 mph and have to get my foot amputated. 🤷🏼‍♀️ It makes me angry when my son says he wants to ride bikes. Hopefully he won’t. Stay safe out there!

[@juanfootjohn2125]

@@ElectiveAmputation yeah it hardly seems fair. mine was mostly my own fault. I wasent watching my blood sugar like I should have been.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

@@juanfootjohn2125 sounds like you were a bit of a dare Devil!

[@heidihislope3378]

Pre-amputation, were you ever afraid you would wake up and regret your decision?

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Everyday! That was my biggest fear.

[@helenaduncan2310]

💖💖🤗

[@HAssAN_1973]

59 إعجاب قناة ممتازة جدا أحبك

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you! welcome

[@HAssAN_1973]

احبك جدا من مصر

[@rochvidot7077]

❤ beautiful lovely you nice

[@ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you