AMPUTEE - HOW TO to Walk with a KICKASS GAIT -3 TIPS!
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- Опубліковано 27 січ 2019
- THREE Simple TIPS which hugely improved my GAIT and, allows me as an AMPUTEE to walk with stability, confidence and safety.
#amputee
#legamputee
#legamputation
#amputation
#gait
#gaittraining
#amputatedleg
I just joined your site. I have a below the knee amputation and was feeling so down about learning to walk again and your tips are so helpful. Thank you very much. d
Hi Dona, thanks for the message, and for your kind words. Hearing feedback like this really motivates me to make more video's for amputees, like ourselves, I do appreciate it.
Also, thank you for sharing your experience and emotions, there will be many reading this who can identify and empathise with what you are going through.
I remember there were times I felt down too, sad, and very overwhelmed by it all. It's so hard now to imagine that I felt this way, after the good experiences as an amputee in more recent years.
I guess what Im trying to say is - hold on, keep growing as an amputee and person, reach out for help and support as you did here, practice new ways of doing things (like with your gait), and keep looking for answers to your struggles.
I learnt that I needed to go through for stages: become curious about what is possible, be specific with what I want from this new life, be intentional and practice change, and consistently keep on looking for solutions and implementing them.
Most importantly, connect with people you feel loved and understood by, and who understand and support you to live a full life.You sound like a kind, open person, so this should come easily to you 🙂
Thank you for joining us on this channel, I hope to hear more from you as we go along.
Look out for the next Live Streaming Event on coming Monday 5 March 2023, at 6pm South African time. Please join us for the real time discussion, we will do chats on topics related to amputee life, with Q&A etc. If you have anything you'd like to know more about, put it in the live comment section and I will talk about this when I see the comment during the streaming event. I will post advance notification to link to the event. (Note: to receive notification you need to click the notification bell on the channel)
All the best with everything you are going through at the moment, if you need any help or have questions please reach out. Take care!
@@theampedlife Thank you for your responce. There is so much to learn and ajust to.
I would like to join in the Live Streaming so will check out the time change for mountain time here in the US.
What good fortune for me that I choose to view your balancing video and then other's.
Thanks again d
These are great tips! I'm a novelist and a main character in one of my novels has recently become an amputee. Your videos are helping me describe how he walks, and other aspects of what he's dealing with, more accurately than guessing about it.
Hi Ruth! It's so cool that you're writing about someone becoming an amputee. I love reading and don't think Ive encountered a novel where this happens. Please tell us when you publish your book, maybe I can do a review for the subscribers?
Thank you for supporting disability and for creating more awareness!
I am not an amputee but you inspire me to be grateful for the body God gave me despite the aches and pains. Thank you for being an incredible example of resilience and choosing to uplift us! :-)
Hi Essie, thanks for your kind words, I appreciate that you posted this comment :-)
Dude, thank you. I was so athletic before my amputation, I've spent 2 years just sulking. Not putting in any effort. I got fat and lazy overall, just likey nurses warned me not to do. But something changed in my recently, and finding this channel pushes me further in that direction.
Wow this is such a good message, to turn things around is hard, I had to do it too, but so worth it. I hope things are improving all the time, please keep us updated, it really motivates so many people. I get a lot of good feedback from people who read these comments. You are helping others, thank you! Hope to see you in our upcoming live streams!
Thank you for your positive message, it really motivates me to make more video's.
I've been an above knee amputee for 5 years and I can't walk right or stand without holding on you something,so you really inspire me
HI Debra, thanks for your kind message and for sharing your story. I remember being in your situation years ago and thinking that walking would be problematic for the rest of my life. I really hope that you find a way to become more mobile and that you can improve your quality of life. Please keep on trying, and let us know how things are going. All the best for 2020, I hope its a year of change and better life for you :-)
Me too!!
I'm an above knee. Lost it July 26 2020 and its June 2021. I just got my prosthetic last week... what do you have trouble with? Or any advice for me? If you'd like of course... Thanks alot in advance!
Rob Zajac
Springfield ma usa
Ditto! I am a below knee amputee.I still can't fully trust my prosthetic. My leg moves so much inside it. I feel like I'm going to fall😳
Great tips. Before my amputation I had years when I was using crutches so had a lot of muscle wastage and found it very difficult not to limp when I was learning to walk again. I found counting a 4/4 beat in my head really helped me to not favour the good leg and to make sure that I was spending an equal amount of time on each leg (if that makes sense), eventually I discovered that humming a tune in my head and walking to the beat really helped. I like your tips on obstacle avoidance.
Hi Julie, thanks for commenting on the video. I think we all develop a way of improving our walking style again, and we all can learn from each other. I like the idea of counting, it does indeed make sense. I hope it helps someone out there :-) Please keep posting your thoughts and ideas!
Julie Francis can you explain what you mean please? I think I get it but not sure it’s clicking. I am replying to you bc I was using crutches with my prosthesis until the therapist at the VA gave me the one around the wrist but I don’t want to use it either. It feels like I put so much weight on the bad leg that it hurts the tip of the limb, the knee to the point it’s very painful. Thanks
.. more than ever must one with one leg instead of two strengthen its core, i mean all the muscles of the pelvis, the hips and the torso, as i practice in my yoga. I fancy you as a yogi, making a one leg-stand.. i see a lateral-swing on the hip-side of the prothesis, this joint must work hard; have you problem on this side with overstressed bands and muscles ?
Hey Chris just wanted you to know that I think your videos are some of the best when it comes to amputees. I was just at physical therapy today and the main problem I am having right now is back pain for over compensating on my right leg which is my good leg. I am an above knee left leg amputee and can only walk about 30-50 feet before having to sit down due to my back feeling burned out. Thanks so much for the tips and you do give me hope that this thing gets better.
Hi there, thanks for your kind and inspirational comment! I REALLY appreciate your words - it inspires me to keep on posting. Please let me know what you feel I should be talking about on this channel.
I remember the days when I could not walk for 30 feet, the pain and fatigue was overwhelming. It was back breaking stuff and completely overwhelmed me.
This was not so long ago and I would neeeeever have thought a 3 mile walk to be possible - yet it happened a few weeks ago.
I truly wish that this is possible for you some day soon. I also hope to hear from you when this happens - please :-)
Good information thanks! I was amputated mid July and been using a cane while practicing with out it. I been adopting your tips and already feel more confident
Hi Phil, thanks for the message. Im real happy to hear the tips are helping, they will become intuitive after a while. All the best with your progress - please let us know how you're doing every once in a while. If you have any questions please put them out there, this Chanel has a lot of people with some very helpful feedback based on a lot of collective experience, including yours.
great video I am a new amputee and will be getting a leg soon. I am so interested in learning what I can soon be able to do again with walking. .
Hi Steve, exciting times ahead for you! I remember feeling so free again when I got my 1st leg, I hope you experience something like it too. Life as an amputee is full of new discoveries and experiences, Ihope you find this to be true. All the best!
Hi Chris I will use your tip’s when I finally get my leg . I have to say I love your Channel you are helping more Amputee’s more then you know Cheers
Hi Willie, thanks for your comment - how are things going?
Great tips Chris. You've certainly mastered your gait. I'm working really hard at the moment on perfecting mine. I'm still compensating on the other leg, like you say I've started feeling it in my hip. My pyhsio is working with me at the moment and I'm getting much better! My little leg is very painful at the moment, maybe overdone things a little, the bone at the end feels painful and bruised. I ended up limping home earlier today in pain and couldn't get in fast enough to take the prosthetic leg off. Sometimes its so hard, a few tears followed but I know things will get much better. Watching your video's has been so inspirational, certainly for me and I'm sure for so many other amputees. The way you speak to us with honesty you makes us realise were not alone. Thanks, keep making video's, really appreciate them. x
Hi Wynn, always great to hear from you! I think that working towards perfection is understandable, my concern is that you will be hard on yourself as I think it will be tough to attain a 100% smooth gait.
I'm sorry to hear about the pain ... tears are at times what is needed, its all understandable and OK i think. I have so much respect for your honesty on this public platform.
I am motivated and inspired be your and every one else's comments and support, thank you for the time you put into participating - somewhere out there is an amputee identifying with you, who's day you're making a little better with your vulnerability.
Much love!
I am in about the same stage as you are in learning to walk on my leg. I am experiencing the same pain as you. The therapist says it will get better. It is hard to be patient.
Great tip about being tall I had my second walk with physio and kept it in mind it just made me feel more in control except my shorts nearly fell off lol so thanks for sharing it does inspire me
Hi Sue, apologies for the late reply! It's a pleasure and good to hear it helped. It's amazing how a few simple pointers can make such a difference. Maybe next time wear a belt? :-)
Thank you for watching and for your message!
Ha ha ha, you did look a bit silly there for a bit. Thank you so much for going through it all in detail regardless, I'm looking forward to try out the tips once I get a prosthetic
Danie de Kock hi Danie, must say I often feel a little silly when I make these! When I see the interaction from you guys it’s all worth it though. Look forward to hearing how the prosthetic works out, it’s exciting stuff! I hope it’s everything you you’re looking forward to.
Great post Chris 👌🏻 I’m still learning to swing my arms properly as pre amp i was on crutches for over 20yrs so it’s strange to swing them normally 😁 Pilates has been amazing for relearning my gait which is just like your tip 1&2! 😉👌🏻 I struggle with the AK dip (dipping on the amp leg) when im starting to tire out so I’m trying to correct it🙄🤗👌🏻
Hey BD, welcome back, and thanks for the kind words.
I never thought of pilates as a specific exercise for gait / walking fitness, so we all learn from our experiences and comments on this channel!
I hope the dip improves with time - I guess for us it's patience and easy going :-)
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am a sports therapist, usually training biped desk jockeys to use their body's properly after injury and get them back into their sports training. I'm currently doing some S&C with a new BKA who wanted to be trained normally as he found a lot of amputee specific training not challenging enough for him. I've worked with many amputee cat's and dogs but working with a human and a prosthesis is new to me so lots of research in my spare time! He's doing really well but I'm now looking to fine tune and smooth off the rough edges - your tips are fantastic and put across so simply and humbly - I will definitely be sharing them with him, he certainly gets a boost every time he sees a fellow athlete performing well.
Hi RM (sorry I did not get your name?).
Thank you for the kind feedback and for highlighting the issue with amputee specific training not being challenging enough.
For me it's not about the designation "amputee", but about the ability and uniqueness of the individual. Leg or no leg, we all have different capabilities and needs, and whilst being an amputee cannot be completely disregarded, it should certainly not form the basis of a recovery or fitness plan. I am an individual who happens to have certain limitations, just like any other. When I figure out a training plan for something my 1st thought is not "I am an amputee". It is "what are the requirements to complete the task, what are my obstacles, and how well does the training program meet my needs?".
For example a hike, rowing, swimming .... being an amputee is relevant, but not the determining issue.
All the best with your BKA friend, and thanks for supporting him, as well as for sharing your thoughts :-)
Real great info
I can't tell you how helpful this video was. I was hobbling around like an old man with chronic hip and back pain. I've been practicing your tips and it's been much better. Thank you!
Linda Neal hi Linda, thanks for your message and the feedback on the video. It makes me so happy to hear that it’s helping you and is also inspiration to keep making more videos. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for other topics. All the best ☀️
Just the importance of body strengthening to compensate for a missing limb. Bur i'm not sure about what aerobic exercises won't stress the injured limb.
@@lindaneal2837 Thanks Linda, its something I've considered. I've made a note of it for a future video. A suggestion for now - I do a lot of swimming, I find it to be by far the best exercise for cardio, balance, and its not stressful on the residual or any good limbs.
Nice. It was really encouraged to me. I too above knee
Thanks man 😁🥰
Sunny valeria Sikuri Yoire welcome! Thanks for watching 🙏☀️
Thanks for your video this really help me coming from a new amputee
Thanks for the message Naun, I’m really happy to have been able to pass on a few tips to you. I hope you’re adjusting well and that your mobility is improving. All the best, take care!!
Excellent! Basic tip that we all can use and you walk so well
Thank you Victoria, and sorry for missing your message when you sent it. Hope your gait has improved with the tips!
Hi, I'm a new amputee, my concerne is to walk naturally, I really appreciate your vidios.
Hi Robin, I really struggled to walk for the first while, but with practice and the right fit prosthetics it all came good.
I wish you all the best on this new journey, from my side I can honestly tell you life as an amputee can be fulfilling and meaningful.
Please keep in touch, and thanks for watching and commenting - take care.
Great tips!!
Hi Megan, thanks for watching, and for the feedback! hope it makes a big difference for you. Last week I posted a new video with walking tips, maybe there are more useful suggestions there for you too. All the best!
Information very helpful, made an immediate difference to my gait. Thanks!
Grate tips mate. Thank You, Chris.
Hi David, you're welcome, thanks for watching and commenting!
Looks good Chris. Let me see the results over the week by doing this. Thanks.
Hi Chris you are the best.🌞🌞🌻🌋
Thanks so much 😊
You're welcome Cindy. Please feel free to let me know if there is any particular topic you would like to see more about on this Channel.
Thanks!
Awesome post Thank You!!
Hi Fernando, thanks for your motivating comments! Please let me know if there are any topics you think would be interesting.
You are an inpiration thx
Thank you so much for your kind words, it inspires me to share more about my life as an amputee. Much appreciated!
Awesome, get tips that I will apply. Small changes make huge impacts.
Hi Deborah, thanks for the feedback, all the best with trying out the suggestions!
Fantastic presentation. I've been doing these ideas since I got my prosthetic. When I'm wearing jeans or pants people don't realize Im a BTK until I show them.
Hi Steve, thanks for your message, it really motivates and inspires me to make more videos about life as an amputee. Im stoked that it helped you, check out my latest video on more tips for a strong, confident gait.
ua-cam.com/video/meMhHc02Puo/v-deo.html
It really compliments the first video, and these suggestions are what I think takes our gait to another level. I hope it works for you too!
All the best.
WOW that was great Chris! Can't wait to try these out!!
+Gary Smith Hi Gary, it really works well for me, I’ve also had some good feedback from friends who have tried it. Hope it works for you!
@@theampedlife Cheers Chris. Thank You. Will let you know my results
Thanks so much for
You're welcome Jayesh, thanks for commenting!
Excellent instructional video! Your advice is timely and helpful!
Hope these help you too, also the second video I made about 2 months ago to improve your gait. All the best!
Always excellent info.
Thank you for commenting! I'm watching your videos too, please keep on posting to help build awareness.
I have inactive tibial and peroneal nerves from a neurological situation. One leg is essentially inactive from the knee down. In addition to your techniques to improve my gait, I especially appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to make others better people. Thanks and kudos.
Thank you for the kind words, I really do appreciate feedback of any nature.
It must be dificult to have this situation happen to you, and I hope you find a way to increase your mobility despite this. I respect your commitment to work on it, only good things can come from this.
All the best with everything, I wish good things for you as a reward for your dedication.
Thanks Chris, I am one too😊
Hi Charles, thanks for watching, and the message. I hope you're doing well, and we hear some more from you. All the best with everything!
I'm going to try this ,thanks.
You’re welcome Cindy! All the best, I hope it makes a big difference for you.
Great tips and well done. Thank you
Thank you for watching, and for the message. This really motivates me to make more video's, I think I'll do one this weekend!
Thanks am really enlightened on solving the obstacle when walking.
Practice is so important - it does make a big difference in the end. Go for it man! Thanks for the message.
Thanks for the reply Mr Chris, i want to know how to find solution to the pain am having at my waist , my left leg was amputated in July 2021 am still having pain at my stump though I've seen professional pertaining to the pain in the stump but the pain at the waist on the left side (amputated side) is what am worried about.
Good tips
Thank you for watching and the feedback, much appreciated (even though Im late - sorry about that!)
Such a helpful video!! Thank you!! I'm a 23y old girl and have been an amputee since February of this year, 2020. I was in a motorbike accident where I was hit by a car. I haven't got my prosthetic leg yet so I'm really looking forward to getting it. I am watching all your videos and taking in as much information as I can. Thank you for you effort and making these videos. #Durban thank you brother!
Hi Ashley, you're welcome sista!
Thanks for your message and I'm so sorry to hear about your accident and loss. I think your approach is brave and you sound committed to improving your quality of life again, which is so important in order to achieve what you need to be happy and free. At 23 you can still do a ton of stuff, more than I think you can imagine. Its been just three months since your accident and you sound really motivated to make things happen.
I'm a keen motorbike rider and I still ride, one day I'll make a video on how I converted a commuter into a dual purpose bike to be able to ride long distance off road with my prosthetic leg. Do you want to ride again?
It makes real me happy to hear that the video's help, please let me know if there is any topic you need info on or you would like me to talk about, I will make a plan to include it in one of the video's.
So stoked to see that you're from SA. I've done talks in Durban on being an amp, I really enjoy the people and the vibe there.
Take care, plz reach out if you need help :-)
Hi Chris appreciate your helpful tips and candid approach. My darling son th u for helping me to come to realize even in old age with correct attitude one can overcome :"disability". Love You. Your silent admirer. 💞
Hi Chris!! Thanks for the tip!! We are trying that now at our local park. 👍
Hi Natalie, thanks so much for your messages, this one as well as on another video.
It is so awesome to hear that you are putting these tips to use, this is what changed my gait from being just OK to very effective, easy going and comfortable. I hope it does the same for your significant other.
I appreciate your kind words, it really motivates me to make more video's and to continue growing out Amped Life community.
Warm regards to you both - all the best!
@@theampedlife Thanks Chris for your kind reply. Dave tried walking at the park, and your tip helped. Instead of looking at the floor, he tried looking up while walking. We practiced with the walker and quad cane.
Any tips/advice on preventing skin sores, creams, etc will be great!! Thanks Chris! Keep making motivational videos- Dave and I watched couple of your videos in The Amped Life. Great scenery and music too. 👍
Great tips my friend
Thanks Rick!
Wow Wow Wow! I appreciate you very much for these great tips and I'll be practicing them A.S.A.P. Thank you.
Hi Dane, thanks for watching and please let us know how it went. They made a big difference to my gait and mobility, and from the community it seems that many have benefited too. I hope it works for you, thanks so much for tour message. All the best!
thanks
You welcome Paul, thanks for watching!
I have developed a real back problem. I will just do it and give you a feedback on the improvement. Great going. Keep up the good job.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your comments and feedback. I look forward to hearing from you on how its going!
While walking the way you have given in the video, it has eased the pain the pain while walking. Really helps. Thanks, really appreciate it.
samajhdar prani thanks man, that makes me really happy! There’s a video coming out this week with some more about walking.
Always good info. Take care. Lol ma☺
I have both legs and don't know a single amputee. Idk how I ended up here but I enjoyed the video
Your gait is awesome!
Thank you for watching the video, and for your kind words. My solution came with patience, practice, but most important were the right prosthetics and socket.
I feel very fortunate to have sorted this out, just took me so long! Made many mistakes which I hope other amputees can avoid.
Thank you dear for the helpful video. It’s inspiring me to practice more. I will use it. God bless you dear.
Hi Vadim, you're welcome, thank you for your message, I really appreciate the feedback. All the best with your walking, I hope you find your stride and it improves as you go along!
thank you
You're welcome mate, thanks for commenting.
Did you watch the UA-cam link I sent? It’s my story about my leg and and Climbing
Nice work bro
Keep making Videos.
Absolutely will keep it up, thanks for the motivating comment.
What would you like to see on this channel?
Hi Chris. I watched this video months ago before I got my prosthetic. I’m in physical therapy and doing well. I’m really working on improving my gait. Would love to walk without a limp. I’ve had one for most of my life. I remembered this video and decided to watch it again. Thank you for your tips. And reading through the comments has given me hope and a lot of encouragement. So Happy New Year and thank you again for sharing your journey. Looking forward to your next video.
GERALDINE JONES Hi Geraldine, Nice to hear from you again! I’m so happy to hear things are getting better for you. Also it sounds deserved when I seee how committed you have been. Keep working on that gait as it is the most important aspect of our mobility, together with posture. It warms my heart to hear that you are finding the vlog helpful, as well as the comments from our community and subscribers of value. That is what this is all about, and your own contributions are helping someone else who can identify with your own journey. Thanks for being a part of it all, I truly appreciate you sharing your experiences as an amputee. I hope that 2020 is going to be a good year for you, and I look forward to hear how your mobility and life improves ☀️
Ps I’m making a video this weekend on air travel tips for amputees.
Thanks Chris. I am realizing how important it is to my recovery to communicate with other amputees. I am learning so much. I would love to be a help to other amputees some day.
I am looking forward to your
next video. And rewatching your other videos now that I have my prosthetic.
Hey Chris new to your channel just watched this video. I will watch more but my question is what brand of knee are you sporting? The reason i ask is it look identical to mine. Is it an Ottobock? I will try the leg swing you demonstrated. My biggest struggle is good leg fatigue. Lack of circulation i suspect but good gait i hope will improve things. thanks Jeff
Hi Jeff, thanks for the message! I use an Ossur Rheo XC and Ossur Proprio foot, it's a great combination, and the Rheo knee is next level for mobility and safety. Also robust and can take a beating for years.
My partner just received her Osseointegration and I'm definitely going to save this to show her when she's walking. Really hopeful that it will help.
Hi Cliff, thank you for your message, and I really hope the procedure went well. Osseointegration is a brave step, its the way forward I think ... I just don't have the courage to go there ... yet.
I hope these tips help her, they certainly completely changed how I walk, all for the better.
There is another video I made 4 days on walking up and down slopes, perhaps that would help her too.
I wish you guys all the best, I would love to know more and to hear how it works out for her, as Im sure the subscribers would too. If you're OK with it please let us know - this kind of surgery is a very relevant topic right now.
Warm regards!
You doing a good job 👏 I am above knee amputee and i have some questions concerning the socket
Salman A Thanks Salman, please feel free to send me your questions!
I’m an amputee as of Veterans Day 2018. Above the knee I’m having a very hard time with the gait I refuse to give up. One big problem is the limb at the knee keeps shrinking that it feels like I’m walking on bone. Today I thought it was broken. If I sit and stand is when it’s most painful I’ve tried putting gauze over the knee inside the sleeve before I put it in the socket, suction. I also lose suction and the leg comes off. I’m not giving up I just need some assistance bc it’s not working. My daughter says it takes time but I’m the type that it shouldn’t take this long. I am dealing with a broken neck and ribs but that means nuthin to me I want to walk without these arm or hand crutches. I just got this leg a month ago and I’m waiting to restart therapy. Im a busy person and this slows me down. I’m starting a business and pushing a dolly moving merchandise with a crutch is difficult but not impossible. Ok any who I need any and all advice to help me recover from my accident. As I wait to start therapy at the VA I am asking everyone for any and all suggestions. Thanks everyone
Hi! Thanks for your message and I'm so sorry I've only seen it now. I think you are amazing considering your positive attitude despite a complex combination of injuries. I see you posted you message 5 months ago so just wondering how you are doing now? Please let us know, and again I'm sorry for responding so late.
I hope to hear from you soon :-)
And a great 2020 for you and family!
Hai I am Jayesh from India
I newly buying kxo6
Every day pratice
Thanks for your information s
Hi Jayesh. Thanks for your message my friend!
All the best with your choice, keep on practicing, please let us know how it works out with what you're buying.
Regards from Africa!
PS I went to check out the kxo6, it looks really interesting, I would really love to hear how it worked for you.
I've only saw this video clip now. Really informative. I'm also ak on the right leg. I'm still struggling to balance myself. If you can give me tips on balancing. Thank you very much
Hi Alvin, thank you for your comment on this video.
Im about to release a video on “assertive, intentional walking for amputees”which will include issues relating to balance. Keep a look out, it will likely go live on Sunday.
I hope you don’t mind me asking - How long have you been on a prosthetic leg for? Which knee do you use?
All the best!
Thank you very much. I got the prosthesis last year March. My right leg was amputated above the knee in 2019.
I am new here and new amputee. I love the tips. I do ask this because I am allergic to the rubber of my prostetic. I am below the knee 55 yr old active woman. What I did figure out is that nylons help with sweat and allergy. Anyone else have any tips on this.
My good side is used more in my hip when I walk
Hi Chris, Thanks for sharing this vedeo. I was amputated 2years ago, and l do experience pain when using my prosthetic. I think the quality of the prosthetic is also a factor to consider.
If you don't mind, you can share some of the good prosthetic 🦵 Especially for above the knee amputees
Hi Emmilly, Ive made quite a few video's on my prothetic setup. I agree, it is super important to get the right knee, foot, and well fitting socket.
Join out live streaming chats and if you ask the question in the comments I will talk about this topic.
Hope to see you there!!
I am an above the knee amputee with just a basic leg no knee. What tips do you have for walking with a straight leg? Thanks you last video was great
Hi Greame, thanks for the message. Wow it's been a very long time since I had a rigid leg. I remember how restrictive it was, and my best suggestion is to get comfortable with a mechanical knee asap. I hope you find what you need to move freely again, all the best!
Hey Chris those tips are really gonna help me. I’m gonna try that out. I’ve been an above knee amputee for 5 years and i still dip really bad. I want to be able to walk without a horrible limp. Maybe my socket doesn’t fit right anymore because i feel it moving up and down when i step
Hi James, thanks for watching and for your comments. These tips changed my gait completely in a few days, I hope it does the same for you.
What you are experiencing (I think) is known as suspension pistoning, which would suggest there is a problem with the vacuum retention in your socket. Time for a change, or perhaps the liner / socket combo needs to be attended to?
I hope you get it sorted out - please let us know how things work out.
Hey, mate. Where’d you go? Miss you
Hi Bo, just took some time off to work out of country. We're back, thanks for the encouragement man! Hope to see you on the live streaming events soon.
Will I ever be able to walk like that. I am a BK right knee since 4/25/22.
Hi Gerald, thanks for the message. I never thought I would ever walk like this again 5 years ago, but with the right prosthetic, help and some practice it has really changed my life. I hope this for you man, with a BK you should be able to do much better than me in good time. All the best my friend, please keep in touch!
I just changed from a, 3R80, hydraulic leg to an ORION microprocessor leg and oh my gosh, I cannot believe the difference would be so great. The Orion will lock if you stub your toe, so to speak, will lock in any position or angle when you apply full weight on it, I can also lock it fast at a programmed position or have the leg only bend to that programmed angle, it also locks while standing and unlocks when weight is taken off of it. When I mean lock, it is just a super high resistance that you cannot overcome. I am not promoting this leg, just cannot believe how it changed my mobility. The 3r80 was an ok first leg and very robust, but you can fall if you stub your toe,
Thank you for the gait tips, having the leg aligned properly is a must. Is you leg the same length as your right leg or just a bit shorter, if so how much shorter? I notice if my leg is set up at the same length, than I find myself on my tippy toes a lot while outside on most services.
Thanks again!
Hi! Thanks for sharing your experience with the new leg. What a difference it makes, right? For me it changed my world completely 3 years ago.
About the settings on the length - my prosthetic leg is 2mm shorter than the other, and its fine that way for me. It helps with the swing and avoids toe strikes.
Also remember that our shoes on the strong side wear a lot faster than on the prosthetic side - so often over time the strong side becomes shorter ... without us noticing but we start hitting the toes. So regularly reset your length if your shoes are wearing unevenly.
Thanks for the chat! Please let us know which topics you would like to be covered on the channel.
PS ... have you tried the Ossur Microprocessor Proprio Foot? It makes a fantastic combination with the microprocessor knee. I did a video on one, maybe take a look and ask for a test unit?
Hello.. Hope you are doing good.. Can you say the name of this prosthetic leg.. Bcos I too want to walk properly..hoping for your reply.. Thanks in advance
Hi! Thanks for your message.
It is the Ossur Rheo XC. This leg changed my life 2 years ago, you can take a look at how I hiked on a trip to the US last year in one of my video's.
I hope you get this leg, you'll never look back. Please keep in touch and let me know. Im busy doing a video right now where I talk about it and show some more walking footage. It will go live next week.
Take care :-)
What about if you need balance ifeel like I'm all over the place I feel like I'm going to tip over
Hi Jackie, thanks for your comments. You should feel completely stable with the right prosthetics and some training. Have you asked for someone to help you? Please join our upcoming live streams if you have questions and get them answered real time.
Hi Chris. I commented on this video clip five months ago. At that time, l struggled getting balance, and l was still walking with a walking frame and later with a cane(walking stick). Now I walk on my own, but I don't know how to bend my knee while walking. Can you please assist me as to overcome that problem? Thank you in advance.
Hi Alvin, my apologies for not seeing your message at the time of posting it. I see it is over a year ago, I'm is sorry of missing it.
It's really hard for me to suggest something without seeing how you move. If you like send me a short video to:
chris@theampedlife.co.za
The most important part is to grow in confidence, and this takes a sense of progression and progress. Every day a small improvement can go a long way to motivating the next change. Take your time, be consistent in setting aside a little time daily (even 15min) and have a program with goals.
Perhaps a gait trainer will help for a few sessions to get the basics sorted, and to spot the changes you can make in your technique.
I since posted another video with more tips, take a look and I hope there is a tip in there you find helpful:ua-cam.com/video/meMhHc02Puo/v-deo.html
Good luck, please let us know how you're progressing!
Chris, I'm currently using the Pro-Flex Pivot. I'm a below knee amputee. I've been curious about upgrading to PROPRIO FOOT but have been concerned about noise, beeping and improved gate. Do you feel that PROPRIO FOOT would provide a better gate?
Hi Dennis, thanks for your message. For my lifestyle it’s the best of three worlds. I do lectures where I stand for long periods, walk quite a bit during the day and hike whenever I have an opportunity. The only beeping is when initiating and after the charge, whilst the gyro makes a soft sound every once in a while. Otherwise it’s silent (the way I’ve set mine up).
Insofar as the gait goes it’s possibly the biggest reason why I will stick with the Proprio. That, and ascending/ descending inclines, hills and ramps.
It’s extremely rare that I have a toe strike, and when I do it’s because I’m rushing.
Have you tried one? Please let me know how you experience it!
Regards
@@theampedlife That you for replying to my message. I'm unique in that I have phenomenal insurance which pays for most anything that I need in the way of prosthetics. For me, the decision is whether to upgrade now or wait until better technology becomes available. I'm a little more confident to at least try this new technology.
Hope you find it as practical and safe as I do, enjoy and please let us know how it works out for you 👍
What type of socket do you have?!?
Hi Alex, sorry about the slow response, i only saw this message now!
This is a difficult question for me to answer, mostly 'cos all sockets are different according to your needs, stump shape, stump length, type of prosthetic gear etc..
Its made of carbon fibre and shaped by my prosthetist in Cape Town, South Africa. It's got a valve to ease the vacuum formed when the stump is pushed into the socket.
Let me know what else you'd like to know, I'd be happy to share with you!
Hi, i'm an above knee amputee on the left leg and using pneumatic prosthesis. Do i have to adjust the height same level with my right leg?
Hi Lerrie, thanks for your question. I used to have identical heights but a few years ago I shortened the prosthetic with about 3mm. It had a big difference in my gate and stability when moving around. I am more mobile and I feel a lot safer when walking around. I hope this helps a little ☀️ I will do a video on this topic some time.
@@theampedlife thank you for the info, chris. Will definitely shorten it a bit.
I have a horrible gate ....
I am a new amputee...I'm so depressed and angry...I thought it was gana be easy...I just need to know how to walk from someone like u in detail°°°please show me how or I will die!!!!
Hi Veronica, thank you for the message.
A few years ago I felt like this - very angry and depressed. Overwhelmed by my situation. Things were not easy then, I never imagined that it could b so different, as it is now.
I don't know where you live, or what access you have to help, but my first suggestion is to find a prosthetist to make 100% sure that you have the right prothetic setup, comfortable, well aligned, safe, and able to allow you the mobility you feel you are capable of. This will create the platform for improvement and growth.
The second is health, strength, weight management, balance, gait training.
Finally, emotional support and connection is key. Are you able to connect with someone / people who share your struggles? There are training workshops held by Ossur world wide, these are amazing events, Ive seen people really grow and improve their lives by attending these.
I will be doing live streaming Q&A on Sunday 12 March, 3pm South Africa time, where I answer questions real time. Please join us and feel free to use the live comment section for your questions.
Hope to see you there, and all the best. I hope this helps and Strats a process of improving your situation 🙂
Ps if you tell me a little more about your situation and type of amputation I might have a few môre suggestions.
Chris I'm just like you...the one who helped everybody...the strong bone...for everybody....I believe that it's all about the money with doctors..it started with my big toe then all of them....they didn't have to..but that's a other story..I'm originally from Texas came to Arizona to loose it all husband of q4 years murdered my daughter in prison and my other 3 girls adopted out. I am A hardcore diabetic 2 that walked aroy around with her sugar at 700 no medication would work nothing worked so I ask the doctor what what why did I have diabetes what why do I have it he said I was over East overweight and wait about three hundred and something said that I had to lose 100 pounds to overturn my diabetes to be right so I did I lost 100 lb went cold turkey on soda and carbs and lost 100 lb so I walked around you know with my collar popped out all your returns diabetes and blah blah blah and blah blah blah I don't know what happened but I gained 10 lb out of those 100 that I lost and I believe that's why I lost my leg because when your ac-1 or when your little oh Beast a little bit and you have can you overturn diabetes you didn't you gained 1 lb over and it's on you you get any kind of infection you get the flesh eating disease and I guess I'm one-night flesh eating disease was crawling up my leg I was almost dead on my Ruben what's calling out for water cuz I knew like puppy needed water and her baby she just had seven babies when I woke up I didn't have a lake don't remember nothing how I could have for your age ain't nothing I don't remember nothing just waking them to not having a leg I'm mad about it because nobody gave it to permission to take my leg stayed in the hospital for 3 months in the hospital and I even got two more infections in the hospital
After I go to rehab I get home and somebody else is living in my house with all my stuff in it I was homeless that same day I didn't I don't have nobody no family no nothing just my best friend liptiful Trucking in for the trip applications and when it were I knew that maybe they can help me so they did it wasn't like a motel program they paid for my motel with living in a motel in this other program to very sorry find housing and family housing but they found me housing in an apartment that's not handicap accessible wheelchair accessible anyting thinking of is work I have to work I have to work I have to work so I put my leg to wheelchair in my truck I I'm sorry Chris I'm using the microphone cuz I'm still crying anyways I lost my job before years that put me more into depression because I can't get another job because I only have one leg so the program that concentrate on your leg and don't worry about nothing and got a little job with the Ty baby just to have money just to make sure because this program is pay my rent Zack the guy that made my leg I mean it feels right how are you supposed to know if the leg is right for you and I don't know Zach tell me the you know the how to walk and mean he said that he never knew anybody that could just put on leg on and walk like I did on the parallel parallel I thought it was a always just couldn't put my leg out and start walking in and it's not that easy is this I'm embarrassed I can't do the things that used to give to get so frustrated with it. I got this scooter because I was so embarrassed to go to work in my wheelchair so I got this scooter it's like a three-wheel scooter and my leg is hurt I have no motivation the most depressed let's think about suicide how did it kill myself because I don't want to live anymore I don't have nobody over here by myself my best for you spot property far away so I'm here by myself I fall I hurt myself I broke a rib the other just not too long ago I just want to walk roof please I just would have walked Chris please help me to walk I don't want to go through all of it I know how to walk already but I don't know I don't walk without anything I have the bionic leg he ordered that one because he knows I walk a lot like to audit I meant every Big Box store then I walk a lot so he got me the best leg ever I need I don't know how you're supposed to which one you're supposed to have whatever that's what he made to me and he made it to me to my leg and everything is I just want to walk somebody just show me a picture of physical therapy but I can't I can't grasp I can't get it I don't get it because they're teaching me with some of these did this happen leg is I don't get it it was in the words that he uses and some I can't I can't learn with somebody that has a real n***** trying to teach me how to walk with a prosthetic I don't get it uses I don't get it I don't get it I need somebody to show me that's been through it through it like you show me how to walk please just show me how to walk I have sores in my butt from sitting down I want to sit down anymore
Im fucked. Ill never walk like that.
Hi James, I’m honestly quite bewildered by your message because I don’t know what your situation is, what is possible for you or how it must be for you. Also because I remember feeling this way years ago, having these exact thoughts. I can only hope that there is a possibility for something to change for you in time. I’m doing a new video with more suggestions on walking comfortably, I hope there is something useful for you in this video to help you change things.
I hope you can reflect on a better situation sometime in the future, and I really wish you the best with this possibility.
All the best mate, it would be good to hear from you again. Maybe someone on this chanel can share something helpful with us all as there are more people feeling despondent about their loss.
Best wishes from this side.
@@theampedlife hey partner. It was definitely for myself. I lost my right leg above the knee due to my second tour overseas. Im trying to get walking etc, but man watching you is tough lol. You do it so well, I pray I can be like that someday. Love your videos.
Hi Chris,, I've just stumbled upon your video and found it very interesting.
I had both legs amputated above the knee in July 2020 and it's now February 2023.
I go into rehab in a week and from what I know there will be no knee sockets in the legs.
I'm just asking if you have any tips for me as I'm almost scared to death that I'm a lost cause because of the time that elapsed since my amputations.
Please,if you see this,, will you get back to me
Hi John, thanks for the message and for sharing your experience. I think Ive responded to another message you've sent? If not please let me know.
I understand your fear, and I don't know your full circumstances, but I completely believe that you can find a way forward to figure things out, with some guidance and support from the right people.
About your question, Im not sure that I understand exactly what you mean about "no knee sockets in the legs". If you tell me a little more maybe I can suggest something or help in some way.
It's great that you're doing some rehab, its never too late to get going to improve you quality of life as an amputee. It took me 14 years to get things right, when I finally met the right people.
One day at a time, starting with physical well being, building a little strength, and feeling OK about yourself physically is a great start to wellness.
In the bigger scheme of things 3 years in not a long time from amputation, and you should manage fine. As I said though I don't know the nature of your amputations and residual limb, knowing this makes a difference to what I would suggest.
I have started doing a live stream on Sundays 3pm South Africa time, please join us, maybe there are other who can help by commenting on what you feel comfortable to share.
All the best with the rehab, and my approach is always "progress, not perfection - one day at a time".