How about Peg? A friend of mine almost died because of a motorcycle accident. She lost a leg. When they released her from the hospital she took a picture with her and all the staff that were involved in saving her life. When I saw the picture I couldn't figure out what was wrong. She had her normal beautiful smile. All of a sudden I realized that she was missing a leg. When I saw you sweeping, my first thought was what was wrong? Your attitude is what keeps you going. Just like Deb adapted, you are adapting too! Thanks for sharing your trip with the world!
I named my prosthetic legs "Left" and "Right". That helps to avoid any confusion when we're getting ready for another day of fun and games. I purposely flex my calf muscles for a few minutes, several times every day for exercise (isometric contractions). Hopefully that will help to prevent atrophy from occurring in the remaining calf muscles. When you're a biped, and you get a leg cramp in your calf muscle you can usually make it go away by pressing your toes hard against something to relieve the pain. It's just too bad when you get a cramp in your calf muscle, and you don't have a foot to press against something to relieve the cramp pain. But that's just a small price to pay for getting the handicapped parking spaces!
legion1a haha anything for those handicapped spots! Lol! Especially at movie theaters, am I right? And good thoughts with the cramps, that makes sense!
My leg is named Gilbert. My grandfather was also an amputee. In his honor (been gone 24 years) I christened it Gilbert. When I received my microprocessor, he became Gilbert 2.0. My residual limb is also named. Weird, yes. But, it actually helped me mentally in accepting my new normal.
I think what I love is that you are de mystifying losing a limb. The way you honestly put it out there for total strangers to see is very brave, Name? I-Lean? Because if you're not wearing it?
Name for your new foot - "Pied-a-terre." (Literally, French for "A foot on the ground.") You can call him "Peedie" for short. Much positive energy to you! I Love your attitude!
It works in English but to me sounds funny in French because it means a small apartment in a big city! So once you know the expression you can't help thinking of that.
Not gross!! Pretty cool that you can still move that calf muscle. Your leg looks great considering you had a recent surgery. Keep up the good work. I think long term, you will do really well.
You are my favorite UA-camr ever. You make me feel like life is worth living even when its gets hard I'm so happy I found you. You are real dont ever loose that you are perfect.
There is no advantage (that I know of) to maintaining muscle mass in your calf. You actually need the atrophy to happen more-so as a new amputee because the mass tends to give your residual limb (stump) the shape of a bell, with the distal end circumference being larger than the rest of your stump proximally. This makes for a problem fitting a socket that your distal end will fit through when donning, while still keeping a intimate fit proximally. I'm RBK also (4 years post) and still have some atrophy left to happen, but my sockets continue to get more intimate (good fit) as I continue to atrophy because my stump is taking on a more 'inverted cone' shape (smaller distally than proximally). Other advantages also exist in Total Surface Bearing (TSB) support area vs physical shape etc. FYI: Here is a case for some of us upper extremity amputees where maintaining muscle mass, post amp, is advantageous: I'm also LAE and use a myoelectric controlled porosthetic arm. In this case, the remaining bicep and tricep muscles are what is used to signal the myoelectric sensors which control the open / close etc. movements of my electric hand (or interchangeable ETD, whichever I am using at the time). So the more I use my prosthetic arm (hand or ETD motion in particular), the more my bicep and tricep stay in fit, effective condition. I'm proud of your attitude and determination. Please keep safety as top priority at this early stage!
Man, you have really approached all of this with the best outlook. Many people could use a dose your infectious enthusiasm, including myself, and you really are an example of how people should navigate through any difficulties in their life and overcome them. I applaud your attitude and wish you a great and happy new year!
Martin Mosman what a lovely comment to read! Thank you so much, truly! Words like yours honestly brighten my day and help me, so thank YOU for spreading light and positivity right back! 😊🙏🏼
I am so glad you posted this. I was so beyond curious about what your leg looked like and how the surgery was done. Thank you for being brave and transparent!
Okay, so building on the "can you move it" question; why aren't amputees given exercises to keep their muscle tone? For example, flexing and pointing the phantom foot. I'd worry about bone degeneration at the end of your leg, where it hooks up to your socket. Maybe Apollo as a name? It's the mission that got us to the moon, and that trusty thing got you walking comfortably again.
You don't want to screw around too much with the musculature because the fit is so precise and important. For most people it's a constant struggle to keep a good fit: too loose and it rubs like a bad shoe, too tight and it can cause pressure points. You can do whatever you want as far as strength goes, but it means going to the prosthesis doctor constantly which is annoying and expensive
Bone degradation is more prevalent in people who have a loose fit and put too much pressure on the end of the stump. You can actually have bone loss if you aren't careful
Thank you so much for these videos! Wondering if the pain you’re in now is less then when you where dealing with when you had the bad ankle. I know you are still healing and will have less pain as you heal. And just wanted to say you have really nice legs! Both of them! Such a minimal scar, great surgeon.
I love your house and your tree. Honestly haven't felt very Christmas-y this year. But your tree is making me want to get a better one than what I have. :) we shall see. Your stamina will take awhile to get built back up. Take it easy on yourself. ❤
hi Jo, having muscle that is controled by your brain if you execise it, you can control it perfectly! you are doing a great work for your recovery!! :D
I don't know if you have answered this yet but have you tried forearm crutches? They are more popular in Europe than the Us and they are way more comfortable and less cumbersome. Keeps your posture better and I feel as though you have more control on how much weight you place on the leg
Name it after the horse you were riding when this whole journey started (or something similar). Kind of bringing everything full circle, or like you're "getting back on the horse" so to say... idk... Keep up with the great videos and hard work!
Hi, Jo! Love your videos :) I’m wondering if you could make a video about handicapped accessible public spaces, e.g., how it is to get around certain places, what changes can be made to make life easier for disabled people, etc. You have a very large platform, which is not something many disabled people have. Your voice is so important and we’d love to hear it!
Marcelo would be a good name for the leg! Plus I started watching you yesterday and I am obsessed with you! I have horrible mental help and I love your change on life and your Heath.
I am also a below the knee amputee due to failed surgeries on my foot. Yes I can control my calf muscle still after 13 years. Good luck in your venture. Yours truly Jeff
Have you ever read A Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanan? If you haven't, you totally should. It's about a teenager who had her leg amputated. She conquered her prosthetic limb, and it might help you keep pushing to conquer yours. I also just thought it was a good book in general :)
Don’t know anything about exercising with an amputation but l know a thing or two about squats. Don’t worry about the knees over toes meme, just keep your back straight. Play around with different stance widths and pointing your feet out at different angles, someone as small as you should be perfectly capable of squatting until your hips are below knee level, assuming there’s not an excess of pain from the amputation. As your tolerance progresses you might try lunges and sideways lunges to help with balance and coordination. Best of luck, your positivity inspires me.
I hope you don't think this name is too gross...how about LEGEND if you put a space between the "l" and the "e" you will see. you are a legend and an inspiration to all people disabled or not. it's good to know how you are getting on love hugs and best wishes and a Merry Christmas ☺🎅🎄xx
Omg! Totally get the excitewnt of cleaning house when you haven't been able to. I was 6 years in a wheelchair. Since September I am walking. I had an ankle fusion after many failed surgeries. Amputation is my only option if this doesn't work out, but I now know it will be OK no matter what. The goal is to walk and live quality life. I clean house daily and love it. Hoping I never lose this enthusiasm.
Jennifer Dweik good luck with your fusion my friend! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! I lived with a fusion from 15-27, so I have some experience - and a number of years in there that were okay, mine was just odd in that it never got okay where most do. I have the hugest hopes for you and will keep my fingers crossed!!!!
Very interesting to see how they alter your calf muscle for your new leg. Also on this topic... what happens to the end of the bone? How do the fibula and tibia stay stabilized at their new bottom base? As for a name, I'm amused by some of the pun-related names that others are suggesting.
The calf muscle gets wrapped around the base of the leg to provide padding and keep things in place, sometimes they also pin or fuse the bones together depending on the level and reason of amputation and any other pre existing conditions. I'm not 100% sure on the science of it but that's how my aunt's friend explained it to me when she became a below knee amputee (her bones were plated together because she has connective tissue disease so needed them completely immobilized, she had to have the amputation after her foot was crushed to the point of being irreparable by a lorry)
I don’t have any clever leg suggestions but I gotta tell you that my roomba has changed my life re: living in filth. If my house needs to get vacuumed I ask my 3 year old to turn it on. Done and done.
Love watching your videos and tagging along with your journey. You are definitely an inspiration. Also want to say thanks for all the explaining you do in regards to how you go about your day, or how your muscle works etc. I find the explaination of things fascinating. Names for the leg .. female 'Jaime', the Characters name from bionic woman. Male 'Murphy', the Character from Robo cop.
The guy that invented the bellow the knee amputation was called James, so that could be its name, but you might know someone with that name. So you could go with Dubois, as he invented the suction socket.
Lol fred I called my stump that in rehab. I think that is cool to add stuff inside. My prosthesis says he can do skins on the outside I can not wait for my docs ok. Calf muscle moving is awesome
Jo, You could borrow a rolling walker. It is easier to work on a smooth gate just pushing a granny walker in front. Crutches require 'unlearning' crutches. Looking good....Hope your pain is subsiding
Guys name their things female names, and females name their things male names. It's human nature.. It's sad this generation is ruined by gender fluidity and the idea everything is sexist. Boys and Girls exist!
The movements actually really awesome !!! I'm glad you get to keep as much of your leg as you reasonably could, and its padded and protected and (almost) fully functional on its own! lmao. It's JUST missing a foot, and that was the whole point. Good job to your surgeon !!!!
He needs a proper Pirate name.... Most simply, he can be your pirates "Booty". I'd also consider holding off on the name, same as we do with cats... often times things name themselves. Also... if you make both the inside *and* outside white, you have the option of decorating both sides... plain = standard robot state... but if you want to "tempttoo" it, you can. you can decorate the black, but much easier to do white. Using Plastidip spray with stencils like they do for temp car decoration. (that's to help googling ;) ) Stay positive, it's contagious!
PghFlip I love that!! And I love the idea of “temptoo”s!! I already got the permanent one before I saw this but I love your idea and am thinking I may get white stickers for the outside for temptoos 😉
@@FootlessJo White plasti-dip Something like amazon B000981AA2 ... coat the prosthetic, art it up, and peel off when done! Looking forward to future vids!
Some people experience 'phantom limbs.' There's military amputees that lost their hands and still feel like it's being put in a vise for example. My question is: Have you experienced the phantom limb issue at all? Like being able to feel your toes wiggle, or maybe an itch on your foot even though it's not there?
Mike Andrews abbbbsolutely. The first month was hell with phantom pain constantly, and it has lessened since then. I feel my whole leg and toes all the time - our brains still have maps of where they “think” our body parts are so we still feel them. The phantom pain is less common now, I can actually sleep nights sometimes now where before I was constantly awake with it. Slowly but surely getting there! Most amputees always have at least some phantom sensation and often a little phantom pain but the pain usually mostly resolves itself over the first few years. 😊
You can buy decals/vinyl stickers super easy online 😉 Do you get rehab physiotherapy for gait training or would you have to pay extra for it? There’s some videos on UA-cam via ottobock/Ossur/ rush & Amputee Walking school or other ampies channels that can show you some gait(walking) training. Ottobock fitness app is brilliant - that has great physiotherapy exercises. Doing the grapevine is perfect just as squats are👌🏻 Rocking from heel to toe on a wobble cushion, stepping over small obstacles and there’s also the 4 square and the ladder but I would build up to those when your leg is recovered from your fall the last thing you want is to push it too much so you end up back on sofa duty 😬 I know most ampies I’ve met can still flex there muscles and due to my type of socket my muscles have grown back so I now have quads (pre amp my muscles were so wasted so to now have them is pretty cool but I’m an AK with an infinite socket. most bk’ s do atrophy more tho) I will send you some links 😉🤗 PS youre walking is coming on so good! Make sure to give yourself a lil tap on the back 😀🤗 Also I call my legs Endi = Leg End (Endi Mark 1 is my hydraulic and Endi Mark 2 is my Rheo) It’s so cool to hear what other ampies call theirs 😁🦵🏻🦶🏻🤗 This has some great training videos: ua-cam.com/channels/Wb9_2GijJu5VZm_ZXO0d8Q.html ua-cam.com/video/EfxYSYeCtGM/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/eXZF_fXdcJQ/v-deo.html Type in Amputee Walking school and there’s plenty of videos 🤗
I've never even thought about naming my leg...lol. What should I call it? I was impressed by how well you moved on those crutches. A couple of weeks ago I was off my feet and unable to wear my leg because a large boil had developed on my "stump." It's the longest in a decade I went without walking and the worst such issue I've ever had with my stump. My advice as someone who as dealt with this 34 years now is be very careful about any sores or rubbing that you develop on your stump. The other funny thing is I never thought about trying to control my calf muscle, but I really don't have one because my amputation was at birth so one never developed. My stump is weird looking compared to most amputees as it is very skinny.
How good are Dysons! But seriously, I could have been in your situation 5 years ago, missing my right foot, if I hadn't gotten to hospital via helicopter... Great channel thanks for sharing your story
Still interested in your tattoos, collecting them myself. Impressed by your mobility, I'm on a walker and overweight so my balance is for crap. Vacuuming is terrifying. Is that a taxidermied (taxidermyed?) dog in the background? How about RumpleSTILTskin for the leg? Merry Christmas, happy holidays!
Will you be able to use your calf muscle in any way? perhaps to control settings if you do get a more bionic foot? perhaps you can use it as some other input for automation... something to perhaps keep it from atrophying and making you have to refit.
PghFlip great question! Right now, there is like only one actual robot foot for below knee amputees - when you get above knee, that’s when things get computerized. So right now, doctors or prosthetist don’t recommend keeping your calf muscle “moving” or strong because there is no benefit but I feel like years in the future, it would make sense!
just to comment on your questioned you answered ref you calf muscle , I have a friend who has had his leg amputated just above the knee , he has actually said he can still move his foot , well in his mind his foot is still moving , also he still gets itches in his foot and to scratch it he just scratches the end of his leg where it was amputated , strange as it sounds , but your nerve endings are all still connected to the brain , but must be a weird feeling to move or scratch something that isn't there ,
Thanks for showing us your calf muscle... I don't think its gross, I think its cool and I always wondered about muscle movement after an amputation and now I know... super awesome!
You’ve done ALOT of exercises there jo! & after vacuming!! ( we call in hoovering in the uk) I couldn’t do all of of them exercises after hooving!! I have both of my legs but my disability affects my balance & I can’t move my ankle or my toes. That’s GREAT that you can still move your calf muscle! isn’t it?
I'm not sure if you still read these, but! I put my dog in simple rubber booties that are made out of thick balloon-like material when she goes out, which keeps her paws from picking up an immense amount of mud and rocks. 🙂
I'd be interested to see a video about general pain management. What drugs you take, how you feel about your drug use, any alternative methods or exercises you do (CBD, meditation, etc.). You brush aside pain in most of your videos but I know how excruciating it can be
Skeets McGrew thank you for knowing, and acknowledging that...honestly. Pain is real and exhausting and a lot of people don’t get it. I’d love to talk about that more and break down the different ways I’ve dealt with it! Thanks for your comment and your kindness.
Footless Jo I'm really impressed by everything you've done and accomplished. I wish I had half the strength you show. You often seem frustrated by how easily you get worn out but really your progress is amazing. If you end up going down like bag of potatoes at any point, try not to feel bad, or like you've failed, or get scared you won't be able to do the things you want to do. It happens to most people and it can teach you a lot about getting around. Solid chance it will be your dogs' fault 😆
How about Kevin as in Kevin bacon from the movie Footloose💖 Your videos are inspirational. I sometimes wish I could get both my feet removed due to extreme,severe pain from ankylosing Spondylitis which I was diagnosed when I was 25, I’m now 48 and have just had a total knee replacement so that option is not possible as my knees are so bad and left shoulder needs replacing at some point so I won’t be able to use crutches or prosthetics. Somehow I don’t let it get me down but I do seriously miss my horses too. Thanks for sharing 💖
If you keep exercising (flexing) the calf muscle, It will stay relatively big and strong. As it atrophies so will the padding at the end. More muscle means for comfort in the future.
Limpy McFakeleg would be good too, but since you'll be getting legs for the rest of your life don't get too attached to each one. I've currently got 6 legs. See my FB Cover page: facebook.com/scaryplace
did you keep your foot? where do they put them/what happens to it does it decompose? thank you so much for these videos, im not an amputee but your positivity inspires me to appreciate all my limbs and gives me strength that if i was ever without them, i would be okay 💜
Unfortunately I still use my calf muscles when I walk. After a distance my calf will get all pumped up and doesn't fit correctly in my leg.. It's always something right..Which gives me horrible phantom pains, that i try to keep control of with Lyrica.
Would you do a video on your tattoos when you got them, the order you for them, the reason you got them, what does each one mean to you and do you plan on getting anymore if so what and when? Etc!!
Give it a scary Russian name, like Igor, Ivan, Vladimir, Grigoriy, Dmitriy will work, if someone will try to offense you just tell them “Dmitriy is going to kick your ass”. Or give it a strange Polish name, which no one can pronounce Grzegorz, Chwalibóg etc. Or name it “Oyabun”, which means “The absolute leader of a yakuza clan” in Japanese. If you don’t like my badass suggestions you can try something cute and symbolic like “Didi”, it sounds cute and means sister in Hindi.
Do you have access to a swimming pool? I have always enjoyed swimming and it is a fantastic way to keep in shape, especially for an amputee. I should know, I've been an amputee for nearly 46 years. I've never named by leg thought. I suggest "Moby" short for "mobility device". There was also a whale that liked making people amputees, though those people were trying to kill him.
![MY FIRST AMPUTEE STEPS! OMG Can't Believe It! [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Kdq771rcOEs/mqdefault.jpg)
![MY FIRST AMPUTEE STEPS! OMG Can't Believe It! [CC]](/img/tr.png)
How about Peg?
A friend of mine almost died because of a motorcycle accident. She lost a leg. When they released her from the hospital she took a picture with her and all the staff that were involved in saving her life. When I saw the picture I couldn't figure out what was wrong. She had her normal beautiful smile. All of a sudden I realized that she was missing a leg. When I saw you sweeping, my first thought was what was wrong? Your attitude is what keeps you going. Just like Deb adapted, you are adapting too! Thanks for sharing your trip with the world!
improvise, adapt and overcome..
I named my prosthetic legs "Left" and "Right".
That helps to avoid any confusion when we're getting ready for another day of fun and games.
I purposely flex my calf muscles for a few minutes, several times every day for exercise (isometric contractions).
Hopefully that will help to prevent atrophy from occurring in the remaining calf muscles.
When you're a biped, and you get a leg cramp in your calf muscle you can usually make it go away by pressing your toes hard against something to relieve the pain.
It's just too bad when you get a cramp in your calf muscle, and you don't have a foot to press against something to relieve the cramp pain.
But that's just a small price to pay for getting the handicapped parking spaces!
legion1a haha anything for those handicapped spots! Lol! Especially at movie theaters, am I right? And good thoughts with the cramps, that makes sense!
I get more cramps in my good leg then I do my stump
How about calling your new leg Christopher Walken...because he's a bad ass and so are you! :-)
pw370m omg, top contender so far haha! Brian loves this one too!! 😀
Also the fact that it's helping her to keep "Walken"? 😂
Yea, but he likes cowbells too much.
Christopher Walking
Moby is better. Sort for "mobility device"
My leg is named Gilbert. My grandfather was also an amputee. In his honor (been gone 24 years) I christened it Gilbert. When I received my microprocessor, he became Gilbert 2.0. My residual limb is also named. Weird, yes. But, it actually helped me mentally in accepting my new normal.
I think what I love is that you are de mystifying losing a limb. The way you honestly put it out there for total strangers to see is very brave, Name? I-Lean? Because if you're not wearing it?
how about LEGolas? :)
Natalie Corrine ohhh you’re catering to the nerd in me now haha!! Love it!
Footless Jo nerdy puns are the best🤓 thanks for sharing your journey with us! wishing you all the best with your new leg ❤️❤️
I'm retracting my suggestion after seeing yours. That's too good!
Natalie Corrine YES
Yes please please name it Legolas lol!
Name for your new foot - "Pied-a-terre." (Literally, French for "A foot on the ground.") You can call him "Peedie" for short.
Much positive energy to you! I Love your attitude!
It works in English but to me sounds funny in French because it means a small apartment in a big city! So once you know the expression you can't help thinking of that.
Not gross!! Pretty cool that you can still move that calf muscle. Your leg looks great considering you had a recent surgery. Keep up the good work. I think long term, you will do really well.
careaboutnature thank you so much!!!
How about Luke, as in sky "walker"?!
Anakin
Dino Antics I love you
You are my favorite UA-camr ever. You make me feel like life is worth living even when its gets hard I'm so happy I found you. You are real dont ever loose that you are perfect.
There is no advantage (that I know of) to maintaining muscle mass in your calf. You actually need the atrophy to happen more-so as a new amputee because the mass tends to give your residual limb (stump) the shape of a bell, with the distal end circumference being larger than the rest of your stump proximally. This makes for a problem fitting a socket that your distal end will fit through when donning, while still keeping a intimate fit proximally.
I'm RBK also (4 years post) and still have some atrophy left to happen, but my sockets continue to get more intimate (good fit) as I continue to atrophy because my stump is taking on a more 'inverted cone' shape (smaller distally than proximally). Other advantages also exist in Total Surface Bearing (TSB) support area vs physical shape etc.
FYI: Here is a case for some of us upper extremity amputees where maintaining muscle mass, post amp, is advantageous:
I'm also LAE and use a myoelectric controlled porosthetic arm. In this case, the remaining bicep and tricep muscles are what is used to signal the myoelectric sensors which control the open / close etc. movements of my electric hand (or interchangeable ETD, whichever I am using at the time). So the more I use my prosthetic arm (hand or ETD motion in particular), the more my bicep and tricep stay in fit, effective condition.
I'm proud of your attitude and determination. Please keep safety as top priority at this early stage!
ua-cam.com/play/PLSvbX4oGe7n8q-rPO7urc9d5ubN3SsHqY.html
Man, you have really approached all of this with the best outlook. Many people could use a dose your infectious enthusiasm, including myself, and you really are an example of how people should navigate through any difficulties in their life and overcome them. I applaud your attitude and wish you a great and happy new year!
Martin Mosman what a lovely comment to read! Thank you so much, truly! Words like yours honestly brighten my day and help me, so thank YOU for spreading light and positivity right back! 😊🙏🏼
I've never considered naming my prosthesis. But I love the one suggested-peg, and especially legend!
Peggy Von Leggy? 😂😂😂
Carlton Olson bahaha love it!!!
Von Leggy is perfect
I am so glad you posted this. I was so beyond curious about what your leg looked like and how the surgery was done. Thank you for being brave and transparent!
Okay, so building on the "can you move it" question; why aren't amputees given exercises to keep their muscle tone? For example, flexing and pointing the phantom foot. I'd worry about bone degeneration at the end of your leg, where it hooks up to your socket.
Maybe Apollo as a name? It's the mission that got us to the moon, and that trusty thing got you walking comfortably again.
Strong name and good reasoning. I like it.
You don't want to screw around too much with the musculature because the fit is so precise and important. For most people it's a constant struggle to keep a good fit: too loose and it rubs like a bad shoe, too tight and it can cause pressure points. You can do whatever you want as far as strength goes, but it means going to the prosthesis doctor constantly which is annoying and expensive
Bone degradation is more prevalent in people who have a loose fit and put too much pressure on the end of the stump. You can actually have bone loss if you aren't careful
Love your videos. I have a aunt who is a double amputee and your videos keep me feeling positive.
Katlyn Yocham oh gosh, that made me smile this morning. Thank you so much! I’m so glad I could help in any way. 💜
Thank you so much for these videos! Wondering if the pain you’re in now is less then when you where dealing with when you had the bad ankle. I know you are still healing and will have less pain as you heal. And just wanted to say you have really nice legs! Both of them! Such a minimal scar, great surgeon.
I can come here are a daily done of positivity !! Thanks for making one of the most interesting channels I've seen for a long time....
mark n kate B oh gosh thank you so much! Your positive and really encouraging comment made my night. And I really appreciate that. 😊
I love your house and your tree. Honestly haven't felt very Christmas-y this year. But your tree is making me want to get a better one than what I have. :) we shall see. Your stamina will take awhile to get built back up. Take it easy on yourself. ❤
You are spreading hope. Keep going with it.
hi Jo, having muscle that is controled by your brain if you execise it, you can control it perfectly! you are doing a great work for your recovery!! :D
I don't know if you have answered this yet but have you tried forearm crutches? They are more popular in Europe than the Us and they are way more comfortable and less cumbersome. Keeps your posture better and I feel as though you have more control on how much weight you place on the leg
Name it after the horse you were riding when this whole journey started (or something similar). Kind of bringing everything full circle, or like you're "getting back on the horse" so to say... idk... Keep up with the great videos and hard work!
Hi, Jo! Love your videos :) I’m wondering if you could make a video about handicapped accessible public spaces, e.g., how it is to get around certain places, what changes can be made to make life easier for disabled people, etc. You have a very large platform, which is not something many disabled people have. Your voice is so important and we’d love to hear it!
Marcelo would be a good name for the leg! Plus I started watching you yesterday and I am obsessed with you! I have horrible mental help and I love your change on life and your Heath.
I really like your smile and I'm glad you smile a lot. Much respect and admiration !
Loftstrand crutches (forearm crutch) will help you a TON! I would strongly recommend em. Keep up the hard work!
I am also a below the knee amputee due to failed surgeries on my foot. Yes I can control my calf muscle still after 13 years. Good luck in your venture. Yours truly Jeff
Getting caught up on your vlog. My legs called I-lean. Lol!
sharon adray hahaha love it!!!
Have you ever read A Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanan? If you haven't, you totally should. It's about a teenager who had her leg amputated. She conquered her prosthetic limb, and it might help you keep pushing to conquer yours. I also just thought it was a good book in general :)
Don’t know anything about exercising with an amputation but l know a thing or two about squats. Don’t worry about the knees over toes meme, just keep your back straight. Play around with different stance widths and pointing your feet out at different angles, someone as small as you should be perfectly capable of squatting until your hips are below knee level, assuming there’s not an excess of pain from the amputation.
As your tolerance progresses you might try lunges and sideways lunges to help with balance and coordination.
Best of luck, your positivity inspires me.
I hope you don't think this name is too gross...how about LEGEND if you put a space between the "l" and the "e" you will see. you are a legend and an inspiration to all people disabled or not. it's good to know how you are getting on
love hugs and best wishes and a Merry Christmas ☺🎅🎄xx
Omg like “leg end”? That’s so funny. In a bit of a sick way lol
Humor gets us through everything! Keep on rockin girl
+Mikayla Meyer I don't often get called girl...I cant help my humor!!!xx☺ what country are you from? I am in uk
dinosaur fun lol that part was more aimed at Jo but clearly you rock too💁🏼♀️ humor is always a good thing. I’m from the good ol usa
I just came across your channel today and i'm obssesed with your energy
Omg! Totally get the excitewnt of cleaning house when you haven't been able to. I was 6 years in a wheelchair. Since September I am walking. I had an ankle fusion after many failed surgeries. Amputation is my only option if this doesn't work out, but I now know it will be OK no matter what. The goal is to walk and live quality life. I clean house daily and love it. Hoping I never lose this enthusiasm.
Jennifer Dweik good luck with your fusion my friend! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! I lived with a fusion from 15-27, so I have some experience - and a number of years in there that were okay, mine was just odd in that it never got okay where most do. I have the hugest hopes for you and will keep my fingers crossed!!!!
I never named my prosthetics before but i've named my stump leg Dr. Nubinstein. I suppose if I was to name my prosthetic i'd go with "The Unifooter"
I love your sense of humor!
It would be really badass to get a wooden peg leg! You’re really brave for going through this! Best of luck for your future!
Love your energy, keep it up
Naming your leg Armstrong would be so funny
Hahaha I get it! Love it!
This is so awesome to watch. Thank you for making these videos.
Your ability to still control your calf muscle is actually quite cool and interesting!
Very interesting to see how they alter your calf muscle for your new leg. Also on this topic... what happens to the end of the bone? How do the fibula and tibia stay stabilized at their new bottom base?
As for a name, I'm amused by some of the pun-related names that others are suggesting.
The calf muscle gets wrapped around the base of the leg to provide padding and keep things in place, sometimes they also pin or fuse the bones together depending on the level and reason of amputation and any other pre existing conditions. I'm not 100% sure on the science of it but that's how my aunt's friend explained it to me when she became a below knee amputee (her bones were plated together because she has connective tissue disease so needed them completely immobilized, she had to have the amputation after her foot was crushed to the point of being irreparable by a lorry)
I don’t have any clever leg suggestions but I gotta tell you that my roomba has changed my life re: living in filth. If my house needs to get vacuumed I ask my 3 year old to turn it on. Done and done.
Carrieliney Until your dog throws up, poops or urinates somewhere and you don’t see it till your roomba drags it all over your floor.
MizzJ fair point. I have a toddler and a bird so I mostly only have to worry about food debris and feather dust
My mother is an amputee as well and she just simply calls her leg "Ass Kicker". It's kind of funny as she is in her sixties.
Love watching your videos and tagging along with your journey. You are definitely an inspiration. Also want to say thanks for all the explaining you do in regards to how you go about your day, or how your muscle works etc. I find the explaination of things fascinating.
Names for the leg .. female 'Jaime', the Characters name from bionic woman. Male 'Murphy', the Character from Robo cop.
Cool names
I didn't have that question but that is very cool to know! Thanks for sharing!
ConfusedStranger absolutely, thanks for listening!!!
So cool and not even gross! Thanks for sharing! Yay for calf muscles
Sarah Tallbull aw thanks so much for watching and for your support!!
Thank you for sharing this with us. Your positivity is so inspiring ❤️
Maria, I truly appreciate it! Thank you so much! ❤️
The guy that invented the bellow the knee amputation was called James, so that could be its name, but you might know someone with that name. So you could go with Dubois, as he invented the suction socket.
Lol fred I called my stump that in rehab. I think that is cool to add stuff inside. My prosthesis says he can do skins on the outside I can not wait for my docs ok. Calf muscle moving is awesome
Jo, You could borrow a rolling walker. It is easier to work on a smooth gate just pushing a granny walker in front. Crutches require 'unlearning' crutches.
Looking good....Hope your pain is subsiding
Question: Why is your prosthetic leg a boy? Just wondering.
She's assuming her leg's gender! Lol j/k 😅
My nanny was an aka of her right leg and her nub was named Andre lol
Guys name their things female names, and females name their things male names. It's human nature..
It's sad this generation is ruined by gender fluidity and the idea everything is sexist. Boys and Girls exist!
I give everything “boy” names too 😂
doggiesarus well I didn’t see a penis but I saw a hole where she put her stump in so it’s a girl
The movements actually really awesome !!! I'm glad you get to keep as much of your leg as you reasonably could, and its padded and protected and (almost) fully functional on its own! lmao. It's JUST missing a foot, and that was the whole point. Good job to your surgeon !!!!
Call him Bob! I don't know. Just Bob sounds good......
Craze E Batz I’ve always like the name Bob!
He needs a proper Pirate name.... Most simply, he can be your pirates "Booty".
I'd also consider holding off on the name, same as we do with cats... often times things name themselves.
Also... if you make both the inside *and* outside white, you have the option of decorating both sides... plain = standard robot state... but if you want to "tempttoo" it, you can. you can decorate the black, but much easier to do white. Using Plastidip spray with stencils like they do for temp car decoration. (that's to help googling ;) )
Stay positive, it's contagious!
PghFlip I love that!! And I love the idea of “temptoo”s!! I already got the permanent one before I saw this but I love your idea and am thinking I may get white stickers for the outside for temptoos 😉
@@FootlessJo White plasti-dip Something like amazon B000981AA2 ... coat the prosthetic, art it up, and peel off when done! Looking forward to future vids!
Some people experience 'phantom limbs.' There's military amputees that lost their hands and still feel like it's being put in a vise for example.
My question is: Have you experienced the phantom limb issue at all? Like being able to feel your toes wiggle, or maybe an itch on your foot even though it's not there?
Mike Andrews abbbbsolutely. The first month was hell with phantom pain constantly, and it has lessened since then. I feel my whole leg and toes all the time - our brains still have maps of where they “think” our body parts are so we still feel them. The phantom pain is less common now, I can actually sleep nights sometimes now where before I was constantly awake with it. Slowly but surely getting there! Most amputees always have at least some phantom sensation and often a little phantom pain but the pain usually mostly resolves itself over the first few years. 😊
Ok how about Titan ? From the possible material it was made with. What do you think?
You can buy decals/vinyl stickers super easy online 😉 Do you get rehab physiotherapy for gait training or would you have to pay extra for it? There’s some videos on UA-cam via ottobock/Ossur/ rush & Amputee Walking school or other ampies channels that can show you some gait(walking) training. Ottobock fitness app is brilliant - that has great physiotherapy exercises. Doing the grapevine is perfect just as squats are👌🏻 Rocking from heel to toe on a wobble cushion, stepping over small obstacles and there’s also the 4 square and the ladder but I would build up to those when your leg is recovered from your fall the last thing you want is to push it too much so you end up back on sofa duty 😬 I know most ampies I’ve met can still flex there muscles and due to my type of socket my muscles have grown back so I now have quads (pre amp my muscles were so wasted so to now have them is pretty cool but I’m an AK with an infinite socket. most bk’ s do atrophy more tho) I will send you some links 😉🤗 PS youre walking is coming on so good! Make sure to give yourself a lil tap on the back 😀🤗 Also I call my legs Endi = Leg End (Endi Mark 1 is my hydraulic and Endi Mark 2 is my Rheo) It’s so cool to hear what other ampies call theirs 😁🦵🏻🦶🏻🤗
This has some great training videos: ua-cam.com/channels/Wb9_2GijJu5VZm_ZXO0d8Q.html
ua-cam.com/video/EfxYSYeCtGM/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/eXZF_fXdcJQ/v-deo.html Type in Amputee Walking school and there’s plenty of videos 🤗
I've never even thought about naming my leg...lol. What should I call it?
I was impressed by how well you moved on those crutches. A couple of weeks ago I was off my feet and unable to wear my leg because a large boil had developed on my "stump." It's the longest in a decade I went without walking and the worst such issue I've ever had with my stump. My advice as someone who as dealt with this 34 years now is be very careful about any sores or rubbing that you develop on your stump.
The other funny thing is I never thought about trying to control my calf muscle, but I really don't have one because my amputation was at birth so one never developed. My stump is weird looking compared to most amputees as it is very skinny.
As a very young amputee, when I used my calf muscle I would tell my mom I was wiggling my toes...lol
How good are Dysons! But seriously, I could have been in your situation 5 years ago, missing my right foot, if I hadn't gotten to hospital via helicopter... Great channel thanks for sharing your story
You can name him after Chuck Norris’ character “Walker” Texas Ranger. ;)
Jimmy M Hahahaha perfect!
Still interested in your tattoos, collecting them myself. Impressed by your mobility, I'm on a walker and overweight so my balance is for crap. Vacuuming is terrifying. Is that a taxidermied (taxidermyed?) dog in the background? How about RumpleSTILTskin for the leg? Merry Christmas, happy holidays!
Will you be able to use your calf muscle in any way? perhaps to control settings if you do get a more bionic foot? perhaps you can use it as some other input for automation... something to perhaps keep it from atrophying and making you have to refit.
PghFlip great question! Right now, there is like only one actual robot foot for below knee amputees - when you get above knee, that’s when things get computerized. So right now, doctors or prosthetist don’t recommend keeping your calf muscle “moving” or strong because there is no benefit but I feel like years in the future, it would make sense!
¡LEGOLAS!
just to comment on your questioned you answered ref you calf muscle , I have a friend who has had his leg amputated just above the knee , he has actually said he can still move his foot , well in his mind his foot is still moving , also he still gets itches in his foot and to scratch it he just scratches the end of his leg where it was amputated , strange as it sounds , but your nerve endings are all still connected to the brain , but must be a weird feeling to move or scratch something that isn't there ,
Ok. First of all. You're doing great! Total inspiration.
Now, a couple names.
Peg?
Skip?
Steve Austin?
"Moby" Which can be a reference to a certain vengeful Whaling Captain, or it can be short for "Mobility Device"
Thanks for showing us your calf muscle... I don't think its gross, I think its cool and I always wondered about muscle movement after an amputation and now I know... super awesome!
You’re amazing and so encourging! God bless you!
A true inspiration.
You’ve done ALOT of exercises there jo! & after vacuming!! ( we call in hoovering in the uk) I couldn’t do all of of them exercises after hooving!! I have both of my legs but my disability affects my balance & I can’t move my ankle or my toes. That’s GREAT that you can still move your calf muscle! isn’t it?
I'm not sure if you still read these, but! I put my dog in simple rubber booties that are made out of thick balloon-like material when she goes out, which keeps her paws from picking up an immense amount of mud and rocks. 🙂
I'd be interested to see a video about general pain management. What drugs you take, how you feel about your drug use, any alternative methods or exercises you do (CBD, meditation, etc.). You brush aside pain in most of your videos but I know how excruciating it can be
Skeets McGrew thank you for knowing, and acknowledging that...honestly. Pain is real and exhausting and a lot of people don’t get it. I’d love to talk about that more and break down the different ways I’ve dealt with it! Thanks for your comment and your kindness.
Footless Jo I'm really impressed by everything you've done and accomplished. I wish I had half the strength you show. You often seem frustrated by how easily you get worn out but really your progress is amazing. If you end up going down like bag of potatoes at any point, try not to feel bad, or like you've failed, or get scared you won't be able to do the things you want to do. It happens to most people and it can teach you a lot about getting around. Solid chance it will be your dogs' fault 😆
How about Kevin as in Kevin bacon from the movie Footloose💖
Your videos are inspirational. I sometimes wish I could get both my feet removed due to extreme,severe pain from ankylosing Spondylitis which I was diagnosed when I was 25, I’m now 48 and have just had a total knee replacement so that option is not possible as my knees are so bad and left shoulder needs replacing at some point so I won’t be able to use crutches or prosthetics. Somehow I don’t let it get me down but I do seriously miss my horses too.
Thanks for sharing 💖
Scooter, Because he help you get around. Have a Merry Christmas 🎄
Legolose, the elf from the Lord of the Rings?
If you keep exercising (flexing) the calf muscle, It will stay relatively big and strong. As it atrophies so will the padding at the end. More muscle means for comfort in the future.
Limpy McFakeleg would be good too, but since you'll be getting legs for the rest of your life don't get too attached to each one. I've currently got 6 legs. See my FB Cover page: facebook.com/scaryplace
What about Lego as in Leg-go.... can you still do some sort of exercises for your calf muscle so it doesn’t shrink or change?
I like Rocket Joe I’m going on 30days with my new leg having lots of pain in my knee I’m hoping it’s going to get better
John. Footless Jo and footless John
1 dislike must be the shoe because he's nameless
name it LEG-end
(from dinosaur fun)
I have a buddy with one leg called Angus, his other leg is called Fred...
I hope this isnt too personal, but what do you do for a living? are you currently on FMLA and when will you be going back to work?
oh and I really like the idea of Phred as his name!
I'm going for the leg name "Stumpy"
do you have the ghost itch yet? and you are such a positive person about your circumstances.
did you keep your foot? where do they put them/what happens to it does it decompose? thank you so much for these videos, im not an amputee but your positivity inspires me to appreciate all my limbs and gives me strength that if i was ever without them, i would be okay 💜
You are great. Keep it up!
Unfortunately I still use my calf muscles when I walk. After a distance my calf will get all pumped up and doesn't fit correctly in my leg.. It's always something right..Which gives me horrible phantom pains, that i try to keep control of with Lyrica.
You are awesome! Love from London xxxxx
Would you do a video on your tattoos when you got them, the order you for them, the reason you got them, what does each one mean to you and do you plan on getting anymore if so what and when? Etc!!
I realize this is super late but I just found your videos! I think Angus, Hamish, or Shamus but for girl names I like Lola or Gerty, Birdy, Scarlet.
I say you call it, Armistead as it has "arm" in it, but its a leg... Plus, its a name you don't hear too often. I know, I'm weird lol
woow Your shorter leg looks great. very nicely healed it looks neat.my little arms look much worse.
Marvin for your leg. It's black and white and my heart rattie was Marvin.
Give it a scary Russian name, like Igor, Ivan, Vladimir, Grigoriy, Dmitriy will work, if someone will try to offense you just tell them “Dmitriy is going to kick your ass”. Or give it a strange Polish name, which no one can pronounce Grzegorz, Chwalibóg etc. Or name it “Oyabun”, which means “The absolute leader of a yakuza clan” in Japanese. If you don’t like my badass suggestions you can try something cute and symbolic like “Didi”, it sounds cute and means sister in Hindi.
Do you have access to a swimming pool? I have always enjoyed swimming and it is a fantastic way to keep in shape, especially for an amputee. I should know, I've been an amputee for nearly 46 years.
I've never named by leg thought. I suggest "Moby" short for "mobility device". There was also a whale that liked making people amputees, though those people were trying to kill him.