AMPUTEE Chats Ep1 - I WISH I had known this EARLIER!

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The Amped Life with Chris

The Amped Life with Chris

3 жыл бұрын

I wish I had known this EARLIER in my Journey as an AMPUTEE!!
Finding the RIGHT PROSTHETIST and the RIGHT GEAR changed my life. Why did it have to take so long!!! Things to do to avoid these regrets.
My Best Leg: Ossur Rheo XC
My Best Foot: Ossur Proprio
My 2nd Best Foot: Ossur ProFlex LP Torsion
My Best Liner: Ossur Iceross Seal In Liner
My Best Prosthetist: Eugene Rossouw (Cape Town SA)
I have been an AMPUTEE since 2004.
In 2000 I had a paragliding accident, after which I struggled with complications of my left leg. Constant infections and acute, chronic pain pushed me to the point where I considered amputation. Ultimately it was the right decision, which opened up a completely different life to me.
Today I am a happy amputee. In this channel I aim to share what it is that got me to this space. I hope that you find your own happiness, despite, and even because of, the struggles of becoming an amputee :-)

Пікірлер: 63
@samajhdarprani5779
@samajhdarprani5779 3 жыл бұрын
Just wanted to say, it might be possible that only a handful (5-10k) people are aware about your efforts. But the way you have effected the life of these folks is immense. Your one simple tip on how to walk has relieved me from so much pain that you can't imagine. So remain the guiding star you are. Take care and good going.
@rejoicingbones
@rejoicingbones 3 жыл бұрын
I agree! Huge impact for me. I had a fused knee on a messed up, infected leg and Chris confirmed that my amputation would be the best route. Had it done three months ago and my mobility so much better already! I’m loving life.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Samajhdar, I'm truly happy to hear the tip has made a difference. I appreciate your comments and look froward to hearing from you in the future - we can all learn from each other. You too have made, or will make a difference in someone's life.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
@@rejoicingbones To hear that you're in a better space is wonderful, thanks for sharing this. I am soooo glad it worked out to be the right decision.
@kaylevenson8256
@kaylevenson8256 3 жыл бұрын
I’d enjoy having those chats. Thanks for doing these videos!
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kay, I'm excited about starting this idea too. Please send any ideas for topics 🙏
@ruygutierrez2995
@ruygutierrez2995 2 жыл бұрын
Hi,Chris! 3 months ago, I had an accident which resulted in a right BK amputation. For a number of reasons which I will not go into for the sake of brevity, I was not given the full attention of my surgical team. I kept telling them that something was not right, ( I should know,I am a doctor myself) I find it hard to say this, but my surgeon never saw me again: post-op at the hospital, and rehab, and several visits to his office! Only a well-meaning nurse practitioner who didn't know what to do. I sought a second opinion from a surgeon that drained a very large collection of blood from the lateral aspect of my residual limb, and the treatment of part of the incision which had failed to close due to the above mentioned hematoma. Since I was wheelchair bound I had plenty of time to watch all your wonderful videos. I truly enjoy them. Your calm demeanor and with all your experiences have gotten me through the worst of the ugliness of my post-op period. I thank you, you have helped me a great deal!
@theampedlife
@theampedlife Жыл бұрын
Hi Ruy, thanks for this message, and I can really identify with the struggles you've had in the process of losing your leg. I answered another message of yours earlier today, but if you don't see it, just to say thanks for watching the videos and supporting the channel, your feedback is really motivating. All the best for 2023, I hope you're having a positive experience as a quite recent amputee.
@heleneolivier630
@heleneolivier630 3 жыл бұрын
Still going strong. Great.
@wynncarter6783
@wynncarter6783 3 жыл бұрын
Great to hear from you again Chris. Thank you as always for your encouragement and good advice. "Losing a leg is a big deal".....you bet, it sure is.....you're so right, "WE" do deserve the best. A good prosthetic and socket can transform your life, just as you say. Thankfully, I'm pleased with my leg, it's a Kenevo with a great knee. I've been having terrible problems with my socket though, rubbing, hurting, pain, leg falling off, leaving me very vulnerable. My lack of mobility has really dragged me down these past few months and I've felt quite lonely and isolated. Big day tomorrow though....get my new socket, so exciting, hopefully, it's a great fit and I'll be back living life to the full once again! Go for it Chris with the little chats, your little chats to us mean more than you know! We love you back. xx
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Wynn, thanks for checking in! You're so right - a well fitting socket can 100% change your life. Im curious, how did it go today with the fitting?
@wynncarter6783
@wynncarter6783 3 жыл бұрын
@@theampedlife Couldn't be happier Chris, the new socket is perfect! It's been a process over the last couple of months with test sockets to get it right. Can't tell you how happy a good socket feels, as you will know only too well. Thanks for asking. xx Onwards and Upwards.....Happy Days are here again! xx
@ottoscholtz9338
@ottoscholtz9338 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this Chris! And would love more chats like this in the future.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Otto, you're welcome, thanks for watching. Will be doing these more often for sure 👍
@etiene605
@etiene605 3 жыл бұрын
You mention to loose your leg is a big deal. And I agree. It is a big deal. All amputees are legends. And please if you are an amputee. Always remember you are a legend.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Ettienne Schutze For those of the Amped Life community who don’t know Etienne, he is a legend in his own right. Of the many supportive people I’ve met in my 17 years of being an amputee he is a stand out person, completely committed to our well being and to the improvement of our quality of life. He goes well beyond the call of duty to ensure that we have the information, access to opportunity and follow up to realise our potential and dreams as amputees. Thank you Etienne, you and the Össur team in SA are legends too, much needed and appreciated 🙏👍
@heleneolivier630
@heleneolivier630 3 жыл бұрын
Indeed. All of us have to make courageous decisions. Which could alter our lives one way or the other. Not only amputees. But we learn from these talks. The decision is ours. Take hold of your life. Controle and great discipline. Lots of good vibes to all. And most important. Th u dear lord for another day. Life is precious. 😊😐👌✊👍
@heleneolivier630
@heleneolivier630 3 жыл бұрын
Indeed. Brave. Strong courageous. Motivaters. Examples to face life head on.
@heleneolivier630
@heleneolivier630 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Chris. Th u for your great example. To go no matter what. And to your lovely family. Especially Helena. 💕👌✊👍
@kayblack9596
@kayblack9596 3 жыл бұрын
Your videos are very inspiring for me. Please know how much you are appreciated! My AK amputation was done at the end of January and I got my first socket with a C knee at the end of March. Today I am at the prosthetist waiting for my new socket and alignment....hoping for a better fit and gait. Keep inspiring us🌻
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Kay, thank you for your kind words.I'm so curious to hear how the new socket has worked out, please let us know!
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Kay, how did the new socket work out? Hope you’re comfortable and happy.
@davegoodridge8352
@davegoodridge8352 3 жыл бұрын
Yes please
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Great stuff, will do. Thanks for adding your voice David.
@kevinlynch2248
@kevinlynch2248 3 жыл бұрын
I am putting in the hard work, I am pushing, with little to no reward in return. I have yet to get into a socket that feels good, one that doesn't hurt. This is no fun and it certainly isn't what I thought it was going to be like when we chose to amputate (because of infection and almost a dozen surgeries to try and save my left leg). However, I am resilient and stubborn to the bone, so I will see this through to the end. But we are stuck in this place and I think the current corse that I am on with my prosthetist needs to change drastically.
@Bigdavehotbitches
@Bigdavehotbitches 3 жыл бұрын
Always love you videos Chris. I’ve been testing out a skin fit socket. For five weeks now. I use a c leg 4 with a Sierra foot by freedom innovations. I had bad back pain from the previous socket. Im surprised most of the back pain went away. I believe that back pain was from body mechanics. Like my femur kicking laterally and my pelvis wasn’t supported so the back to impact. One more thing I kneel a lot so with my old ossur rheo or the c leg I always have to have a cover to protect the knee.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Dave, I'll gp and read up on the socket you're talking about, it sounds like things have improved for you. Thanks for sharing that with us, as well as for the cover tip. I damaged my knee last week - a cover would have prevented it from happening.
@paulawaligorski6012
@paulawaligorski6012 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris
@theampedlife
@theampedlife Жыл бұрын
Always a pleasure Paula, thanks for being there during the streaming events :-)
@timothygovindasamy5149
@timothygovindasamy5149 3 жыл бұрын
Hello just had my foot amputated n watching ur video really gives me hope . Keep it coming
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Timothy, thanks for the message, and I'm sorry to hear about your loss / accident. I hope your recovery is going well, and that you find your way with good prosthetics, and a few changes that we all make. Please check in now and then, and I hope I can continue to give you hope and motivation, it make me happy to hear it helps. All the best mate!
@timothygovindasamy5149
@timothygovindasamy5149 3 жыл бұрын
@@theampedlife Hi Chris hope u well. Going to hospital on ,8 th Sept for fitting of my prosthetic foot any advise. Unfortunately going to State hospital.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
@@timothygovindasamy5149 hi Timothy, can you ask ahead of time what prosthetics they are giving you? Whare do you live? I’ll see if I can provide any advise to help you.
@timothygovindasamy5149
@timothygovindasamy5149 3 жыл бұрын
Hello Im in Durban n I go to King Edward hospital. I tried finding out more about my prostectic but no info as yet
@worthgardner1196
@worthgardner1196 3 жыл бұрын
👍
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Worth!! Always there with a thumbs up :-)
@pamshirley2289
@pamshirley2289 Жыл бұрын
You are so right in that it affects the whole family. I suffered for 3 yrs with surgeries, infection, etc till I finally had the amputation. Chronic pain changes you and it’s exhausting, even my grandchildren noticed. Since my AKA on 3/2/23 I’ve had significantly less pain. Hate that I had to give up a leg to get relief but here I am and right now doing good. I go for my 1st casting on the 19th. What should I expect and what is the “best” in your opinion? I appreciate your posts and honesty in all that goes with this.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife Жыл бұрын
Hi Pam, thank you for your message and kind words. It's good to hear you feel so assured in your decision to stop the pain and elect to amputate, it must have taken a lot of courage and I really respect you for going down that road. WRT the 1st casting, the most important point I would suggest is to be very assertive and decisive in communicating your needs, discomfort, hopes and potential dissatisfaction (if so) with your prosthetist. Have a strong voice and ask for what you feel you need. I was too "nice" and accepted all he said without regard for my own experience and disagreement with some decisions made on my behalf. This is your body, life, and investment, it's OK to have a strong voice in the process. I do believe the majority of prosthetists do their best, but no one other than yourself is going to wear that leg, in the end your user experience is what counts the most. Research the right prosthetics for your needs. Ask, read, watch and be curious about all the products on offer. make sure your lifestyle needs are best accommodated. I'll be doing a live stream this weekend, please join in and ask your questions real time in the live comments, I'll be happy to answer them, and the viewers offer great advice and support. All the best with the casting, and I hope to see your questions in the live stream. (If you are subbed and the notification bell is checked you will get the notification for day and time - Im still not sure when exactly but will communicate it by Friday latest) Go well and take care!
@rejoicingbones
@rejoicingbones 3 жыл бұрын
Yep - chats would be good. I feel very fortunate that I had an excellent prosthetist from the start and he got me set in a Genium X3. I’m beginning to feel confident going down steep hills and stairs now 3 months post amp. Did my first outdoor walk last weekend and got a huge taste for it back. How about talking about family? My poor wife has been though all these last 3 years as we tried the fused knee and reconstruction. I might be making it look too easy, but she doesn’t understand why I’m so tired all the time. Good topic?
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Yes EXCELLENT topic, I'l do a family chat, please send suggestions or questions if you have any. Thanks!!
@worthgardner1196
@worthgardner1196 3 жыл бұрын
Chris: excellent post. I want to highly suggest that you view a NETFLIX presentation: “My Octopus Teacher.” Inspiring. The research locale is the west coast of the South African Atlantic. Not specifically about amputation, but a moving statement regarding our human place within the animal kingdom!!!
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Worth, thanks buddy, I really enjoyed making this video - from the heart. Will be doing this more often - just short chars and reflections. MAN I'VE SEEN THE MOVIE! Its beautiful, and only about 30 miles from where I live. I've dived at that spot myself, many many years ago, was amazing to see what I missed all those years. Good to hear from you!
@theDanielTruth
@theDanielTruth 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Chris, yip the fireside's are great. Another thing you could try once you're comfortable would be a live stream one night for instance where you could potentially answer some questions from participants online or just having a chat and asking input on the stream. Just make sure to advertise it properly on the channel so that we all know when you do it to be able to join at the right time.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Danie, thanks for your feedback. I’ll be posting this week, so please keep an eye out. I will do an online soon, will definitely 1st send a few notifications. Chat soon!
@theDanielTruth
@theDanielTruth 3 жыл бұрын
@@theampedlife looking forward to the upcoming post :)
@barefoothands
@barefoothands 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Brother, Thanks for Your transparacy, Iv watched other videos but your very detailed and thoughtful!! I have the option for BK amp.. been fighting Osteo for 2 years.. its either 4 more suguries and 2 more years of recovery.. or just cut the dead weight.. If been ready to just make the move and say, INK ME... but its a bit gnarlier than getting a Tattoo LOL.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife Жыл бұрын
Wow bro, your thoughts are exactly what I was wrestling with back when I had to choose. The best part of deciding to amputate was that finally I know exactly what I was dealing with - no more uncertainty and the chance to get on with life with prosthetics. One of the best decisions of my life. I'll get that tattoo and let you know which was worse!
@michaelgawerecki9397
@michaelgawerecki9397 Жыл бұрын
5/28/23 12 noon central time USA. CONTRACTURE! my prosthetics tell me I cannot get a GOOD LEG until my contracture is gone.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife Жыл бұрын
Hi Michael, thanks for the message. Im sorry to hear about what's happened, it must be frustrating to feel held back like this. I have an amputee friend who had a similar situation, but his patience and healing programme paid off, and today he is very mobile and content with his situation. I tend to agree with your practitioner, the right fit keg needs good bodily movement to maximise mobility with prosthetic fit. I really wish you the best, a speedy recovery and a good outcome. Please let us know, I think many struggle with this situation and your feedback will be helpful to all of us. Take care mate
@theampedlife
@theampedlife Жыл бұрын
PS Take a look at this article, well worth reading. www.arnolditkin.com/blog/injury/how-to-prevent-amputation-contractures/
@landroverday
@landroverday 3 жыл бұрын
definitely do fireside chat videos.
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
You bet ... more to follow. Any topics?
@landroverday
@landroverday 3 жыл бұрын
@@theampedlife I'd like to learn more about South Africa, maybe give us a walking tour of part of your city or location.
@Halfstep2024
@Halfstep2024 3 жыл бұрын
Have you done an injection molded direct fit socket yet? Most AMAZING thing I’ve personally found but I’ve had a rheo from day 1
@Halfstep2024
@Halfstep2024 3 жыл бұрын
So my bars kinda low for complaints
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 3 жыл бұрын
Hi James - I have not but wil go and research it. The combo with the Rheo must be amazing I can imagine.
@Halfstep2024
@Halfstep2024 3 жыл бұрын
The Amped Life with Chris I absolutely love it. It’s actually cheaper than the traditional ones and it takes a total of 30 mins from start to finish to make a complete new, perfect fit socket. I’ve had this one for almost 8 months and it still fits like brand new
@Halfstep2024
@Halfstep2024 3 жыл бұрын
The Amped Life with Chris here ya go kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pdF8nd17sLerY4E.html
@PhilBrower-fv2rs
@PhilBrower-fv2rs 11 ай бұрын
How long ago did you lose your prosthetic
@theampedlife
@theampedlife 11 ай бұрын
Hi Phil, do mean lose my leg? If so, it was in 2004.
@PhilBrower-fv2rs
@PhilBrower-fv2rs 11 ай бұрын
1998 for me
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