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My new challenge ,

Ushthetaff

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,130
Location
Scotland
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Mountain out of mole hill makers ,queues , crowds , shopping on a Saturday hmm just shopping I guess no matter what day it is
Well it’s finally happened , last Tuesday I officially became “ legless “ without any alcohol.lol, as many of you know, I have been a below knee amputee for about 11 years. On Tuesday, I had my other leg amputated below the knee.. I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me. I am totally up for the new challenge and I’m looking forward to it. It will take quite a bit of change but I am totally prepared for all the good and bad times that I will have I have always had a very positive attitude and it just helped me all my life already. On day one I have managed to be independent in transferring from bed to wheelchair to toilet, which was something I wanted to do no bed pans for me lol
It’s going to be a long journey, and from the start, I will say having both legs amputated below the knee it will NOT stop me walking without sticks. I am writing this to try and make people realise that no matter how bad it gets a positive attitude will help you you achieve anything.
I will keep you informed how I’m getting on,I’m thinking of getting the prosthetic dept to make me longer legs always fancied being a bit taller lol
 
I love your attitude. Wishing you all the best. That's great that your already managing to get yourself up and about. Take care.
 
Your positive attitude has always filled me with admiration @Ushthetaff . As you say, why not go for a height increase, though I guess that has the disadvantage that you'd need to re-hem all your trousers?

I'm sorry that you're having to face this new challenge, but I feel sure that you will rise to it, and your brilliant example is fantastic for those of us who may be facing our own health difficulties.

I send you my best wishes and admiration.
 
You are an inspiration, an example to all. I love your courage and attitude. My heart and soul is with you.
 
Lots of positives , managed to get myself into the shower without much of a problem. Feeling really pleased the way things are progressing like all challenges have to celebrate positives no matter how small. I must say treatment has come on leaps and bounds in the 11 years since my first amputation.My bandages were removed after 3 days and replaced with self adhesive dressings, basically plasters. right now, I’m self-medicating, i’m managing to wash dress myself without any assistance. I am doing exercises in bed and going in my wheelchair to the entrance of the hospital which is a fair distance from the ward. It is such a difference from the last time I had an amputation. i’m getting really good feedback from all the nurses and the doctors, and they all agree that being positive is a massive factor to a quick recovery.
To anybody who is going through challenges of their own please celebrate any successes no matter how small, because they all add up eventually to large improvements
 
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Hi @Ushthetaff , I'm very happy to hear that your operation went well and recovery seems to be going very smooth as well!
Will adjustments to your house need to be done before you can go home or can you use everything as it is? And the new leg you'll be getting, will it be the same type you already have or will you go with two different designs?
 
I take my hat off to you. A prime example of a patient with real challenges who never moans. All the very best.
 
Fairygodmother said:
A lesson for us all: if you can be so cheerfully hopeful, the rest of us need to be more Ushthetaff.
Go well, stay good, and don’t go shopping.
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The word "ushthetaff" should be adopted as an adjective!
 
I’ve already know what I’m getting , I have the Welsh flag on my original prosthetic , my new one will have the Scottish Saltire as I’m proud to be both Welsh and Scottish
 
Glad the op went well @Ushthetaff you are definitely an inspiration on how to deal with a hand you’ve been dealt, I’m sure your attitude will result in many more years of a good life. But also know there’s a strength in allowing yourself down days & days to process things

Edited because auto correct kept altering your name
 
Ushthetaff said:
I’ve already know what I’m getting , I have the Welsh flag on my original prosthetic , my new one will have the Scottish Saltire as I’m proud to be both Welsh and Scottish
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I told my friend about your legs and predicted you'd go for two different legs, I love your choice of design!
If everything keeps going according to plan, how long before you'll be able to start practicing with the new leg?
 
Antje77 said:
I told my friend about your legs and predicted you'd go for two different legs, I love your choice of design!
If everything keeps going according to plan, how long before you'll be able to start practicing with the new leg?
Click to expand...
Antje77 said:
I told my friend about your legs and predicted you'd go for two different legs, I love your choice of design!
If everything keeps going according to plan, how long before you'll be able to start practicing with the new leg?
Click to expand...
Well I know when I had my original leg off I walked without crutches about 10 days after I was given my prosthetic , I think it’ll take a bit longer this time but it will happen once I’m sorted I’ll post some pics
 
Absolute respect @Ushthetaff - your attitude is amazing, I can relate a story I heard yesterday from a friend ex military who knew a guy who'd lost him arm in combat and had to deal with an overly sympathetic mother, so he became full of woe and self pity, he was sent for rehabilitation and was met by a triple amputee with a positive mindset who simply told him that there were far worse things that could happen and in demonstrating this attitude that turned his mindset and his self pity went. It is like anything in life, we have to use positivity and resilience to overcome the obstacles and not let us ourselves squander in pity as nothing is achieved otherwise.

I second the comment above about coaching others with this mindset, sending you my best wishes for a good recovery.
 
At this rate you'll be fitted with blades, and run/bounce the London marathon next year. I wouldn't put it past you.

Seriously... You're amazing. And I hope you'll heal lightning-fast.
 
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