Driving Without a Prosthetic Problems!

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#Driving #Prosthetic #Disability
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My Amputation Story!
Fourteen years of pain and failed ankle surgeries brought me to 2018, when I made the difficult decision to become a twenty-seven-year-old below-the-knee elective amputee. This channel has documented my journey adjusting to life with a visible disability as an amputee, and continues to be a haven to discuss physical and mental health!
Amputation Story Videos:
Why Did I Lose My Leg? • HOW I BECAME AN AMPUTE...
How I Said Goodbye To My Leg: • COME WITH ME ON A GOOD...
Seeing My Amputated Leg for the First Time: • Seeing my amputated le...
Day in the Life of an Amputee: • A Day in the Life of a...
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[@katiechristopherson4399]

I often do the same! Especially on long road trips. I remember as a child I would take my leg off and then use it as either a cup holder or a leg rest when our family would take road trips. Ngl, it kind of made my family jealous. 😅

[@diyadev254]

damn 😂

[@GaySatanicClowns]

Lol

[@WhiffleWaffles]

That's such a big brain idea for real though.

[@Taco609]

Imagine if you said this to someone who didn’t know you were an amputee

[@kooll2401]

Useing a leg as a leg rest is top tear

[@madcow3417]

You've probably already considered this, but I would try to set up a horse-drawn carriage to take me from car to house.

[@ianwilson7352]

Lol, keep a Shetland pony in the backseat...

[@christaphillips953]

Isn't that what those big dogs are for?

[@waffles3629]

I'm not an amputee, though I am disabled, and MOOD!!! Sometimes getting moving again is just too hard and you got just force yourself to move.

[@lexwithbub]

I feel this too. Sometimes it can be getting home after doing the grocery shopping (which, as a spoonie, doing shopping can really drain me especially at the end of the day) and getting out of the car when I get home means I also have to contemplate bringing all the shopping in, which is just like, do I have to? I just don't have the spoons left.

[@waffles3629]

@@lexwithbub yep, it's especially annoying cause I live on the second story so everything has to be carried upstairs. Thankfully I have a roommate so if there's a lot of stuff she helps.

[@lexwithbub]

@@waffles3629 adult children are also handy in that regard 😂

[@waffles3629]

@@lexwithbub if I had any that would help, but I'm not old enough for that yet. Don't have kids at all, and sadly probably never will because adoption is pay to play and I don't have nearly enough money for that.

[@phillyphakename1255]

It's really hard to differentiate which is spoons, which is depression/anxiety, and which is laziness. There's times when I struggle with each of those, and times when I struggle with ALL of those. Those are the WORST!

[@jamies5655]

I sit in the parking lot for 10 minutes hyping myself to go inside the store 😅😂

[@newcastleman86]

The struggle is real. Should keep a treats stash in the car for times like these. Have a good day Jo!

[@Vagabond820]

As a man in a wheelchair, i do much the same. Sometimes i’ll just sit there working up the mental energy to get my chair out.

[@m105chelle]

I soo feel that. I got chronic migraine, headaches and endometriosis, along with a back problem now and the mental energy it takes to just stand up and do shit even if you're in pain is just ridiculous 🙃👌 Much of love ❤

[@Rin-oo9pf]

I was in the same situation your in a year ago. 4-5 times a week crippling migraines. Pain meds only available for 10 out of 16-20 pain days a month so I only took them when I had to work and not for my pms at all. Whole situation got me depressed, later on I found out that it's not mental but physical side effect of iron deficiency. Got some systs removed, my iron back up, working out 3 times a week, drink more water, new job with regular work hours and regular sleep patterns and I'm loosing weight (though that's a struggle/process). And next week I will get some glasses that might help as well.(I supposedly have an eye condition that can trigger head aches). Writing it all down seems like a lot but it doesn't feel that way. 😂 I'm not completely pain free but I got it down to 2-3 times a month. So don't give up, it can get better.

[@lexwithbub]

Yup, sometimes you just don't have the spoons left to properly finish what you're doing.

[@phillyphakename1255]

​@@Rin-oo9pfwow. Congrats. It's clear you put in a lot of hard work to get those gains, and I'm glad you are getting rewarded for the effort. Pain and depression and migraines is a combo that could keep you down for years, it's awesome that you are clawing back some decent quality of life.

[@hoho3575]

I assume you've already thought of this but just in case, you should leave a more comfortable walking aid in the back seats if you're able to. Even if you don't end up using it it's good to have the option, could help in a pinch if you're like on the way home from a workout or something and want to quickly go to the store without the pain of using your prosthetic

[@epowell4211]

Also, knowing they have an option could actually make it mentally easier to put the leg back on.

[@hoho3575]

@@epowell4211 Yeah like "I'll use my leg for x amount of time and if that doesn't work I can always go back to my car"

[@robertgalloup6171]

There are some days I just use my I-Walk instead of my prosthetic leg. Less pain that way....

[@kombuchaknighteldoor1216]

Such a huge fan!!! been watching for a year now, I’m a prosthetic technician and I honestly love hearing about your accomplishments and how you overcome your struggles, I recommend all my patients to watch your videos

[@tiffanysandmeier4753]

Don't be afraid of your other mobility aids. I say this as a fully able person who knows nothing of your struggles. Be you. ❤

[@angelabrandenburg6415]

I never imaged myself saying some things are easier without my leg, but I do🙈 I also drive without my prosthetic. It's painful when I first stand but seems to ease after I start walking.

[@DaMole-qw1fb]

Same here! I have just made it a habit to open my door so I have to go ahead and get out and move on about my day. But yeah after chores or some kind of been on the move situation I try not to take my leg off till I’m done for the day or it may not go back on.

[@Alchys]

I sit in my car for 10 to 15 anyway, not wanting to get out…

[@TomTomLLong]

Yep... Right there right now. Running a bunch of errands is the worse. I try to only do one at a time these days. Hard to re-start for sure. Hang tough

[@codykelly4943]

I hope nothing but the best for you we love you so much and I can’t imagine having the amount of tanasity you have to tackle every obstacle and just get through it, you truly inspire me to do better and live more fully and appreciate every lil bug to giant skyscraper I come across!!❤

[@duffweld]

So sorry you’re going through this I really hope you get it figured out soon

[@PHDRPH]

Your an inspiration thanks for your videos and upbeat personality G-D bless

[@brookemorgan2129]

this hurt my heart to hear. a good reminder for us able-bodied people of things we take for granted

[@Darsana777]

Perhaps yu haven't been told this in a while: I am PROUD of YOU! and Everything you have accomplished! It is HARD to survive in this world its bad enough as it is but you prove it to the rest of us every day that it is possible to endure and perhaps we too could try to be just a little bit as brave as you are. *HUGS* )O( So Thank you for making these videos.

[@sensen_jane]

Sending lots of love and positive energy and strength ❤

[@BumblebeeTeeUK]

Jo I can relate I often and comfortably and pain is managed but doing a transfer to my wheelchair can upset it all. Thanks for your great videos

[@user-qs9fc9xd4t]

Lol I have soooooo been there, every day I so relate. I love your vids you put in words so many things I struggle to describe since losing my leg. Thank you.

[@richardhill2643]

Yep, I did a 10-hour drive last week, leg off nearly all the wy. Slipped it back on as I got into traffic. Cruise control is wonderful, and those Landcruiser gearboxes are so smooth even without using the clutch!

[@scottmckenzie312]

Wow! I can relate to that…. I’m on an iWalk waiting for surgery for 3 metal pins. I thought I sat waiting for ages before getting out was because I was (physically) exhausted.

[@Deuteronomy-uw8ls]

I do the same. I struggle with transitioning from one task and mindset to another. I need time in my car to make that transition.

[@HmmmmmLemmeThinkNo]

Remember that you can be mobile in other ways besides your prosthetic, we won't think less of you.

[@margaretgrover4181]

I have multiple issues so I do kind of an assessment before I get out of the car. I think of it like a pilot's check list. It includes a mental check as well. If all systems are green for a launch...I try not to a face plant. Yaaaaayyyy

[@robd3747]

I actually mastered driving with my prosthetic as I have poor coordination in my left. I went more than 5 years without driving post amputation and getting back behind the wheel was a return to a level of freedom I missed greatly.

[@thecraftycyborg9024]

My pain issues have been bad lately and I feel you. I’ve been sitting in my car for 10 minutes before I can make myself grab my crutches and hop out.

[@neo5802]

That's one of those things a non-amputee (like me) would rately think about but takes so many spoons, like all the things I can get done while someone has to confront the question whether they put their limb back on and spend energy on that really set a different perspective on some stuff for me.

[@TyHamlet]

Take the time you need

[@EltonDenton-tv8en]

Me too sweetheart I love your important information ❤️😍❤️😍❤️😢😢😢🎉🎉🎉

[@BionicleFreek99]

As someone who has eye problems, I sometimes do this too with my glasses, although not in the car obviously. Taking my glasses off for a bit helps me "relax" in a way that I can't really equate to someone who hasn't experienced it before.

[@judithlashbrook4684]

I don't have a prosthetic, however I feel like I can relate to at least some extent as I often have to have a 10-15-20 minute breather before getting out of, or into, the car with my wheelchair... Using the wheelchair and getting it back into the car is hard and uses so much energy and even just the driving part is hard and cognitivly tyring... I arrive home and just want to have a nap in the car! Love, light and spoons to all!

[@christiandedome2764]

to go through VA to back down to Hanger Clinic so I'm going in the old sockets and legs with a walking stick 😅❤

[@StrengthOfADragon13]

Idk if this helps, but as someone with both legs I often do the same thing after a workout. Knowing that it's gonna be uncomfortable to get out of the car sucks. Keep doing what you do, it's impressive

[@saramae8704]

Ugh the algorithm! I didn't get a notification for this! I happened upon it just while scrolling through random shorts.

[@sharonmanning2408]

Your a rock star❤

[@AtomicBuffalo]

Lavender Kiziks are my favorite

[@ianwilson7352]

Ditto, thankfully you can generally pay at the pump these days, which is just a few hops with an empty pantleg.

[@LottieLaRats]

I just imagined you on one of those little knee scooter things zipping around the grocery store 😭😅

[@christiandedome2764]

I'm getting in the mind set to on a trip in 3 weeks, a 9 day trip. I have not had my legs for 1 year and 10 months. I dropped in weight 178 down to 128, so I need new sockets, but it takes a while for paper work

[@HesseJamez]

FootlessJo is a cutie

[@Babebb925]

I have a joint disorder and have chronic pain in my knees. I'm the same way, I'll get to wherever I'm going, and I will spend 10-15 minutes in my car not wanting to get up.

[@EyMannMachHin]

I remember having said here in comments, that I hardly have issues with phantom pain. Well, until I finally got my rollator and started putting on my peg leg and started walking longer distances more often about a month ago. It's still not too uncomfortable, but like 2x to 5x more that what it used to be the last 2 years. It feels so weird, because my mind was sort of expecting it to get better with exercise...

[@ljerry8440]

I’m not sure what I do more often- leave without a shoe on my foot or go to get up without the prosthetic. Do it rarely but both are equally surprising.

[@MicrowavedSoap]

My internet

[@cate468]

i have to wear a brace that corrects the misalignment in my legs. I don't like to wear it driving as siting in it is uncomfortable also it is a nice break to be able to take it off when i don't need it but i also dont want to put it back on

[@kirstymd5878]

Hi Jo do you drive with your left foot on the original brake and accelerator? Or do you have adaptions? I’m going to be having my surgery early 2024 and have been wondering what to do with my car. I haven’t driven since my injury 4 years ago but as soon as I’m mobile on a prosthetic I want to get back behind the wheel. Thanks Jo and thank you for you sharing your story it has been a massive help. I can actually say you were the first person to make me think about amputating my right leg 🙏💕

[@brucetalley3798]

I was also wondering how she drives if she removes her prosthetic before driving. I know I haven't seen all of her videos. Maybe she has mentioned it another one. I hope she replies to your comment soon and that your surgery goes well next year.

[@alexdavis5766]

Do you get odd looks/ stares from people when you pull into a disabled space in America as a younger person? Like I’m a similar age to you and a wheelchair user and so when I drive into a disabled space (displaying my badge) I often get people stare at me and look at me in a bad way as they assume I’m not disabled. Then they see me get out and into my wheelchair and you can see the sort of “if she is actually disabled” nod they given themselves like I’ve met their definition of disabled now. Have heard a few American wheelchairs users get it and wondered if you’d encountered it too?

[@LauraBidingCitizen]

This happens worldwide unfortunately. I have 2 chronic genetic disabilities, I use 2 crutches but can’t walk too far, trying to stay as upright as possible for as long as I can but feel it won’t be too long before I’ll need to use my electric mobility chair when I’m out. I get odd stares *all* the time, I’ve even received the odd comment. I’ve got friends online all over the UK who have been confronted far more aggressively than I ever have. Attitudes seriously need to change towards the young & disabled & what the term ‘means’.

[@waffles3629]

One of my neighbors growing up dealt with this all the time. She'd be shot dirty looks, snide comments, and even yelled at because "There's clearly nothing wrong with you". Then she'd go to the trunk, pull down the ramp, pull her daughter out in her wheelchair. Never got an apology, at least the few times I was with her and it happened. 😓 People really need to learn that the driver may not be the disabled one.

[@PeglegFinance]

The disadvantage of being an above knee amputee is that I either leave it on or leave it at home, cuz otherwise the pants come off with it.

[@Son-Of-David1990]

Keep a crutch in your car for times like returning home

[@lisastenzel5713]

Ohhh like when you go to a cinema on a friday night or saturday night and you've been tired already cos it's the end of the week...and you have to walk home afterwords, cos no bus is going that late😅 It's the two legged version of course. And cos I like a good movie just as much as driving a car for some reason.😂😅🤷‍♀️

[@xxxsaraHelloxxx]

A friends husband used crutches for the past 20years. Hates his prosthetic

[@IrishHoopers]

Hugs❤

[@finniganlaky37]

Im not an amputee but i do this too, but i have chronic fatigue and sometimes walking or even moving just feels like ugggghgg

[@whatthemusicknows]

That would just make me anxious. What if there’s an emergency and you need to exit your vehicle quickly?

[@waffles3629]

It takes her only a few moments to put it on, so it wouldn't hamper her unduly in an emergency.

[@whatthemusicknows]

@@waffles3629 Depends on how emergent the situation is.

[@ezrea9313]

It's probably quite cumbersome but maybe bringing your wheelchair with you would be a good alternative?

[@bridgetotoole1397]

❤❤

[@cbryce9243]

I hope that pain subsides soon! Isn't that, at least in part, the reason you have the last surgery? Or is it a time thing you have to go through? Not sure if it would be a solution, or even if you want ideas, but could you use a crutch to get where you need to go instead of waiting in the hot car? My own anxiety goes up just thinking about sitting in a hot car!

[@maxxcarver5502]

At least you get good parking places!

[@FootlessJo]

#WorthIt 😆 Lol

[@Zhalak]

How about keeping crutches 🩼 in the car and use it when you feel like using and ditch the prosthetic leg for sometime?

[@fokendikhed]

I'm trying to find pants that will let me pull my leg off without getting disrobed....else I would take mine off too...😊

[@juliabouzan1739]

Hopefully you find something, shes shown how some of her pants have zippers on the legs :)

[@fokendikhed]

@@juliabouzan1739 I recently found the proper search term for the pants I'm looking for LOL... when I was watching this short I realized that I could find the stretch denim pants and cut them off like Jo does...not sure how they would look tho'....

[@pattihamby1047]

​@@juliabouzan1739yes, I have jeans with full-length zipper put in. Easy on, easy off of my prosthetic leg.

[@johnjarnac6507]

SAME HERE JO IM GETTING READY TO CHANGE PLACES !!! AFTER MY OLD PLACE CHANGE THIER NAME HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME !!! MORE ABOUT $$$$$ !!! GOT A QUESTION FOR U ? I HEARD THERES A SLEEVE TYPE LIKE REGUALAR CLOTHING??

[@tomireland3644]

❤

[@lelandunruh7896]

One of my cousins told me that she didn't appreciate the silver linings in Americans' fundamental laziness until she had her foot and ankle amputated and started using drive-thrus everywhere!

[@edgardoaguelo5315]

i wish i have like that

[@emthelibrarian]

This feels like similar energy to sitting in your towel after a shower because you don't want to get dressed. Sorry to hear you're dealing with pain issues

[@kristannestone1748]

So sorry you have to live this way!! I just watched a video about how amputees have less body surface area to release heat, so hot days are harder, you just get hotter. Is this universal??

[@kp74952]

I’m not an amputee but I still sit in my car after arriving places bc I don’t want to move lol

[@celestinoybarra3057]

Thought I was the only one😅

[@imslightly1591]

I've been wondering, whether some of your pain is neuropathic. Just the phantom pain and some other things have sounded familiar as a fibromyalgia person. I have been following you for a long while now, but only today thought to connect this with my grandpa who lost his leg in the war. My parents were orphans from pretty young, but my mom just randomly mentioned her dad mentioned how bad the phantom pains were, often worse than other kinds. ❤ Best from us in Finland.

[@markperry9087]

I'm glad it's not just me....

[@reganalv]

Not me freaking out about how she can dive with only one foot because that seems literally impossible only to realize she must drive an automatic and doesn’t have to clutch. I am so dumb 😅

[@vincehatina6987]

Do you have hand controls? I’ve recently had my right leg amputated BKA, and they’re telling me I’ll probably be able to drive normally. I am a little concerned… thank you and I hope you’re feeling better 😊

[@Rin-oo9pf]

I imagine being at my home but feeling to worn out to climb the stairs up to my apartment, that would be so frustrating. Would it be impractical to use some of your other walking aids for short distance like from your car to your apartment? You know to get you back inside and comfortable?

[@jeffcarter3139]

Do you drive with your left foot? My right leg amputation looks just like yours. They are measuring me for my new leg next week.Can you give me any recommendations. Take care and have a great 4th of July. Tennessee

[@rinlozio1108]

I KEEP FORGETRING AUTOMATIC CARS ARE A THING, AND I KEEP BEING LIKE "HOW ARE YOU DRIVING WITH ONE LEG??" XD In my country automatically cars are very uncommon. The only time I've even been in, was my sister's old car. That's the only automatic car I've seen in my life! So I'm forgetting g how common they are in USA

[@ABLovescrafting]

gives a whole other level of meaning of the saying to pull yourself up by the bootstrings. Kinda

[@andersstrid9780]

💪👍

[@shaneroneleg]

When you first got your prosthetic did you have moments where your stump was too swollen to put it on

[@comodice905]

Bloke chill yank 😮

[@deewells79]

I took mine off about 15 minutes ago because of some nerve issues. Unfortunately I'm at work, and we close in 10 minutes, so it's time to put her back on. I really do want to, LOL! Wonder if I can do the close-up process on my walker? 🤔🤔🤔

[@ellie.a3716]

how does she drive if she has her prosthetic off?

[@ebl36]

I presume you drive an automatic car then? I was very confused initially about how you could take off your leg while needing both legs to drive!

[@serdradion4010]

Psychological chrisis of returning in existence of an amputee. In some life situations amputees don't feel like one, like sitting , laying, driving vehicles, being in the pool, watching some video content, etc.

[@Tinker_Balambao]

Makes me wonder if there could be a viable modular solution. What about your prosthetic makes it most uncomfortable while driving? Serious question, I want to try to figure out a part of a solution.

[@CestLaaaVie]

So I know you have issues with phantom limb pain, and this is maybe a dumb question/suggestion but do you know if emdr could work for that? It’s just I have severe ptsd from a childhood I can’t remember. I was in physical pain for years until I started doing emdr to process the pain. Like my muscles would twitch and go crazy when I was experiencing flashbacks so i wonder if that is kind of like a phantom pain. Anyway I’ve just been wondering about it ever since you had your surgery.

[@alemirdikson]

I do that with shoes, let alone a full leg... I'd make a terrible amputee lmao

[@larryleonard4198]

😮😊

[@IndianaRayne]

IDK if you've shared this before... But, then do you use the pedals with your left foot?! Was it an "easy" transition?

[@mplussant]

…bless you, sweet baby…wish there was something I could do to lessen your pain…maybe someday…love…

[@RiQbk]

How do you drive with 1 leg ? I’m an amputee and wonder how I’ll drive if ever ?

[@scottholmes2656]

and it's damned hard to make putts, too !!!!

[@GeorgieB1965]

Serious question (and probably already answered years ago), but your vehicle has been modified so that you can comfortably drive sans foot?

[@ashrowan2143]

I mean technically as long as you are driving an automatic you are only meant to use one foot while driving anyways(a manual I think you need to use your other while shifting gears for something or other I've no idea and if I ever have to drive one I'd be screwed) but you can get vehicles modified if you can't use the pedals at all

[@heyitsthisguy420]

Maybe you'd be more comfortable driving in a right hand drive vehicle so your right leg wouldn't be in the way as much trying to drive with the left foot

[@markphilips6298]

Put your nubbin up on the dash for a few minutes, then put it on.

[@jessicawoo9282]

Wait, but how do you drive one-footed? Not trying to be rude, just curious. I'm just learning and finding it hard enough with two, so intrigued...

[@m.israrahmad7450]

Ma'am I'm from Pakistan I also have leg disability but I wanna prosthetics leg like yours

[@hayrettinayhan8180]

Hello strong woman