I did not think my first week with a new leg would go like this!!

[@adillpickle6762]

Your partner should treat you to a day at the spa, just a day for you where people cater to you instead of examining you or cutting on you. You look happy. You hide your pain well.

[@kelvisaisawesome]

The last statement sounds very threatening

[@adillpickle6762]

@@kelvisaisawesome Your last statement sounds silly Karen

[@bluedeva]

You’re bursting with hope Jo - love it 👌🏻🥰 Having to relearn to walk and having to concentrate on every step will trigger migraines. The extra energy you now use, concentration levels, change of alignment, plus being stood tall is a shock to the system. I had to increase my water intake due to sweating more and slightly change what I eat to. I also didn’t know how to swing my arms when walking 😂 as I had been using crutches for so long. Your physiotherapist will help iron out your new walking gait which should help the migraines. Be careful changing different shoes as it will change your alignment which can cause sores and can hurt your knee (your prosthetist can add foam inserts into different shoes to help) ps you can get invisible zippers added to the inside seam of trousers/jean/leggings so you can still take your leg off 🤗🥰🤗

[@shearerslegs]

I’m sorry you’re having pain but you have come a long way in a short time and thank you for the videos sharing important moments with us.

[@hma2468]

All of your videos have been soo helpful for me to learn about below the knee amputations and prosthetics. My boyfriend got in a motorcycle accident and got a below the knee amputation last week and it means so much that you have documented your journey for others to learn from!

[@shay-leejackson2620]

It makes me so happy seeing how confident you look with your leg and how confident you are with your leg and yourself now. 💕💕

[@caseysnodderly]

so i just found your video and I have to say i just got my leg this week and it has been fun, a bit of pain from areas but still nice to do things that people take for granted, such as mowing the yard, taking the garbage to the road or even being able to stand up to clean and work on things. I like your story and I hope I can keep the optimism as the days go on.

[@cristers2332]

You truly are my inspiration as tomorrow is my 1st appointment with a surgeon to discus my own right leg amputation. At times this seems so surreal, but I stay focused and positive by watching videos like yours, which are my hope.👍♥️

[@jenniferdweik5962]

Omg jo! I'm so so so happy for you. I'm not an amputee but I have not been able to walk on 1 leg for the past 7 years. Just getting up and walking recently is amazing. I don't even think of it and just take a step when before I've been on crutches. Waiting for this moment for you when you just walk without thinking without using a device. Wishing you the best. Off to a good start. ♥️

[@christinehicks7868]

I just wanted to thank you for posting these videos. I was injured on Aug 4, and your videos have really helped me through all of the doctors visits, PT, and insurance chaos. Our stories are extremely different, but it is comforting to know someone else who can understand the stress that these situations cause. So Thank you.

[@tatum3369]

You are such an inspiration. Keep up the good work. I had my left leg amputated Jan 17 due to sepsis. Thanks for teaching me how to use my new leg

[@davegoodridge8352]

You look like your feeling good about your future. I had a big smile watching this video, except for the migraine part. And maybe the Nick pillow looking at me. Physical therapy is tough, I’m sore right now from it. Looking forward to what tomorrow has for you.

[@sarahhlovesyouualot]

Jo - I’ve been following your story for awhile now and it is so so amazing to see this smile on your face and the hope in your eyes. You’re incredible and you deserve this!!! Keep kicking ass!!!

[@sours4g181]

So proud of how strong you have become out side and in.

[@mollympls]

I'm so happy for you, Jo. I don't comment a lot but I've been following you since the very beginning of your channel and seeing you walking like this definitely made me cry some happy tears :)

[@Anne-ambesten]

I can't think of the right words but watching your journey, and seeing some of the processing of your journey, has been so incredibly valuable to me. I've hit a bump in my ankle fracture recovery journey and watching your videos still gives me hope. Love to you. (And thank you)

[@RobDeHaven]

Good stuff! Definitely a learning curve but sounds like you're getting through it. What happens with your calf muscle? Is it possible to strengthen it or are the attachment points now gone? I'm sitting here trying to tense it without moving my ankle and foot. It can be done but not really. Also hoping you will do a video about how you relearn balance and overcome pronation of your right foot. Looks like you're doing great!

[@smay745]

I hope you can see how you’re changing people’s lives for the better. Your honesty in the good and the bad is giving voices to those who were unsure of what to say. Thank you for that. 🥰

[@alixadriennewilliams4568]

Oh Jo, I’m so proud of your journey, and I’m so proud to be your internet friend. I’m not an amputee. I don’t have chronic pain or chronic illness. Your channel has helped me to gain perspective on these things, and made me a better person, and I’ve loved seeing your amazing progress toward happiness

[@susanb1511]

OMG, CONGRATULATIONS! Sometimes those small outward steps are giant internal steps. We are all celebrating this victory with you.

[@PhilSnider]

You're doing great on your progress! Wish videos like this were around when mine happened all the way back in 2008. These videos are going to help a lot of new amputees more than you can possibly imagine! Keep sharing the ups and downs of your journey. Post a few of these to the amputee Facebook groups because there are tons of people who could benefit from watching. Keep up the great attitude!

[@jwharris417]

This is great Jo. I’m so glad that things really seem to be getting better, and I hope these victories keep stacking up for you.

[@jennifermurray6238]

Wow I love that you’re starting to your self confidence back. You’re an amazing person. Sharing every step of your journey takes a lot of courage. You seem so much happier with sunshine. I pray your days get easier and are full of new adventures.

[@liamodonovan3437]

You look gorgeous jo you dont need makeup to make better i hope things are going well with your new leg love you jo your awesome iam so proud of you

[@marshatomkins7989]

You’re Whole Jo now! You have worked so hard and deserve good times. Here’s to even better times going forward. 👏🏾👏🏻👏🏿👏🏻👏🏾

[@nicholajackson276]

You are doing so well. It’s bound to take time and be a big adjustment but you’ve got this and we are here for you every step of the way x

[@SevAeris]

I am so happy for you. I don't quite understand why it matters so much to me, but it made my miserable day bearable seeing you so happy. Thank you for that.

[@Savvy_lurker_14]

This is what I needed to get through my midterms!!!! Thinking of you!!’ 😘😘😘

[@eduardopadilla5505]

Great you are doing well with your prosthetic leg and you accept it Jo!

[@gastrogal5353]

Hey Jo, just remember you know about your body and how much in can do in one day, and it is okay to be a bit of a SloJo until you get all of your MoJo back, then you will be a GoGoJo. All in good time. You are doing great for one week. I get it that you want to just be able to do all that you once did, and with time you can!! You have so much support . . . So I am sending love and light to you as you are now walking a new path in life. Keep up the good work!! It will definitely pay off, and some days will be worse than others as you already know. Take those days and allow yourself to do as A Dillpickle just suggested - make it a spa day if you are able. Or do the thing that works best for you!! I love it that you have Brian in your life and the fur babies. Be well, and keep on getting stronger!!

[@homerfeltheim12345]

So awesome, it’s always does little things that make the fight of the prosthetic worth it.

[@davidlyons8278]

Outstanding... so happy your giving this 100%..... Never give up....

[@MrMark6220]

I am so excited for you. I cheered when I saw you walking. Business Jo is awesome. You are inspiring. Thanks Jo

[@gemmachristimusic7428]

So proud of you Jo ❤️

[@johndej]

I always enjoy your updates. Though you had some 'down days' as I call them, it seems that you've make great progress. I think of this as the beginning stages of training for some athletic event. There are always unexpected sore spots, finding 'new' muscles that haven't been used in a while, and teaching your body to adapt to the new demands. You are so motivated to do this that I think you'll will continue to see amazing progress. I hope that you'll take the rest time when you need it. In the long run, that will pay off. Also, the process of gearing up and down will become will become much easier as you practice more. Take care!

[@Timothy-NH]

interesting about your body relearning your balance and pressure, but it makes perfect sense! So glad to hear things are going well, Jo, you rock!

[@fadedkat6824]

You have such a positive attitude to new leg. I am totally amazed with you. I watch you everytime and it benefits me aswell. I only suffer from osteoarthritis and suffer pain daily. You have taught me that I should stop moaning about my knees. Focus on sometime I'd like to do again. I have. I took the dogs out and everytime I felt myself going downwards I had Jo on my shoulder telling me one of her stories. I would push on. So thank you for being you. Good days and bad. You give me optimism on how thinks are going to work out. Keep going. Well done. You are absolutely amazing. Take care and stay safe 💖💖💖

[@thecomplimentassassin3423]

I still really need buy one of your shirts This is really really awesome it's amazing how far you've come since I started watching your channel

[@51623allissa]

Congrats on the feel good win!!!

[@kennethking6365]

Realy so happy for you.i have been watching best of luck

[@marieh442]

Ah, that smile, Jo. THAT SMILE!!! Love to see you so happy ♥️♥️

[@alienorfrei6867]

Ok, a bit unrelated, but I'm always so impressed when someone talks and films themselves while having a violent migraine. When I do, I just need to be in a 100% black room and not talk and not move. So yeah. I'm impressed. Congrats on your ability to "function" while in a big migraine!

[@traceyflater]

This is awesome! You are getting closer to where you want to be every day. You clean up pretty good. I'm sorry about the migraine.

[@auntyangie33]

Thank you for sharing your lows and highs. ❤️

[@iwonanatalia5476]

So glad that re amputation worked and you are finally back on track!

[@difax9935]

You go Jo. You got this girl.

[@marinab4960]

I am just incredibly happy, and just smiling for you and your happy moments. (Sorry for migraines and trapped feelings.) 💜

[@dennisrogers6411]

Look at you two legging it! Soo happy to see you regaining your movement Jo. Sorry about the migraine though :(

[@RadioJunkie04]

I’m so delighted that you are experiencing progress! Hold on to that feeling of hope and keep moving forward with kindness (to yourself) and patience. Pacing is a real skill and it’s okay to get it wrong sometimes. And it’s okay to choose to push it, knowing the consequences and what it takes to deal with them. I definitely find it worth a few days of pain and fatigue to do something that brings me joy and a sense of achievement. What I have to watch is that the frustration of being stopped doesn’t spiral into depression and/or anxiety. That takes self care, acceptance, and learning to rest effectively. Good luck!

[@taylormaxey9419]

Look into getting a daith piercing. It can help with migraines. I’ve had my daith for two years and my migraines have been significantly reduced. And I think you’re awesome!

[@timothycarper8029]

I understand that whole thought process of having to assembling to be able to start the day. I work full-time and tried wearing pants but I caused my stump to blister and I couldn't wear my leg for 6 weeks; so now I wear shorts all the time. I know you will find what works for you

[@chrisyocom9537]

The smallest things are the biggest victory's 😊 Keep up the great progress.

[@kikicorleone3525]

I feel you on that migraine part. Over the summer I had ten migraines a month from like May till August. Last month I only had three and it was such a relief. Sending you strong thoughts

[@janinebean4276]

I'm so happy for you! I hope you get used to it soon and find some solutions to help with the pain.

[@paulw1824]

I am so happy to see you out and about ! Keep up the practice and keep us in the loop ! Btw , you looked beautiful In your professional outfit ! You clean up real nice !

[@mariaclaramaiorino2768]

It's so nice to see you that happy!❤

[@okestperson6016]

I know that overwhelming feeling when you realize that this is your life. Not even close to the same thing as having to assemble a leg everyday, but a month or 2 after I stopped eating meat I realized that this was my life. It took so much effort to think of what to eat and it was exhausting I thought it would never end, but it did. Keep pushing through, there will be a day where you don’t have to think about assembling your leg, it will just be automatic.

[@nzkiwiange]

OMG good stuff girl!! Well done!!

[@WendyRomkes]

Chills down my spine. So awesome

[@tombuck]

I’m a migraine sufferer too, and I just wanted to offer a fist bump of support 👊

[@FootlessJo]

Right back at you my friend! 👊🏻

[@austinpatrick2682]

When you mentioned how scary the outside world was when going on your first walk alone I thought of SpongeBob and the episode where he broke his butt 😂

[@tamarabellinger6731]

This makes me so happy!

[@virginiagrenier8572]

You're rocking it girl! No need for makeup (or a tan) - you are beautiful!

[@carriebolton202]

I think you need John Travolta and Danny divito pillows.

[@morgancalvi6675]

GROSS!

[@drrocketman7794]

OH JO LOOK AT YOU GO!

[@juliherron8991]

Some times I desire to reduce visibility of a bandage I touch it up with makeup. It is not perfect but it helps me. I don't know what materials make up your foot skin but check it out, could help. The best of luck to you.

[@jodil1209]

Now that you mention it, walking differently does add quite a few aches and pains. I seriously am sitting so much just to avoid my other knee replacement for as long as possible so the crps doesn't spread. I notice when I do have to walk further my body definitely lets me know. I'm really happy that things are progressing with you.

[@Kotapises]

I'm so happy for you that things are going in the right direction! Success will always come with some setbacks, but the progress you've made is incredible. And you looked amazing in that dress, just like you always do, makeup or no makeup 😊

[@sours4g181]

Killin the game!

[@nicolenbbw7947]

Have you ever done or been suggested traction? Because I just bought a neck hammock, and stretching out all those squished nerves and tight muscles and getting oxygen to it, feels like heaven

[@rogsmith66]

Really happy for you!!

[@kerrimcvinney6081]

Sending you all my love Jo ❤️❤️❤️

[@manderson2328]

I'm glad you're doing a lot better dear I've had my prosthesis for about a year now still in a lot of pain I was outside cutting firewood today couldn't take it more than an hour had to go back in the house I live in Southern California so it ain't that cold yet I'm glad you went to a meeting with two legs deer you have a blessed day looks like you're doing a lot better

[@foof67]

woohoo. looks like everything is coming together - slowly but surely :)

[@theampedlife]

So good to hear Jo, hope your mobility only gets better from here onwards :-) Seeing your new freedom of movement is sooo liberating, even from here in South Africa haha - takes me way back ... Great to see you using Ossur too!

[@erictaylor5462]

I've never had to take my leg off to use the bathroom. What are you doing differently? As far as "assembly and disassembly" That has always been a part of my life, but it's only ever inconvenient when I'm camping.

[@FootlessJo]

Oh sorry, I should have clarified more! Not to use the restroom - I have to find a room or bathroom to take my leg off because I basically have to undress. Even to change out socks, etc. Trying to figure out how to work that one! And I forgot to bring my other crutch that day (I’ve been walking with one) so I couldn’t take my leg off at all.

[@erictaylor5462]

@@FootlessJo I see. There is a way. It's not very easy, but you can get your leg off without taking your pants off. Pull your suspension sleeve up enough to slip your leg off. Getting it back on might be a problem, but this works in an emergency. At least you have the option of wearing a skirt or dress. Once, I needed to change my shoes and went into what I thought was a men's only locker room. I had my pants off changing my shoe when two women walked in. At least I was wearing underpants! I was surprised and embarrassed but I just played it off as if it was normal, ignoring the women. Aside from a shocked expression they ignored me as well. I got my shoe changed, my leg back on pulled my pant up and got the hell out of there. For your next leg, you should get a pin suspension. It uses the same kind of liners you are using now, but there is a pin screwed into the end that goes into a hole at the bottom of your socket. You don't need that sleeve going up your thigh, which is uncomfortable, especially in the summer. Also, you can get your leg off without taking off your pants.

[@annaonpointe]

You're so strong! I honestly think you should think of your leg as just another thing to put on in the morning, it's not assembly, you're already a whole person no matter what! We all change our clothes and put on outfits everyday for the most part, not because we have to, but because it makes life easier and more comfortable!

[@denise1521]

I am so glad to see that you are up and moving again!! Side note: Have you considered getting one or both daiths pierced to help your migraines? I have one side done and its helped me tremendously!! Much Love

[@oliviapetrowski4553]

4:08 That clip is funny 😂😂😂 I love how you have a name and a gender for your prosthetic leg.

[@gabriellaalvares1038]

Uhuuuull!!! We’re happy for u Jo! Success

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*GOOD ON 'YA, JO!!!!*

[@FootlessJo]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@Oceansteve]

WALKING! Wahooo! congrats to you!

[@JISJ1964]

Jo! How happy I was to see you in dress and going out to be professional, you deserve all of it and get out and about again, I am shedding a few tears of happiness tonight seing you return to a traditional life (i abstain from using "normal" as normal could be taken wrongly). Then onwards to migaine, the third and forth day of vacation I have had the last say thirty years have been in migraine as I was relaxing, I seriously cross my fingers that your brain and body slowly get into a relaxed state and that you might have to go through as few attacs more to be able to "wind down" to your natural self again. Cross my fingers harder than ever!

[@Sallymander14]

I love that this is some improvement! Yes Jo!!!

[@jessejams10]

You could look into Uppercervical Chiropractic. Helped my mom and grandmother with their consistant migraines

[@dianeandbrad529]

pacing will definitely be the challenge!!! one day at a time!

[@marikemeijb2096]

You should definitely show of your metal, because it looks so cool and badass. 💜

[@ugluis8]

I get my first prosthetic leg in December, I’m excited

[@austinpatrick2682]

Before we were saying "don't give up Jo, things will turn around". Now we are just saying "slow down Jo! Your body can't keep up". Pace yourself buddy, you will be physically as strong as you were before you know it, and then some.

[@sophielouise1094]

I’m so happy for you jo so so happy! Congrats on the shoehorn lol. I know you’ll face your next challenges with your head held high. Thank you for sharing this honestly, good and bad. Thinking hopeful thoughts for u

[@todou8122]

Hey Jo I don’t think your socket is fitting right . I don’t think you should be in that much pain if it was fitting right . I think you should tell your prosthetic person the areas your feeling pain in and have them adjust with pads or maybe grinding some of the socket out . Also , I’m guessing you know that you will have to have several sockets made as your leg shrinks . I have had 4 sockets in a year because of my leg shrinking,, and I’m ready for number 5 . I think if your socket was fitting right that you would not need crutches. When I got my first socket, it fit perfect and I never had to use any aids in walking,,, it was freaking awesome . Hang in there and stay on top of your sockets ,, it’s a total pain keeping them fitting right , but it’s totally worth it to be able to walk pain free without the aid of crutches.. you’ll get there

[@cyndizebra6119]

Oh hope... it’s a beautiful scary thing!!! I’m so thrilled for your first week. So sorry about the migraine...so much empathy for you there. Can you handle/ do you like massage? What about a chiropractor. I know it’s contraindicated for some neck instability/ Chiari but maybe without the neck adjustment? I can’t remember if you’ve said if it works for you. Oh man am I being that annoying person whose always trying to “fix” us? I’m sure you’ve thought of/ tried all of these things. Ignore all that. I just hate to see you suffer because I know how it feels (having similar neck issues/migraines) and I want it to be painless for you. Can anyone tell me (whose had an amputation and uses a prosthetic) if there’s a time frame for about how long it takes for it the residual limb to adjust and become less painful? I know it probably varies vastly for each person since there are so many different variables. But can anyone tell me how long it took for them maybe? Does it ever become completely painless or is there always some pain or discomfort? I can’t imagine how it must feel and I’ve always thought it seemed like it might be uncomfortable. I hope I’m not offending anyone by asking. Jo I hope you continue to have forward progress! Oh btw, I saw you use silicone ointment on your scars. Do you think it’s helping? I just had cancer removal surgery on my face which ended up leaving like a 6 inch scar going from above my lip, all th way around the side of my lip to under my bottom lip. My dermatologist (surgeon) has me using the gel religiously twice a day, especially because of my EDS that causes hypertrophic scars. I think it’s working. Anyway sorry for the book as usual. I was excited to see you smiling in your thumbnail, I’m still just hoping so so hard for you!! Much love!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@NorseButterfly]

Ahhhhhh, the learning curve of life. Idk what you're using for head and neck pain, but I use a combo of Bio freeze, CBD cream, ice packs, and a heating pad for my neck/head pain. I was dx'd in January with Chiari 0(presenting with symptoms of Chiari 1 but without herniation). I also have a *really* screwed up cervical spine. (We won't go into the multiple neuralgias going on in my head🙄)... anyway, I on top of my regular pain meds, I swap out one or two of the above mentioned items to help.

[@keepingupwithquarantine5759]

Congrats xxx so glad you got to this point now xx luv u xxxxx

[@ravenrose6672]

So awesome to see you walking, but sorry about your migraines. The first one I had at age 14 I went blind for two hours...truly scary! So do you not have to wear the socks, just the liner? And yours is a suction one right? Mine will be a pin lock

[@rosemarrypolack5708]

Oh boy! So happy for you!❤❤❤ Glad your migrane is gone, too.

[@b3than_]

An idea for the stuck with one crutch situation. Stick a spare pair of crutches in the car boot just in case.

[@StumpKitchen]

I love this sooooo much jo

[@tiahbeautement2502]

EDSer/ Fibro person who battles constant muscle spasms and tension (yes, I’m a dichotomy of too tight and too loose). If I don’t have KT tape on neck / shoulder areas, my life would be a constant headache. (To keep the skin from getting irritated, we cycle a variety of tape methods...kind of like crop rotation.) Used to get migraines all the time. Some of it was hormonal, but a fair chunk was and is tension from muscles that are over stressed. KT help won’t end your migraines, given the Chari (sp?). But it could help with the muscle spasm / tension aspect.

[@mrsslibby6857]

Does anyone remember when Jo mentioned an app that you can use to record your doctors appointments and stuff a little while ago? I tried to find the video again but I couldn’t. I’ve got an appointment with a surgeon tomorrow morning and would really like to record it if possible. TIA!

[@mallorylischer]

I understand. We have the same sleeve over our prosthetic. I’ve felt trapped in pants, only jeans. It doesn’t move over the sleeve very well.