Hey Joe, you're welcome, thanks for the message. Your story is going to encourage a lot of people who are yet to make the big decision, as well as those of us who are amputees. Please keep on uploading! PS I love that you did the dotted line thing - a little humour at that stage was so important.

I totally get what you said about bringing humour into it, I wrote on my old leg too! 😀 I let my doc draw the surgeons famous arrow and then he let me write “Good riddance to bad rubbish, Bye Bye Pain!” - I had seen a guy online who did a photo diary with his friends and family saying good bye to his leg before his amputation and I thought it was a great way to take the power back from the situation, so felt I should do it for my amputation. I felt the same when I woke up afterwards I asked if it was gone and as soon as my nurse Cathy said yes it gone I felt such a huge relief and then I could feel hope again, it shocked me how light the lil leg was and it would rise up when I wasn’t concentrating on holding it down (which was so funny but it did freak my mum at first). I also found it difficult to sit up without the weight of the end of my leg. So it was strange to adapt to the difference in balance especially when my brain kept telling me it was still there so would try and trip me up if I wasn’t concentrating when I stood up on my crutches. I did the same when I pulled my joggers on and for weird reason I would lift my lil leg when I was on crutches even though I know that there was no way my lil leg was long enough to have to lift up anymore. Every now and then my brain forgets and I have to catch myself before I hit the floor. This is such a brilliant post Chris - It made me remember how crazy that week pre and post op was and thank you Jo I only found Chris’s channel from yours 😉🤗

Hi lak mom! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. I'm sorry to hear about your struggles and I truly hope you find better quality of life again :-) I understand the fear about going in for the procedure closer to the time, and on the day. For me acceptance came with letting go of the hope that things could have been different. Once I had crossed that line I became calm and secure in my decision, as well as being able to look forward to the rewards of taking such a huge step. My children were a huge inspiration for me. My improved health, both emotionally and physically, made a big contribution towards engaging life more fully with them again. I wish you all the best, I so respect that you shared your story and it will inspire me to continue making video's. I hope you feel at peace when the day arrives, rest assured that its the next courageous decision you have made towards your and your duaghter's happiness. Take care x

Very true, it is a unique experience for every person and family. I experienced the same in our home, I think those close to us often continue to feel sadness beyond our own.

Thank you, I appreciate your observations and thoughts. We will be recording the video in the next week or so, I hope you find it helpful and informative!

Hi, thanks for commenting and for sharing your thoughts. It doesn't sound shitty at all, I completely get it. I really hope that you find what will give you back some of what you've lost. Please keep in touch ... it would be great to hear about your progress. Take care

Thanks for your message Chris - all the best to you too mate!

Hi Jay, thanks for your message. It’s such a big decision and I agree that getting all the information possible first is crucial. I hope that when you make your decision you feel at peace with it, and all the best thereafter. Please keep in touch with us. Best wishes ☀️

You're welcome Le Roux, the next one is on family of amputees.

Hi Eugene, thanks for commenting and for sharing what happened to you. I have no way of knowing what it must be like to suffer the consequences of another persons gross negligence and recklessness. I lost my leg because I went looking for trouble, so no one to blame but myself. Living with the knowledge that someone changed my life so drastically in an instant is something I cannot fathom. I hope that you find something of value in these circumstances which will better your life in some way, and that what you learn can benefit someone else who needs your help in insight. All the best mate.

Hi Heather - I love the "super active adventurous bad ass" description :-) This is exactly how I used to see myself when I still had both legs. Even though this has changed somewhat its not altogether untrue today. Maybe not so badass anymore, but definitely active and very adventurous. The identity has been restored, with a few tweaks here and there, but I am a very happy amputee today. I had to change a few aspects of my life but generally life is really good to me. In some respects my life has improved, and continues to do so. I can't run but that is about all I've given up, as well as paragliding :-( The pain was a huge issue for me. This has been dealt with now and I experience discomfort at times, but nothing that holds me back anymore. Amputation was the only way to go for me. It was a good decision, I have no regrets whatsoever. I look at both parts of my life - before and after amputation, and both have been wonderful in most ways. Please believe that you can live a very full life as an amputee. Life does not have to pass us by, we merely need to change the plan a little and then max what is possible. I truly hope you find what you need. I hope that you will reflect a year from now and be able to say "now that was a badass experience" Much care :-))

Hi Junrey, the Ossur Rheo XC I am wearing in the video is really expensive. There are much less expensive options out there, some of them are really good. Where are you from?

Hi Fernando - it took time, but most importantly I had to look for new hobbies / sports / interests to try out. I found rowing, hiking, and especially photography and making video's made a huge difference in reinventing myself. Helping other amputees and disabled persons also gave meaning to my personal experience. I hope this helps, and I hope that you will find your way. I completely believe that there is something for us all after this experience, but I can imagine that this might sound strange right now, given what you said. All the best, I hope I hear from you in the future and that things have changed for you by then.

Hi Willie, haha so the same dark sense of humour! Thanks for your involvement in all the comments and suggestions, I appreciate your support and the comments motivates me to post more often. Cheers mate!