The Day I Became An Amputee: 4 Years Later

Thank you for joining me for this anniversary video! 💜 And, thanks again to Bright Cellars for sponsoring this video and for the limited time offer! Click here bit.ly/BrightCellarsFootlessJo to get 50% off your first 6 bottle box

Mad respect. I was born with a deformed arm. So I grew up with it. ( Yeah my parents knew I was going to get picked on, so I was in Judo since I was 6 ) When I was born the doctors wanted to cut my natural hook off and Give me a metal hook. my parents asked me when I was about 5 years old and I said no that would make me handicapped. Run what you brung🤟 My daughter and I have a couple blacksmith videos up. Yes I am and have my own blacksmith shop. They call me Nemo.( lol no joke) Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do anything

I had a conversation with my wife as I pursue my own amputation (such a weird thing to say), and said, “It’s insane that I have to cut off my foot to be able to walk the dogs without horrible pain.” The simple daily life things are so missed. You are right that you should do the things you can while you can. You never know how long you will be able to. Nothing is guaranteed. Years ago after knee replacement, I celebrated by getting a skateboard. My best friend questioned the rationale of such an activity at 50 and a litany of injuries. My response was, “I ain’t dead yet so I gotta live.” I hope the coming year brings you many new things, happiness, and continued healing.

Got in a accident and broke both tibia’s one got infected which led to a below knee amputation. Can’t wait till I’m out of the wheelchair and thriving like you are! I have mad respect for you! You motivate me honestly. Thank you

So glad you could accomplish so many of your goals! Also, a lot of people have said it, but everyone should remember that there is NOTHING WEIRD about using a wheelchair, going for a run/snowboarding/whatever, and then immediately sitting back down in your wheelchair. It gives you time to rest so that you have the ability to do the fun stuff!

I like what you said, "do it while you can, because this won't last forever." It's been really hard to let go of things I can no longer do, but I'm glad I did as much as I could while I could.

Happy Anniversary to you Jo. It's weird that it's been 3 1/2 years since I became an amputee and I have followed you for almost that long. Watching you deal with things associated with your amputation has helped me deal with my own; the only difference is that I HAD to have an amputation, otherwise I would have died. I am glad I found your channel and I am also glad you created this channel. Believe it or not you, in a weird way, have made me feel that it's okay to not be okay, to not be normal, to not conform to other's view of what you are supposed to feel. My journey has been filled with ups and downs, with joy and pain, but as much as I was not a fan of amputation prior to my own it actually was the absolute best thing for me. Please keep doing what you do and I will continue to keep watching this channel and looking to you for inspiration. Thank you Footless Jo.

Wow can’t believe it’s already been 4 years! Been here since the early days of this channel and it’s crazy how you’ve grown. Good luck on your ventures going forward!

It's a common thing to make ourselves look better than we are. Don't feel bad. You started an adventure and you haven't given up. Thanks for letting us see your progress. Wish you the best.

I am 8 weeks into my left leg below knee amputation. I'm 62 yrs old and currently waiting for my first socket and foot fitting in a couple of weeks. As a lifelong active person, I've had waaaay tooo much time to consider how my life will change. I just want to thankyou for all of these videos. I have learned so much from you and know positive thinking is key. Please keep going with these, you have no idea how many of us have been blessed with your candor and insight. THANKYOU AND GOD BLESS...

Happy anniversary! As someone relatively new to your channel, it's so cool to see you intentionally go through your older videos and consider how you've changed 💚

I'm a LBKA since 2011, Never give into the pain, find the right doctor even if it takes multiple times they are human and not all knowing. I have taught many doctors and others in the medical field humility at my cost. Had my 4th surgery all four while awake to give feedback, it was interesting to watch and photo and video some of it myself. BUT finally free from horrible pain since 2001 when my accident first occurred. Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston did a case study on my issue because of how rare the condition was. I'm an optimist and have always been able to get through the bad times so do whatever you need to do to stay strong and optimistic. Anyone thinking of having an amputation please visit a Prosthetist months before your surgery if possible even if your in the hospital ask to see one they will make the trip into the hospital to have a discussion with you! Good luck Jo with your next surgery!

Hello 4 years ago you started this channel that is so long and you have growed this channel so fast!

I’d love to learn how you found your way back to jujitsu. I remember years ago, you decided it wasn’t safe as an amputee and you were really sad about it. Did you find someone who does adaptive jujitsu? Im also curious about how your nerve pain has changed over the last few years. I know you’ve always had pain. Is there something that caused it to spike? It’s so nice to see you genuinely proud of your accomplishments. More importantly, you seem to recognize your level of emotional resilience over the years.

My husband is a winemaker and I used to be before my accident that left me in a wheelchair full time 8 years ago... Anyway, if you ever get to the Central Coast of California and want to learn more we would love to teach you. He is a fantastic educator!!! We can show you around the vineyard and teach you how to taste wine and help you figure out what you like and what you don't! I have been following you since first chop and think you are fabulous!!!

Wow 4 years it doesn't seem that long ago it has been 4 yrs that i had s stroke almost killed me you are truly an inspiration to everyone

Wow, thanks for this update. I am having my surgery on Friday, left AKA. Rollercoaster of emotions but definitely the right thing for me to do. I want my life back. I am ready as I can be to tackle the obstacles ahead and “get back upon my 2 feet!” 😀👍🏻😏😂🤪😔😖😟😳

Congrats on 4 years of progress you are an inspiration not just to amputees but to all of us keep up your positivity and attitude 👍👍

New Subscriber here and happy anniversary. I love your positive attitude, learning to accept your body especially after a traumatic event that leaves you with a disability is so hard but so important for mental recovery. I’ve been an amputee for 21 years now, accepting my body for what it was and is now was the toughest hurdle for me. Looking forward to following along with your journey.

It has been that long already?! Wow, time flies. So much has happened in that time yet it still feels like yesterday I found this channel. I am so happy you got to this point and had the opportunity to do so many things on your list. Here's to achieving all the other things you want to achieve! I'll be rooting for you