As a wheelchair user, when I come across another person in a wheelchair, the thing I do is brand check their wheelchair 😂. It's kinda like supercar spotting. I think it's fun to see what gadgets other wheelchair users have.

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Haha that's awesome - I lvoe that, Carlein!

@ecologist_to_be

4 жыл бұрын

I do same. lol

@annkathrinhanamond2982

4 жыл бұрын

Sounds pretty cool!

@mkmcl5478

3 жыл бұрын

Me too!😀

@haileyrichman7944

3 жыл бұрын

❤️❤️❤️

Completely agree about people saying "you're so brave". I'm disabled due to a fire. It drives me up the wall when people say I'm brave. It's not like we get the choice to be disabled!

I get phantom pain like clockwork every month for about 3 days straight. My Wife calls it my period.

@DawnKellyMedia

4 жыл бұрын

Hah!

@felrise3966

3 жыл бұрын

Lmfao

@SCP--ud7fc

3 жыл бұрын

😂

@Jay123hollis

3 жыл бұрын

I love that that’s hilarious.

I like to joke with people, "I was worried about my carbon footprint, so I got rid of it and replaced it with one made from fiberglass. There are misconceptions about amputees in fables and parables. One parable I look at differently is the one about the man who complained had no shoes until he met a man who had no feet. This one is meant to be taken as "It could be worse" sort of story. No! The man who had no shoes stopped complaining because the man who had no feet had a pair of shoes he no longer needed.

@zoemalone5769

3 жыл бұрын

that's such a cool take that had NOT occurred to me until i got to the end of your comment! but now i'm like "of course!"

@jennypoo1973

Жыл бұрын

Lol, but wait, mine are carbon...fiber! So now I literally have a carbon footprint?

@erictaylor5462

Жыл бұрын

@@sau65656 Then I guess you're SOL.

I've been an amputee since November 2019. I just received my prosthetic leg 2 weeks ago. Just started physical therapy today. I watch your channel and you are real and has helped me.

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Good luck with your new prosthesis Staci!!! You've got this! 💜

@kevinlynch2248

4 жыл бұрын

Good luck with your prosthetic!! Are you above or below the knee?

@staciwhitesell5389

4 жыл бұрын

@@kevinlynch2248 below the knee

@Jay123hollis

3 жыл бұрын

My moms name is Staci and she spells her name the same way. good luck with your physical therapy I have cerebral palsy and I remember when I had to go to therapy when I was a kid and a while back not too long ago I had to go back to physical therapy it can be difficult I am praying for you.

To able bodied people, cripple is something to be careful about as many do consider it a slur, so just because Jo is ok with her friend using it does not mean that u have the right to say it, thank you

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

I think that's a really good point to make clear, Kayla - I meant to maybe emphasize that heavier. I know there's a movement in certain parts of the disabled community that are working to reclaim that word. But unfortunately it is indeed used against people and seen as a slur. My friend who says that is a very closes friend, and knows that I'm okay with it - but that's JUST me!

One of my favorite moments....I was in a elevator and a mother was in there with her small child....and I have a full Sleeve Tattoo....The little girl looked up her mom and pointed and said Look Mommy He used Crayons all over his Arm......LOL

@Natasha-yq6df

4 жыл бұрын

That's so cute!

@lisaruttenberg5886

4 жыл бұрын

Love it

@daivahataka

4 жыл бұрын

I had one occasion in a public changing room where a kid decided to tell his dad that due to my back tattoos I must be a superhero. I just pretended not to hear it. 🤫

@Natasha-yq6df

4 жыл бұрын

@@daivahataka That's awesome! haha

@DawnKellyMedia

4 жыл бұрын

😂 How sweet

I love when kids ask me questions. I would rather have them ask questions than just think things.

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Same here!!

@keithwillis4524

4 жыл бұрын

I had a guy today at Walmart wanted to pay for my stuff because he thought that I lost my leg in the service... that was not the first time that has happened to me..

@FatShadow56

4 жыл бұрын

I tell them it’s bc I didn’t eat vegetables at their age 😂

@jasonsabbath6996

3 жыл бұрын

Ditto! Kids are great about it and ask good questions.

@dentondossierinc

2 жыл бұрын

@@keithwillis4524 People have assumed that I was a veteran (a valid assumption, but not always the case), but not to the extent of paying for my merchandise. I am a right leg BKA myself and do not hide it.

Jo, you were right on the misconceptions list, particularly the humor. In my family we have always teased, sometimes unmercifully. Case in point, before I lost my legs my 28 year old son was diagnosed with testicular cancer and lost one and I started calling him “uniball”. And yes, he’s doing very well thank you. After my amputations I became “pegleg” and worse. If you can’t laugh about a situation you end up crying and your nose runs, which is really ugly. I dearly love speaking to the kids. I think the parents think I’m going to go into some detailed description of how I lost my legs, but I always tell them my legs got really sick and the doctor gave me these so I could walk better. That’s always enough for kids. Great job, as always.

When my boyfriend first introduced his twin to me, it went like: "You see, his farts smell a lot more than mine because he has half of foot smell" He was dead serious and his twin just face palmed 😂

I got the "I could never imagine" one quite a lot before my amputation, and after I had made the decision to have the surgery. My response was always to say something to the effect that, given I had spent the previous five years both not being able to bend my knee, AND in chronic pain, the amputation was actually going to provide me with the opportunity to use my leg again and relieve me of the majority of the pain.

I love it when people ask me questions and get so curious about my amputation. It feels good sharing some knowledge with others. Just came to know you. You really are a great speaker. All the Best!

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Oh thank you so much, Atribh! I really appreciate that!!

I work as a nurse an once I had a patient who was a double amputee and as I always make jokes at work I said to her: well the good news is that you can never get out of bed with the wrong leg ( with us it means being cranky) and when I said that I was like, nooooo did I said that.... I was scared to hurt the feelings of the woman but she started laughing right away and I was so relieved!

@flowerpetals1396

4 жыл бұрын

I thought the expression is 'getting out on the wrong side of the bed'.

@astridyouknowwho

4 жыл бұрын

@@flowerpetals1396 in Dutch it's the wrong leg ;)

I lost my leg 12/16/19 so my journey has just begun. I have had pitfalls such as depression and anger as well as a sore that was slow to heal. Phantom pains and the sensation my lower leg still exists are ever present but I have tried to stay positive a set and retained my sense of humor. I was sent to rehab after the surgery and the medics set me down a bit hard as they took me out of the transport vehicle. They immediately asked if I was okay. I looked at them with a straight face and said, "Hang on! I think I lost my leg!'' When things happen in your life happen, you got 2 choices--laugh about it or cry about it. I agree with your list of myths. A friend commented how strong I was and I was her hero. I told her I really wasn't that strong. She never saw the days spent looking out the window tears running down my face. I am healed enough to wear my leg (above the knee). I am nervous and scared but determined. I WILL WALK AGAIN! Thank you for the videos! They help!

@JoJo-xo6fh

4 жыл бұрын

Dale Johnson I love your honesty!!

It’s so interesting to hear that you feel like people expect your amputation to be part of your identity. I’m chronically ill (fibromyalgia + other undiagnosed issues) and often feel the opposite: people expect me to not identify as disabled, to not consider this a part of my identity. But it is, in my case. I wonder if part of this is down to distinctions between visible and invisible disabilities, or maybe between disabilities able-bodies people are more aware of and those they aren’t?

@daivahataka

4 жыл бұрын

Could it also be down to either the age it occurred and how developed your identity was before it happened/manifested, or the severity of how much the condition affects your life? If I remember correctly fibromyalgia is a more systemic condition so I'm guessing it would probably be more difficult to adjust to compared to amputation (not trying to turn things into a peking order so sorry if it comes across that way).

@DawnKellyMedia

4 жыл бұрын

I have Fibro and other issues as well. I don't think it defines me. Im pretty tough and I do a LOT of integrative medicine to help. Your illness doesnt define you. That's not "who" you are. Who you are is a young women who perseveres through that illness.

Yes, I’m binge watching your videos. The date for my amputation is approaching in the vast unknown and mysterious world of the insurance approval process. I think you’re right on the mark.

could you may make a video about some 'lifehacks' for leg-amputees? Im an amputee for about 7 weeks now and i still need to learn a lot of things, maybe some kind of 'lifehacks' video could help people, maybe you have tips and tricks for us

@miab-p6874

3 жыл бұрын

I know this comment is old and I don't want to bother you, but I have a few questions concerning your recovery. I would like to know what to expect post-surgery and stuff like that. Is that ok? I'd also like to know if you have phantom limb pain and if the surgeons re-arranged where the muscles are on the residual limb (and how it changes the way it moves). Please feel free to take your time to respond. I hope your recovery goes well. :)

I’m not an amputee but I love your videos and every time I see the notification no matter the title I watch it 😀 plus I live in Colorado as well.

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Aww thank you SO much!! That is so sweet and encouraging to hear 💜And hey from a fellow Colorad-an!

@daivahataka

4 жыл бұрын

@@FootlessJo Recent sub myself but similarly I'm not an amputee, instead I watch for the insights into how it affects your life and outlook. As with many things I think we can all imagine how it might affect us but we'd miss many of the little things we take for granted and then the big things we just don't know enough to realize how it might affect them. Thank you for sharing your perspectives. I will try to gradually make my way through more of your back catalogue of vids. 😅

* gasp *. I always thought that amputees joined some sort of hivemind the moment they lost a limb ;P Good to see you debunking things every once in a while in this delightfull way you do. Also, glad to hear that the pain is getting better! Wishing you all the best and keep smiling!

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much Iris!! And haha right, you'd think we'd all initiated into the amputee club the moment we lose a limb!

@daivahataka

4 жыл бұрын

If it's any consolation for a long time foreigners often thought all Irish knew one another too, we're a small nation but not THAT small. 😫 People just get strange ideas in their heads. You could always play it up, tell them that the disability sticker for your car doubles as a pass into the super secret club meetings on Thursday nights. 😛

No views and 3 likes..... ok KZread. Never give up Jo, you are bringing joy to my life and so many others. You go girl!

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much Teresa!!

Not an amputee, but I am disabled due to an injury, and I have nerve damage in both legs and walk with a cane now. Humor is not only healthy (at times, of course), it's a natural defense mechanism. Like, I'll be describing it to a new doctor, and be "This is my bad leg, and this is my less bad leg..." Or when telling people the reality of hiring discrimination against people with disabilities I'll say "When they see the cane and how I walk, they run; and my gimpy ass can't catch them." I love the look of horror on people's faces when I say that. I have to tell them it's okay to laugh, at least half of the time.

@daivahataka

4 жыл бұрын

Does the need for a cane actually affect the jobs you are applying for? 🤨 If not they're being idiots and only risking passing on good staff in favour of worse staff that just happen to fit a mental box they have for how coworkers should look. It's like in the supermarkets they throw away perfectly good but "misshapen" fruit and veg simply because people have gotten it into their heads that that affects the quality. 🤦‍♂️ I regularly interview people for work with computers and if I were interviewing you I wouldn't give two hoots about it, simply whether you can do the job, I hope you find there are plenty of others who will judge you on your merits and not unrelated matters.

@SilktheAbsent1

4 жыл бұрын

It doesn't affect my ability to do the job at all. Hell, one of them was in a freaking call center. The interviewer just kept looking at the cane. It's our society, unfortunately. We value uniformity and normalcy, and the norm is not disability. The sad irony is that my injury was from an attack I received while I was a special education teacher. I don't blame the student; they weren't capable of knowing what they were doing.

There's a crack on my phone screen that lines up perfectly with a line on your beautiful accent wall lmao

I think it’s wonderful to ask questions. My dad is an amputee and their neighbors kids love to come over and see his leg. He doesn’t mind at all. He joked from the start. I watch your videos to help him by hearing other stories. Thanks for everything. You are wonderful!! 💗

Jo i thank you again for your post . I always seem to take something out of them , good or bad.i liked your reference to disability as i have come to terms with having a chronic disability but telling people I am ok with it has gotten some people thinking i have given up.i like most people with issues just deal with it every day, which everyone in the world does every day. I really enjoy your work and brand you have built. Ps its great to see you smile .much love. Rohan Melbourne Australia

I know this is an old video but I’ve been binging and this is the first video I’ve ever had an ad that YOU are featured in pop up on your video! So cool!

You mentioned both sports I love, soccer and figure skating. Those aren't things I hear in the same video together :) I love your channel and how you educate people!

Thanks for these videos. I've always wondered about some of these, so a video about common misconceptions and 'common thoughts' is very helpful; life is full of things to learn.

I love that you make jokes! My friend had cancer and made jokes, it lightened the mood.

Hi Jo! I've been an amputee since November 2018, BK left leg. I love your videos and this one in particular. I love it when someone asks about my leg, or lack thereof., especially kids. Kids are curious, and I think it's a great opportunity for me to explain something that looks different or scary to them. I've had many people walk up to me and thank me for my service. I'm in my mid 50's, 6'4 and 250lb. I guess I look like I was in the military, but I was not. I just politely tell them that it was not a military injury and thank them. Sometimes they will ask what happened and I'm more than happy to explain.

Holy crap I was one of your first subscribers and now you have over 143k subs!!! 😱 That's amazing!! Good for you girl! 💖

Hi Jo. As a "fellow" RBK AMPUTEE..... the humor is part of the healing process I believe. My BKA was a "choice" after 6 other minor amputations.... Rt big toe, Left 2nd toe and pining 3rd toe, Rt metatarsal joint, Left remaining 4 toes, Rt remaining 4 toes and then an ulcer on the bottom of my right foot .... all this from 11/14 to 8/18 with BKA 9/17/18. I made the choice to amputate with the help of my foot doctor and a orthopedic surgeon. After all the surgeries and we couldn't find and STOP the infections and problems I said " well to H with it let's just amputate below the knee and be done with it" the 3 of us talked and we decided to go ahead and do that. I have a patch on my prosthetic that reads " I AM NOT DISABLED I AM DIFFERENTLY ABLED." THANKS for your AWESOME and UPBEAT channel. Keep smilin' My family has lovingly called me "stumpy" since the first surgery and my youngest granddaughter calls me "gramma no toes" I LOVE THE NICKNAMES and this year for HALLOWEEN I am going to go as a pirate... I have fashioned a "wooden" overlay to go over my prosthetic and yep I am gonna ROCK the "r" out of being a pirate as I go around with my grandkids trick or treating.

Humor: A friend who had lost his leg in an accident got a car with the registration GNE. He rapidly found out that it stood for (translated) Walk somewhat one legged.

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh haha!! That's amazing

Every time you post a video I am so ready for the best time of my entire day/week! Thank you so much for so much happiness!

I can’t believe it has been that long that I have been watching wow. I just love listen to you talk about anything.

Spot on on the list Jo. I've been a trans metatarsal amputee since 2006, and lost two toes on my left foot in 2006, before the above mentioned amputation. My friends and family, and our sick sense of humor, helped me to adjust to my new normal, and reclaim some of what I lost, and missed from life pre amputation. I have never had a problem with answering questions, when asked. Same with my friend, who is an AKA. Things like that are usually a magnifier, from what we have both seen. If you were a good, kind person before it happened, you still are after, same goes for being a tool, you just tend to become more of one. We are all more than our conditions. The way I put it is this. Yes, Inhave a disability, however, it does not have me. It does not define me, I choose, within my limitations, to defy it. I choose to use it as motivation, to do the same things I have always enjoyed doing. Pain, it depends. Most of the time, no real pain, sometimes, depending on what I did that day, I get phantom pain.

I don't think I've always used this phrasing, but I say "I can only imagine" because it feels better and more accurate to me. Off topic. I love your top! Where did you get it??

My friends make fun of my fake leg a lot and I love it and I make fun of myself too. More than one person has asked to hide booze, etc. I’m never bothered by people. I do not have pain from my amputated leg unless it’s it’s swollen and I need to put it on. I don’t know you, but we will get to know each other thru theses videos n comments. I’m definitely not braver then anyone else just because I’m missing half a leg and fingers.Really glad I found your channel!

I am not an amputee but do deal with chronic pain. A friend of mine just (as in yesterday) had part of her leg amputated as a result of infection. I’ve recommended your channel to her. It has also helped me with things to say, because I know, even meaning nothing bad I’m probably going to put my foot in my mouth at some point

@christinajackson2662

4 жыл бұрын

catsmeowjrk I see what you did there 😂

One thing that happens to more times that I would prefer, is that people will come up and ask me if I’m a “veteran” And for the record I’m not. It makes me somewhat uncomfortable, it makes me feel like I’m letting a complete stranger down cause I didn’t lose my legs to war. My wife is normally with me so I divert the question by saying, I’m not but my wife is. And yes she really is. And even after that they seem to ignore her. Some people will thank her for her service, but the focus still feels like it’s still on me.

I had an accident and managed to cut off the tips of two fingers on my left hand. It's not much, just a quarter inch. While I was sitting in the hospital I made the joke to the nuse, "Oh man, those were my booger picking fingers." She was not amused. Honestly, I thought it was a good joke, but sadly no one seems to find the humor in it.

One I see a lot that I hate is when people ask, "What do you do with the other shoe?" I wear it.

@deniz_dee

4 жыл бұрын

I think it's natural to be curious if they only ever see you without a prosthesis. One of my neighbors is an above the knee amputee and just uses very old school wooden crutches and an electric motorbike. Never really talked to him but he's a bit on the older side so I assume the options were limited and he never bothered to look into medical devices. He definitely doesn't wear the other shoe and has most of his extra pant legs cut off and sewn shut. I could imagine him having the question asked pretty often.

The identity and relationship misconceptions definitely resonate. My wife is blind. That doesn't mean that her blindness defines her identity, or that it defines our marriage.

I was scared if I would ever have a boyfriend as an amputee. I have to say I'm dating a great guy and he doesn't identify me as an amputee but as me and how I am as a person.

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad that you're dating a really great guy, Staci! Aw that makes me happy to hear. I hope things continue well there!

I'm new to the amputee life and my doctor makes me feel like i shouldn't be in pain. Which is not true😔 I also stay in my home a lot due to I don't want the sad voice/face when people talk or look at me. Your videos are so helpful for me. Thank you. P.s maybe a vid on 👖 styles. I don't have my prosthetic yet and i can't figure out what to do with the below the knee empty pant leg. I just order the iwalk which i knew nothing about til i watched your video. So i really appreciate what you do for me as a new Below the knee amputee. Thank you.

@jasonsabbath6996

3 жыл бұрын

Before I got my prosthetic, I just let the pant leg hang. It didn't interfere so I didn't feel the need to do anything. You could always have it pinned up. Also, pants are a pain in the butt to get over your prosthetic at times. I prefer shorts most of the time because it is easier and it helps when you've had the prosthetic on too long and need to take it off for awhile.

Jo, this really helps me understand alot more. I will become an amputee Next month October 2nd. I need to get ready for questions and stares. I am on a knee its been 7 very long years. People stop and ask me what happen because I am also wearing the Cam Cast boot. I cannot wear a shoe because it really hurts my foot really bad. When I tell them that I have been on the knee roller for 7 years they are in disbelief 😱 Now I need to get ready for questions when I have my amputation.

As a bka my thing that bothers me most is not wearing my leg when "the call of nature" comes. It is like, "do I have time to put it on? Do I just go with my walker? Do I,,,". Before bka it was so much simpler, just get up and go. As I get more experience with this, the more things that will challenge me.

I must know where you got that hoodie thing because I love it and I want it!

I appreciate the section about your disability defining you. One of my very best friends in the world is gay. Gay as a Maypole. 6 on the Kinsey Scale. Loves women endlessly, cannot stand men, and calls himself the worst gay on the planet. He also says his gayness is the least interesting thing about him, which I absolutely love and agree with, wholeheartedly. None of us are defined by any one thing about ourselves. We all have a story. We all have layers, loves, interests, drama, trauma, family, friends, and work. Being human is the most interesting thing!

It happens all the time when you live outside your own country. When I say I am from Australia I mostly get "I have been to Australia do you know Tony Smith" only 26 million population!

Thank you for this video Jo! It was very helpful! 😊

@friendlysharkce1831

4 жыл бұрын

The question thing is very specific some ppl love teaching some don't. I know lots of trans ppl (I don't know any disabled ppl other then myself super well) ppl who love teaching because that means ppl learn. I do not. I don't like teaching ppl. I would rather send them to resources online.

Omg I am watching this with my little brothers and when you were talking about strangers not joking about your amputation, he was like "just say stranger danger".

I got a major surgery and humour helped me get thru it!! Laughter is the best medicine, I know it’s clique but it’s true!!

I know we talked about the "can't imagine" bit. But. I aboslutely could not imagine myself surviving as an amputee.. I'm so clutzy and I'm just.. I don't think I would survive without the prewarning from my foot that I missed a step like an idiot. Or not being able to use a hand to help tell my horse what I want, some may manage but I'd probably just get overwhelmed and quite while training... I have mad respect for people that can handle that. I however would be dead and I don't think I could manage to adopt considering I haven't adopted in the almost 21 years of my life that has almost ended several times do to my inability to actually pay attention.

What adaption/aid or just something have you found most helpful during your experience as an amputee. and what did you not find useful/help at all? So, if someone wanted to buy one thing to help them what would you recommend?

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

For me, personally, probably the iWalk....it gave me a lot more mobility back. I was without a prosthesis for about 8 months, and my house doesn't allow for a wheelchair, so I was on crutches all the time. Getting the iWalk was a game changer for me!

@sophiecarter1812

4 жыл бұрын

@@FootlessJo I badly hurt my ankle a couple years ago. I was on crutches for about 6 months. If I ever do that again (highly likely as it is the second time I've done it already. I am very clumbsy. I fell Infront of my boss today infact) I am defo gonna be looking into that.

Thank you jo for your honest understanding you are brilliant you go girl x

I’ve had a very different experience in some ways. As an above knee amputee, I am a very different person than I was pre-amputation. I agree humor is essential, and I welcome questions from anyone. I’ve never been offended by anyone’s question.

You are so inspirational to other amputees. I like your humour as well.

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much Oggies!

With the joke thing, I had a customer where I used to work who had both legs amputated and he liked to make a joke about when it first happened that basically went "who was I supposed to call, 1-800-got-leg?"

you're so inspiring that you make me want to be an amputee just to help others.

Great video! Thank you.

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much, John!

I’m disabled. And I agree with a lot of what you said. I wouldn’t mind someone asking me what’s going on with me so I can educate them, I’d rather be asked than be stared at. Although there’s definitely times when I don’t think I’d be up for 20 questions. And, while my disability is a big part of who I am, it’s far from being everything about me.

Hello! It is I...an amputee! 🙋‍♀️ had me in stitches 🤣🤣

I actually had to write a short thing about myself for my new school and I didn't even mention that I have back problems and massive headaches. So I relate to the one it isn't my whole identity

Dear Jo! Hoping you are well & still coping with the lack of Painkillers. Again CONGRATULATIONS! Meanwhile PLEASE be kind to yourself. As you know, there is nothing wrong with taking medication if it helps you to function. love Steve Holliday

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

You are so kind, Steve! As always, I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you for that important reminder! 😊

Wheels2Walking actually sat outside in his wheelchair holding a sign asking people to ask him questions and he made a video(a few actually) for his channel. It was very educational.

to the 'not asking questions' bit, I saw this guy in the store forever ago, he was an amputee and had a friggin awesome leg that I just really, really wanted to compliment him on, because I mean, he had a really cool leg! (Im talking about the art he had on the prosthetic) but I was too worried I would be over stepping boundaries if I did so-

Yesss. Many times I just want to go into the closet and close the door and scream. Then I open the door and go make lunch. I let myself do that.

Jokes do help…my first leg was a pin system and I was always accidentally hitting the button and losing it. I went into class one day frustrated and told everyone I had just run over my leg. They were horrified. I just said “ don’t worry, it didn’t hurt.😀”

I love your sweater !

I started my children young we watched a tv show that had a deaf group. My son is very curious about what other people life's are like. I made sure very young they may look different than we do but nothing is "wrong" with them. It is normal to be uneducated about things but do not say oh what is wrong with her? One huge ask the person if they can't not speak that's fine the person with them can answer I still keep eye contact with them. Obviously ppl with missing limbs can speak but some others look like they may not be able to talk if your haven a convo with them look and talk to them not at them or "above" them. TWO if your curious and want to learn, ask, excuse me can I ask what your diagnosed with? I enjoy learning. My son was maybe 2 yrs old, we have a mixed race family, this very dark man came into gas station and my son walked up and proudly said, " Excuse me sir!" Man didn't seem to happy. Son says, " Your skin is so much better than mine and my uncle jeff's" uncle Jeff is a black uncle of his. I was petrified!!!!! 😦 Never know what people will get mad about. Btw my son is 11yrs old now. The very tall Black man said thank you so much! Looked at me and said way to go mom! I said what? What do u mean? He said he sees we are different and doesn't care and was honest and confident enough to tell me. Sorry I know these are long. We were at a Walmart and a husband and wife were in the next Check out she had been burnt VERY badly!!!! I'd say over 90% the two older (25-30yrs old) was talking about how "nasty she looks" my son was in k-garden. Walks about the cart and says excuse me? She didn't say anything and husband was cashing out so he didn't hear he took a step back, and said excuse me sir?? Can she hear me? They lady we blind, so she had no clue my son was speaking to her. She turns her head and spoke but her chin was scared to her chest so not the easiest to understand. The husband says yes she can but she can't see you are saying excuse me to her. My son said I just wanted to see if you need help with your bag or just say hello, have a nice night to you. I was standing with him kind of looking at the ole man to read him? I looked down a tear was going down her check. I said I am so sorry mam!!!! Have a good night sorry to bother you. She stoped me and started speaking again. He said that she said, she loves children and only had one of her own which can not have children. She said my son was the 1st person to speak to her as she feels on the inside instead of the out side. But she said I am sure I am scary looking a doctor told her once she had worse burns than Freddy. Which alone is awful!!!!! My son touched her hand and said I see what you are on the inside too. Just a nice lady. The ladies that were in line behind us looked soooo shocked I don't know if he heard them or not but he really taught them a lesson. The one looked like she was about to crap her pants. I love him so much

Jo do you know what Charcot foot is? I have a below the knee amputation also. It was a long 2 years of infection. But I developed the Charcot foot in my good foot. It’s from my neuropathy and bouncing around on it while keeping off my now BTK. I wonder how many people young or old get Charcot foot?

I also think we should talk to the kids when they stare. I think they won’t be scared by us when we tell them a short story about it. I lived across the hall from a guy who lost both of his arms in Vietnam. I was scared as hell every time I saw him. But he invited me over with my sister to play Jacks.......... Just kidding! Lunch and he told us we could ask him about it. Wasn’t scared anymore once it was explained to me. Good video kiddo!

Hi! Thank you for posting these videos. here I come with a somewhat weird question. Can an amputee wear high heels if uses a bionic leg?

JO, I just lost my leg 34 days ago and are at the healing stage of my journey. What is the model of your leg? It looks like a OSSUR. Either way how do you like it for everyday walking over mixed terrain? Is it waterproof and chlorine and salt water proof? Thanks for all your vids! I dig them totally? Muchos Gracias from Texas!

I’m visually impaired and use a cane. I completely agree about the kids thing: I hear kids asking their parents about it and they shush their children. It’s sad

In the past I've had a math tutor who was missing a hand. And I only noticed after like 2 or 3 sessions of tutoring. I guess I was focussing on learning the content more than on the person. I never asked questions about it because I felt like it was too late to ask questions. Is there such a thing as "too late" or was I just being silly?

Do you ever feel you made a bad choice by amputate your leg. I also went through the same thing. Im still deciding if i should amputate

I am someone who is naturally short (height 4'10"), so I have to use stools and often get perceived as younger than I am. I am a little self conscious of this, but because of my height being there my whole life it's something I've had to deal with. My only wish is that it isn't the only thing people see about me when they meet me. I also am on the autism spectrum. There is a lot of negative stereotyping about autism, but in a way being high functioning has put me at sort of a bridge point where I can understand those who may be nonverbal or lower functioning in that they are just as human as everyone else, and in fact oftentimes those I've met who are on the lower functioning end of the spectrum are among the sweetest people I've ever met! However, I also know there are those who do not understand I am human like them, too, that I'm not an idiot like most would assume because I'm on the spectrum, so I don't bring it up unless it's something that person needs to know about me.

I am a RBK amputee, have been since 1983. I pretty much agree with what have to say in this video. I have many things in common with you such as my wife knew me when I had two legs. But having watched some of your videos we do many things as amputees very different. I put my pants on the top of my leg you put yours on the bottom over the foot. I see you dealing with issues as a new amputee that I went through many years ago. Doctors and Prosthetist don't know what it's like to wear your leg. As a new amputee you have a lot of soft tissue and have to deal with shrinkage and swelling making a good fit difficult to maintain. When observing your leg keep an open mind the problem you have today may be very different than the one you have tomorrow.

I’m sorry if this comes off weird but, does missing your leg make driving harder? I don’t know anything about driving so idk, I’m just wondering

my brother makes fun of how short i am im 5' 2" now he says im even a foot shorter lmao, yeah it makes the struggle esier

Good evening. My name is Ayeni Olutunde and l live in Guyana South America. I am a bilateral amputee.i look at many of your videos and like them . They are old and I am late but plz read and reply . Thankyou

There are actually time's when not saying anything is a lot like saying the wrong thing. For those of us who are different we can see it on your face when you want to say or ask something.

While at work a lady i saw had an amputated leg and it was colored kind of like the wall that's behind you and I really wanted to say I like your leg ... I thought it was really cool how it was colored also the colors on it were really pretty ...but I didn't know if that would be weird not. What do u think?

Yes, perhaps not a hero but Jo you are an excellent role model.

Wish i could sit down and ask questions. I've watched most of your videos. And sti so many questions. Did your family support you with your choice

As a person with autism people ask questions and at first they are nervous but i don't mind it curiosity is good It's not a disability it's a different kind of ability

As an autistic person, autism is a HUGE part of my identity because it affects literally every part of my life and who I am. If I wasn’t autistic, I wouldn’t be me. Autism affects my perception, use of language, the way my thoughts work, relationships, communication, religion and spirituality, hobbies, needs, preferences, gender, sexuality, emotions, and much much more. I was born with autism (as all autistic people are) and it is inseparably intertwined with my very being. (Disclaimer: this is not to say that every single autistic person has autism as such a big part of their identity, or that everything I listed is affected by autism for everyone. This is just my personal perspective and experience.)

Nerve pain is the worst. I have my feet so I am the unseen. I am very slow at walking. I'm disabled and live with chronic pain but it's silent. Maybe amputation would be better. 💖💖💖

what would be your reaction to being called a cyborg? (only curious, I do not mean offence)

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

People say that fairly often! 😂 I think its hilarious!

@jasonsabbath6996

3 жыл бұрын

I've been told I have a robot leg and have also heard the cyborg line. It's funny!

Hey jo i agree with you jokes are the best but only when there said by people you know like one of my friend is really good at art and she drew the rest if my finger ( it was bitten of my a rabbit ) in the back if my maths jotter as a joke and the full class had couldn't stop laughing 😂

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

I totally agree - I love humor, BUT generally only when it is coming from people who actually know me!

With the first one I would only say that bc we think it must be hard getting used and things like that when I hear people say that about amputees I think it means you must be strong for having to go through something like that

Jo, do your coffee beans a favor and get a burr grinder! Your afternoon cup will be even better!

@FootlessJo

4 жыл бұрын

Oooo I'll have to look into that!!

Ok you got me never heard of that coffee before

Ty

Lmao hahaha No I haven't gotten that yet. I am told to start a channel such as yours and that my story is different than your or anyone else. But I started one about helping people with their dogs or cats since I am a dog and cats groomer. What do you think? I am so frustrated with my sleeves and I feel like my skin is burning and I found welts.. I have been trouble with my socket fitting. I had no idea I should feel that suction feeling. I thought my prostetic guy should have told me and didn't. I am supposed to move to the Midwest and now I don't know if I can get it all done when I needed to arggg..

Hmm. We need to get you a good burr grinder. It will help make the grounds much more even and give you a more pleasant tasting experience.

I saw a live show of a german comedian a while ago (last year at some point, I don't remember his name at the moment.. Chris something I think🤔😂) and he mentioned how disabled people thank him for including them in his shows/that he jokes about them too and I absolutely agree, especially when it's a comedian performing, it's not about making fun of people to hurt them it's to make them laugh, even those that the joke is about and if a comedian only makes fun of people who aren't disabled and who don't look like they are from a foreign country etc, people aren't gonna like that because they'd feel left out. (I'm not the best at describing things like that but I hope you understand what I mean😂 I also don't remember exactly what he said so it's all paraphrasing 😂)

I'm not an amputee. But I have a visible disability, well, several of them actually. And I'm adopted too, which is something that generates a lot of curiosity. Personally, as long as someone is polite about it, I will gladly answer any questions. I'm not easily offended, so far in 24 years I've never had any question that bothered me if asked nicely. That's the only thing for me, just be nice about it. Even if it doesn't come out the best way, but you meant it with good intentions, that's totally fine. I will take a second to explain that hey, thats not the best way to ask that, it may be taken the wrong way, try wording it like this next time. But I still answer because I would rather people ask and learn than have incorrect and often problematic or hurtful assumptions. That's especially true with kids. And I'll tell their parents exactly that when they're like omg I'm so sorry. I know not everyone with a disability or really anything different about them will be so laid back and honest about it, they might not want to answer questions and that's ok too, but I am hoping that by answering these questions, especially when it comes to kids, that they will leave with a little more knowledge and a little more understanding, so that maybe, just maybe, they will be nicer to others like me so someone else won't be bullied like I was

Please call me disabled over some weird euphemism, and don't act defensive or argumentative if I use that word to describe myself. I'm not 100% disabled and it doesn't define my character, but I'm disabled. I hate "differently abled."