AMPUTEE VICTORIES: What I LONGED for....

[@wednesday55]

Feedback: I played the clip of you walking at 25% speed and I noticed your right shoulder was slumping down a bit when you took a step with your prosthetic leg. I agree that it seems like your regular leg is a tiny bit longer.

[@theductductgoose]

a lot of people are saying that she isn't fully bending her knee as well, but I don't see that. I also played it at .25 and I agree with you, it looks like the only issue, or the one making the biggest impact, is that the leg is too short

[@sawadee6876]

As a prosthetist, its a bit hard to see with just a small clip, filmed from an angle, but I think you are right that your prosthetic is a bit too short. You can add an insole in your shoe on the prosthetic side, and try that out. That way you can play with the height yourself. Also it seems as if your prosthetic feet is a bit rotated inside or maybe you are rotating your hip inwards. And maybe try to flex your knee a bit more during swing phase to make more toe clearance. But so great that you are improving your walking and having these victories!

[@jonburne1]

I just couldn't, really couldn't, stop SMILING during the whole of this video. Joyful happiness! Yes, your walk is a little lopsided. Your legs might be the same length standing still but notice how flexing the foot on your fully organic leg (heal off the ground in the thumbnail) gives it little extra length and lift that you partially organic leg doesn't get.

[@roseb3387]

Looks like one leg is longer than the other and that you’re not articulating your knee so it makes it look like a slight limp. But so so happy for you getting out on your walk. What a beautiful place you live with the mountains on the horizon!

[@_GreenSkies_]

The knee is what i noticed too

[@sophierobinson2738]

Maybe because the ankle isn't articulated?

[@MaryBieg]

It looks like she are using her hip more than her knee, which makes since after using the iwalk for so long

[@FuzzyMonkey95]

This is awesome! I love the early mornings too, but I also hate getting up early so it's very conflicting lol

[@nicolabannister3582]

Same!

[@CLDJ227]

Same.

[@sofiavelez343]

When you’re walking, it looks a little like you’re limping, not too much, but just a little 💞

[@lizkimber]

I mentioned this before.. you arent the only one

[@monroesandoval6796]

Well you have a beautiful out look we all have obstacles I myself got my leg amputated

[@hume6900]

Jo, as the daughter of an b/k amputee, what you just did is not a little thing, it is huge! Congrats. My mum never accepted her amputation as it was caused by her type 2 diabetes which she ignored. Although, she did not have the best attitude as far as her own situation was concerned, she was the biggest cheerleader and encourager for everyone else. She would have been even prouder of you than I am and I don’t know how that is possible. I was at mum’s physio on a number of occasions. I can’t tell you the number of times as I was leaving both the hospital and the rehab facility where I was stopped by her nurse asking me if she was normally like that. I always told them yes. In the rehab, especially, she made a number of friends with fellow amps and they would have wheelchair races. Her buds, one in particular, would give her chair a push with his crutch when he felt she wasn’t going fast enough. She would be in your corner and there at the end of your walk with a huge hug for you! She was a hugger of the highest order. She also would have been there for you when you were at your lowest of lows. She passed away a number of years ago, so here is a congratulatory, safe, long distance hug from both of us!

[@LittleDergon]

This was awesome to watch as I have recently been celebrating some victories of my own. I have spent the past 3 years battling severe fatigue and this last week I have been able to wake up, have breakfast and get on with my day and not feel like getting dressed or showering is the huge burden it once was. Very happy to be celebrating achievements with you- they may seem mundane but they are anything but xx

[@altonrivera3586]

Just got my prosthetic 7 weeks ago and I find taking videos of myself walking and watching them helps me explain my issues with my tech....

[@nastyVtwin]

This was another great video! I love being on your amputee journey as you discover things about yourself, your prosthesis, and how to make things work. I saw this video last night and so it inspired me to go a little farther on my own walk today. Being a year out from my amputation and about 7 months from when I got my prosthetic leg, I'm still in the middle of learning and getting stronger. I finally got the configuration of liner and sock thickness down so that the leg is pretty comfortable. So today my 8 y.o. son and I walked about 0.9 miles without stopping which for me is pretty good at this point, especially at the speed I walked. I'm still psychologically dependent on a cane but am slowly getting off it plus I'm doing cross fit workout sessions with a personal trainer. I'm amazed at how tired and sometimes sore I get after doing tasks or exercising but now I understand that this is the process and that you experience the soreness and tiredness too. Thank you so much Jo! -Avelino

[@Susblabla]

What it looks like to me, is that you have a bit of an overcompensating weightshift to the side of your prosthetic leg, which results in a Trendelenburg sign. Could be because of the lack of sensation with the contact on the ground. Or that walking this way makes you feel more stable because now your center of gravity is right on top of the leg instead of slightly next to it. Or it could be because of weak hip abductors, that can be solved by strenghtning up the butt... which is always a good thing hahaha. Keep in mind that I am still just a student in Neurological rehabilitation, so I'm not a practitioner yet, but I hope this will help you a little bit. Sorry for the long story, anyway, it is so awesome to see you walking. And the smile on your face brightens up my day ^^

[@Doedee311]

Jo, so proud of you! You need to hear that! I know you don't know me, the pride i feel for you and your accomplishments, they and that transfer into my own life. We all need to hear it and I'm glad that i have this platform to share it with you

[@CRFlandersArt]

Today also feels like a tiny(but also huge) victory to me. I’m just cleaning, I’ve repotted a couple of my plants that needed it but it feels so good to not have a terrible migraine today. Good luck 💙

[@delovely276]

I am so happy for you. You have the sweetest personality and a super sympathetic voice. The new leg looks very natural. Wishing you all the best :)

[@KellyCDB]

Yay! Happy for you! I’ve recently been figuring out some chronic pain stuff that has allowed me to start taking short walks again, and it is nice!

[@darkhoursofday6250]

That's awesome! Congrats. It's fantastic to see the incredible progress you're making! You have such a great outlook and positivity and that enthusiasm is infectious! Thanks for that.

[@dustyprice6382]

The “quiet contentment” shines through like the sun on your face Jo. I’ve never met you personally but I have to say I feel pride. So proud of your commitment to push forward and the example you are setting that undoubtedly will help others heal not just physical wounds, but the emotional trials they may be dealing with as well. Stay safe my internet friend!

[@amyhull754]

This is SO SO awesome! There is nothing NOTHING little about this. It's a HUGE thing, a HUGE accomplishment, a HUGE regaining. I'm so SO happy to see you able to go out and about and be in the world like you want to be. Like a couple of the others, I thought you looked like you weren't articulating your knee as fully with the prosthesis. It also looked a little bit, like you were taking slightly shorter steps with one foot than the other--I think stepping sometimes less far ahead with your right foot on that step.

[@hannahgross9923]

JO! You are finally getting to be the person You of Months Ago wished to be!!!!!!! This makes me so happy.

[@UkRich78]

Good evening Jo, Firstly I want to say is keep up the great videos and chats everyday. I love and look forward to watching them, they keep me motivated and happy about my own life. You’re such an amazing young woman and also an awesome inspiration for me to keep going on every single day and to not lose site of what I’m doing and to deal with my health problems(Both leg pains) to which I am VERY DETERMINED to achieve my goal of having surgery/amputation once all of this corona virus is under control to allow me to take the next step to do this. Once again I’d like to thank you for your videos and support to me and anyone else who is going through daily life with pains or amputation/amputees. On a personal note, THANK YOU ever so much for the personal patreon video. Love to you and your family from my family and me. X

[@LymeDiseaseRadio]

I've never seen you look not only THIS FREAKING MUCH, but the sparkle in your eyes is priceless. Congrats Joe!

[@agnieszkaoleksy1437]

I'm so happy for you! Your walking looks really natural but what's most important, you finally feel good doing it ❤

[@hilaryd6341]

I'm so happy for you! I've been subscribed since before you had your amputation. This is amazing news! 😻

[@youremakingprogress144]

Yes! What a huge victory! I'm genuinely happy for you.

[@cyndizebra6119]

I just squealed a little! I’m so happy for you Jo! I’m hoping hard it keeps going this way. Love you tons girl!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️🙌🏻👏

[@PushyPushyPhoenix]

Jo, this is absolutely fantastic! Thank you for sharing your joy with us. ❤️ Keep being awesome!

[@strawbemmy]

what crazy timing..i just did this same thing yesterday. im not an amputee so not quite the same thing haha but ive struggled with an eating disorder and agoraphobia for about four years. i was finally able to get myself to therapy this year and ive been working so hard in recovery. i used to be too weak to walk, i was bedridden for quite a while because of how sick i was and how weak my heart was. but ive been recovering and getting stronger and just yesterday i thought to myself "yeah. let's walk." i went about a mile which for most people is essentially nothing but i was SO proud of myself. i walked a mile by myself without fainting!! it felt amazing. it felt like proof that im getting better and im sure thats how you felt too. i teared up watching this. isnt it the most magical feeling to be able to do "normal" things that you used to do??!? im so happy you were able to do this. i had the biggest smile on my face the whole time i watched this. so happy for you 🤍🤍

[@lilliesfaire4428]

You go girl. What a milestone/victory.! You've worked so hard. Awesome 😊

[@chibikate_]

So great to see you improve and especially after how sick you were, to have this small triumph and to share it with is wonderful, thank you 💜

[@sandrasparks6972]

I’m so incredibly happy for you! It’s the little things that keep us going right now, and you brightened everyone’s day with this 😊

[@1970Steffie]

Hi there, applauding you from the Netherlands! I've seen this walk in my husband, and his leg turned out to be a bit short. So please be careful because you hips will be a bit off too, and that may cause discomfort in the longer run 😘

[@toshomni9478]

Glad you are getting out and about in these times which are very isolating. Hope your leg can be easily adjusted to help you have even more mobility.

[@sinaklesse1313]

This is really amazing 😍 so proud of you ❤️ About the way you walk: I think you should ask your prosthetist to make your leg a little longer 😉 it looks like your hip goes downward when you are on you prosthetic leg ❤️ best wishes from northern Germany ❤️

[@brookekincer]

I’ve been following you for your entire journey & I’m in tears I’m so happy for you!

[@RobinsonRDavid]

So much hard work and commitment. Well done!

[@nancymandle5215]

Yes, regular leg is definitely a bit longer - and the smile on your face is definitely much bigger.Seeing that really made my day!!!

[@lowercherty]

Bravo! I so look forward to doing something like this again. I just got my first leg a week ago. You give me hope of what it will be like on the other side.

[@daian7396]

so awesome and refreshing to see.. our world has been such a mess and seeing you come so far has definitely made my day, even my week. here’s to you, jo!

[@photogrifmike]

Congratulation! Long time coming, happy for you!

[@hollyzebell1981]

I have chronic sleep issues. I'm used to them by now. lol yes, it looks like your leg is shorter than the other. unless your limping because your afraid to apply to much pressure to your leg. I'm glad you got to enjoy the walk. your making awesome progress. 💜

[@johannahurtado2215]

So happy for you. Thanks for sharing

[@aline4519]

This makes me so happy for you. The last couple days were quite emotional for me and this just made my evening a little brighter :)

[@fromcraft2cure]

Before you asked us our thoughts on your gait, I was thinking...you can even tell she is wearing a prosthetic. So good in fact, that I had to tell myself that "Yes, she is really wearing a prosthetic". You may have a minor hobble if you will, but seriously, you are walking awesome with it! I've seen others with a prosthetic and the are humped over, their gate is very broken and it looks like the prosthetic is more of a hardship than a help. So you are killin' it!! ...and now just fine tuning things.

[@373dancerGirl]

This was awesome!!!! So happy to see how well you’re doing!!!!

[@misskkaitlynmichelle]

Ugh girl I absolutely feel you on how good it feels to get back to normalcy. Not even close to what you have experienced but I had brain surgery two weeks ago. Today I made it a full loop around my block. It took 7 minutes - which sounds so tiny, but it was such a huge victory to be up and walking and getting fresh air. I cannot wait until Im back to walking 3-4 miles a day with the pups.

[@nicolabannister3582]

YAY 🎉🎉🎉 so proud of you ❤ To me it looks like you're limping. I can't decide from the short clips whether your prosthetic is too long or too short. I'm erring towards too short, but not by much.

[@leonhimes4787]

1- 1&1/2 hours of sleep at a time for me. It looks like 1 leg is shorter than the other.

[@dianem.kramer9558]

Hi Jo! I think you are walking just fine from the video! I sure do admire your strength!! It is awesome to see you be able to go for a walk just be careful when you walk the dogs! They are so strong just like you said! Take care and God Bless!!!!

[@parttimenancydrew1698]

Amazing!! I've only made it a mile a day so far working towards two. I get the same lines and also bumps. I love being able to walk and have ar normal back it's so awesome

[@fapld7489]

So happy for you! That smile makes us all smile.

[@cupcakeroomcrafts]

So happy for you, Jo!!! I love getting to see you hit little milestones in your ongoing journey.

[@sherlocknessmonster9345]

Congrats!! With your walking, it looked to me like you’re swinging your right leg forward from the hip and it’s stiffer than your left. Maybe that’s leftover from how the iWalk forces you to walk, or it’s something about the prosthetic? Dunno! Hope you stay healthy and content and continue getting stronger!!

[@philurbaniak1811]

Really happy for you for this progress! 👍

[@rachelj3701]

Super excited to see you got to walk with no pain!

[@jodil1209]

I noticed a little bit of a limp, but it has to take time and you will be there soon, I'm positive. I'm so excited to see you get to go for walks in the beautiful sunrise. It looks so pretty where you live.

[@janinebean4276]

Yayyyy good for you!! I'm so happy for you ☺️

[@mysig]

As someone who struggles to be functional before 2pm, I can hardly relate to the joy of going on a walk at 6 in the morning, but I'm very pleased it brought you joy ! As far as the waling pattern go, what I'm noticing is that you seem to be spending less time on your prosthetic leg than on the other one. Kind of like you were rushing to go back on your "real" foot ? As a result of that, it seems like you aren't lifting sunshine as much, and perhaps swinging it from the hips rather than upright ? I don't know if I'm making any sense, but here are my (unqualified) 2 cents on the question, as you said you were curious !

[@ЕмилиХедеяр]

Soo happy fro you!!!Wish you all the best,you deserve it . Praying and whaching from Bulgaria. ☺☺☺

[@todou8122]

Hey Jo I would say you either have a short leg (Prostectic) or because of all the pain issues you’ve had in the past , that you are favoring your good leg in anticipation of pain on your bad leg when you walk on it . I had a similar issue when I first started using my leg . My issue was my Prostectic leg was about 1/4 to 3/8 to short . A minor adjustment fixed it . Really happy to see you walking,,, it’s been a long time coming,,, wishing you many days of pain free walking. ❤️

[@trixiesparkles6572]

Great video as always! Best way to finish my birthday in lockdown is a footless jo video :)

[@philurbaniak1811]

Happy Birthday 😁👍

[@trixiesparkles6572]

@@philurbaniak1811 thank you. X

[@mjmckenty6426]

Glad to see you can enjoy walking outdoors again after such a long hiatus! But please be careful not to rush to hit your target distance. For *any distance goal, a good guideline is to increase your distance no more than 5%-10% PER WEEK. I think you will ultimately do better to give yourself lots of time to adapt to increased levels of exertion, with less risk of overuse injury. Good luck!

[@rannasmithson512]

First, congratulations on this huge milestone! Second I believe that you're limbing just a little bit too much just need to adjust the hight.. am so happy for you to be able to walk that distance... AMAZING👍

[@liamodonovan6610]

You look gorgeous jo glad you're able to walk further with you're prosthetic leg you're awesome jo iam so happy for you love you jo great to see you doing well so proud of you jo

[@bionicprincess8008]

Jo, you looked great. Your gait is truly amazing. A lot of people don’t have a perfect gait, including me. Mine is from bi-lateral hip replacements and scoliosis surgery. It is possible they could tweak it a bit, but you really look amazing. So happy for you. I have no doubt you will do a 5K 🤗💗

[@JoJohXD]

Hi Jo! I love the way you celebrate the new things you conquer! And with everything else so dark and uncertain it's a blessing to see someone smile! About your walking must be your hip, or maybe the fear of the pain, try to put your insoles all in the same sneaker but I don't think it's the measurements that are wrong, maybe it's juts readapt to the way you walk... PS: you can see that you put an effort to almost be on the tip of the right toes, I don't know the exact way but in the beginning you aren't bending the knee the same amount of in the end, maybe it's just adapt again 😘

[@Spymoe]

With large dogs I highly recommend getting a gentle leader! I’ve had two dogs with them now. One was already trained with it and was the most amazing dog to walk with. The second dog wanted to pull and run while on a walk. And we got her a gentle leader and it took her some time to get used to it. And now she is so much more pleasant and when she pulls i don’t feel yanked. Also my brother’s dog was one of the worst pullers on a walk and now she is pleasant on her walks. So what I’m saying is Gentle leader will make it less stressful with balance and I want you safe.

[@truecrimelover2022]

I'm pretending the mess in my living room doesn't exist so mood. I'm disabled so can't do much at once anymore and that's ok. I love you Jo I'm glad you're progressing well in your recovery and it's been a long time coming.

[@linhkhanhnguyen8785]

Welldone Jo. Very happy for youuu

[@kevinmcfee9986]

Congratulations! Love your attitude.

[@janicemichaloski3319]

Awesome sending you 💕I'm so happy for you!!!

[@virginiag5580]

So happy you’re feeling happy!

[@alisoncaronflyingfree]

Good job Jo. You look so happy and for sure getting out in that early morning air is so uplifting and of course healthy. I also am grateful that you are able to do this. What a pretty area you live in. Love the new t-shirt. I hope you can work up to the 5K but please don't push too hard. 💗

[@shearmanken]

You are doing great you need a slight adjustment for length, after a long walk all ways check your stump for abnormal redness or blisters don’t be afraid to ask for socket adjustments do not allow your stump to bottom out keep it suspended with your socks..drink plenty of water the more you dehydrate you stump will shrink...you have the best attitude and you got this!! I’m a bka

[@sofiabedoya773]

Youre doing amazing! I had surgery on my achilles tendon and limped for 6 months, and you barely limp with a metal leg!!

[@hannahrosenberg4548]

not in the mood to give any feedback except for you're awesome and this is so exciting!

[@ravenrose6672]

Awesome job!!! I have not been that adventurous yet but the temps are starting to be in the 100°+ so I am not really up for a long walk in that kind of heat. Wish I could afford an exercise bike of some kind but its all good. Glad to see you walking in such a beautiful neighborhood. Miss the greenery! 💜

[@schmilew1230]

i literally screamed i'm so happy for you 🥺❤️

[@lisavandergiessen3361]

Proud of you! It looks like your leg is shorten than the other one. I have length difference around 2cm and I walk almost the same as you.

[@camiorlandi9647]

Not a physician here but I do have a rather 'curious' walk myself and I was able to get a clue regarding the source through a foot scan. In any case your goal was achieved, so congratulations for that!!

[@brittbrattsmilesalot]

Yes I agree you.. i noticed this when you were at your fitting but I figured you need to use to it or you were not putting much pressure on it..

[@annaaas]

Yay! So happy for you! 😍 You asked for input on your movement; I thought that the "leg is too short-wag" looked better on the way back, like the shot you did both on the way out and back - there I saw difference. Another thing that I have thought about in almost all shots you take looking down on your feet is that your left knee falls in on each step. Maybe some knee strengthening exercises would help, strengthening the outer side of the leg? I get the feeling that the left leg takes less stable steps than the right does. That's my observations. Hope it helps! 😊

[@sharonbrown9184]

Brilliant test your doing early morning walks Keri it going girl. When you were walking it looked like you were limping slightly. Hope your leg isn’t to painful xxxxx

[@mikefleming6335]

Right ON Girl!!!! You can do it!

[@lisacook1074]

I am not a pt but your hip is dipping down more. Also your ither hip did seem to have more range of motion. Glad you are more physical. That always helps the mindset.

[@caitlincurtis7844]

Yay I’m so happy for you. Sleep has been tough for me as well and I wrestle with tossing and turning in bed or getting up and being some what productive. I’ve been trying to take a walk everyday which helps my mental health a lot.

[@robertdaneker4837]

So, so happy for you! And, I think I agree with your assessment: It looks like a little 'step down' on your leg. Best to you.

[@BlairStChair]

I'm watching you since the beginning of your channel and ever since You're my big inspiration. I'm so happy for you and can't believe how brave you are to not give up! Can't wait for another great video!

[@tjhazlet]

Soooo very happy for you!!!

[@peglegcraig1956]

Congrats on the walk, it's funny how little things are such big deals after not doing them for a while, I rode my motorcycle for the first time since losing my leg last June, oh my what a feeling, I play around with insoles of my shoes to even out my steps, keep up the good work.

[@brandihawthorne7268]

Yay this is so amazing!! My daddy lost his leg 3 years ago . He knocked a shot gun over and it went off and it was horrible almost off right there it was barely hanging . He is in his 70's and it's been so hard on him and sad to watch . Your inspiring 💜

[@lindajones8253]

So happy for you. Great job. I am glad that you did not push it.

[@4kinmad]

walking looks good .the more you walk on it the better you get .. I have an AKA myself in Oct.2019 I hope I get to your level one day.

[@theannechann642]

This is wonderful Jo!

[@julieridgeway8539]

I think you're going up on your left tip toe as your right leg swings forward to compensate for lack of right knee flexion that is decreasing right foot clearance. Going up on your left toe raises your whole body allowing for right foot swing through. Hope that makes sense.

[@trenae77]

I think you've hit it - one leg is longer than the other, but your gait seems relaxed that it's not giving you trouble. However; it's something you probably should check with your doctor because experience says what doesn't 'totally' bother you now could end up being an issue down the road. That being said, it's always a joy seeing your happy moments in life. You deserve those!

[@jontrelfa8972]

You have a wonderfully soothing voice...

[@danieleasterday338]

So happy for you. Keep going

[@shayelea]

It’s interesting you asked what people noticed about your gait - I did notice something but wouldn’t have said anything if you didn’t ask! Definitely looks like a leg length issue. At first I thought it seemed like your prosthetic side was longer but now I’m not so sure. (I actually went and put on one heeled shoe and watched myself walk in the mirror LOL.) I will say that on the shorter side, my hip started hurting right away, so maybe if you’ve got any referred pain somewhere else that might be a clue. It’s so cool you were able to do this! I completely get it about having too much fun and not wanting to turn back but knowing you should. I get this with my POTS pretty frequently. Learning to pace yourself is so hard!!

[@kevinlynch2248]

I agree with everyone else who said that it looks like you're limping a little. How does it feel when you walk? Does your gait feel off, so to speak?

[@JudyHart1]

This makes my heart happy.