Yep, my amputation happened last June!

So guess who’s celebrating their one year “ampuversary“? 

That’s right, it’s me, the proud owner of finally shrinking residual limb and a prosthesis that I’m getting more and more used to every day! 

And what whirlwind journey this year has been – filled with highs, lows, and enough phantom pain to make many, many days…not fun (understatement, obviously). 

I have learned SO MUCH this year about the world of amputation and limb difference, physical therapy, and the colorful community that comes with it. 

The Highs

Let’s start with the undeniable highlight of my “ampuversary”: bidding farewell to a limb that was about as useful as a concrete parachute. Trust me – the amputation itself was a liberating experience. Who needs a disobedient limb when you can embrace the freedom of prosthetics and move on like a sleek(ish) cyborg?

But wait, there’s more! 

Enter the amputation and limb difference community, an amazing tribe of folks who redefine the term “unique.” Connecting with this incredible bunch has been a 100% game-changer.

And let’s not forget the unsung heroes of my journey: physical therapists. These marvelous, patient beings have put me through so many exercises, pushed me to my limits, cheered me on when my prosthetic decided to have a mind of its own, and were (and are) hands down amazing. Hats (and prosthetics, if I’m seated) off to them!

The Lows

Phantom pain. It’s the worst. When I’ve been super low, it’s because of the phantom pain.

Physical therapy, while great, is taking way longer than expected. 

Watching amputee posts on Tik Tok and Instagram (yes, yes, I know) made me think I’d be doing backflips within a week, but reality (not often showing up on the socials) had other plans. Turns out, working to turn on muscles that haven’t moved in decades and learning to walk without a cane are more marathon-y than sprint-y. But hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so…patience.

Resetting Goals and Staying Mentally Focused

As I celebrate this “ampuversary,” I’m hitting that reset button like a pro gamer. Goals, schmoals! I’m crafting new ones, daring to dream big, and embracing the power of a positive mindset. And where do I find the strength to stay mentally focused? In the amputation community and, of course, and my family. They’ve been my cheerleaders, my confidants, and the motivation I’ve needed to keep pushing forward.

Yay for the first 365 days!

So, here we are, one year into this…interesting journey. My “ampuversary” has been a whirlwind of triumphs, setbacks, and enough phantom pain to last me multiple lifetimes. But through it all, I’ve learned to find humor in the chaos, support in some unexpected places, and the resilience to keep dancing (Wobble, anyone?) even when the phantom pain rears its stupid head. Cheers to the “ampuversary” and to triumphing over adversity!

Remember, folks, no matter the obstacles life throws our way, let’s embrace the journey with a smirk, a dash of sarcasm, and a heart full of resilience.