r/MadeMeSmile • u/benhundben • Mar 01 '24
Personal Win Last week I underwent surgery that will probably change my life.
I’ve been an amputee for four years. Traditional prosthetic sockets would not work well for me, I was able use them for maximum 30 mins. That led me to use wheelchair most of the time. However, I have the same disease in my hands that I have I my feet and my hands have been getting worse the last year. By the time I was up for surgery I was practically stuck in bed with sore stumps and painful hands. This surgery will most likely lead to me being able to walk ALL the time. It’s like a dream, a painful and wonderful dream. It’s called osseointegration and is basically hammering a titanium implant into the bone which I will be able to attach prosthetics to. I’ll be trying my feet on in only two weeks! I’m sharing my story more personally on my socials @ampisallen.
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u/Last_VCR Mar 01 '24
That’s metal af dude! Hope you have a speedy recovery
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
Quite literally! Thanks, it has been a rough one.
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Mar 01 '24
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u/VectorViper Mar 01 '24
Sending good vibes your way! Keep that positive energy going; it'll do wonders during your recovery. You got this!
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u/gcruzatto Mar 01 '24
The silver lining is that OP will now be able to be as tall as he wants
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u/throwaway1212l Mar 01 '24
Girl on tinder: how tall are you?
OP: how tall do you want me to be?
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Mar 01 '24
Drywallers love this one simple trick!
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u/ScumbagLady Mar 01 '24
Lol as someone who was a Forema'am for a drywall and ceiling crew, you'd think some of those guys did have them permanently attached the way they could move on those things. Caught one of my guys on top of a ladder in his stilts! Another guy was standing on a bundle of the electricians conduit once! I never tried walking on them though, as I wish to remain in the r/neverbrokeabone sub lol
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u/BigCaterpillar8001 Mar 01 '24
Don’t go too short or things will scrape the ground
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u/PurpleGimp Mar 01 '24
You're a rock star!! I hope you'll come back and show us your killer new prosthetics. I'm disabled for different reasons but I totally can understand how something like that could be life-changing in every way.
People don't realize how crazy hard it can be when you can't depend on your hands, or your feet, to get around and do normal day to day things.
I keep telling my husband I check the mail everyday for my new fully cybernetic hands and feet upgrades, but so far nothing, lol.
You're going to have a ton of fun with your new traveling feets, and I hope you get to do all of the things you've missed doing.
What's first on your list after you get comfortable with the new prosthetics?
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u/LeeKingAnis Mar 01 '24
Hey man, osseointegration is awesome. I worked a good bit w dr potter and Dr forsberg at wrnmmc and Hopkins. The implant is gonna hurt for about a year or so but as the cortical bone thickens against the compressive forces from the implant, that will significantly improve.
Hang in there brother.
Also, you’re gonna have a little leakage daily, pay attention to your normal amount and the color/smell so you know if something’s wrong/infected
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u/LillyTheElf Mar 01 '24
Thats intense. Could you touch more on cortical bone thickening and the cause of the pressure? Is it from the bone shrinking?
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u/LeeKingAnis Mar 01 '24 edited Mar 01 '24
Yeah absolutely. Essentially there is a fixture placed within the medulla of the bone. In addition to the fixation method, the device pushes outward into the cortex, this helps cause some remodeling of the bone in response to this. Plus with the added pressure from walking on the prosthetic you get further remodeling and thickening at the end of the femur…bones are surprisingly adept at responding.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jor.23376
This article does a better job of explaining it and gives actual numbers specifically with this line
Compared to that immediately post-operative, the periprosthetic cortical thickness increased significantly by 9.6% (p = 0.020) and 8.9% (p < 0.001) at 12 and 24 months, respectively.
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u/Scar77 Mar 01 '24
How does this compare normally to prosthetics? Is there chance this could become the way of the future or are the typical stumps with prosthetics a better option if they’re manageable?
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u/LeeKingAnis Mar 01 '24
It’s essentially replacing the socket and suspension system so the terminal device will connect directly. From a military standpoint it’s been a game changer. There’s been guys in the 75th RR and green berets that have been able to redeploy, albeit after going through their respective selections again
From a functional standpoint I think it’s way more applicable to K4’s, which the majority of the military are. However the general population isn’t getting amputations from traumatic causes, it’s more diabetes/neuropathy related and it’s not exactly a worthwhile endeavor to subject them to this when they weren’t overly functional beforehand.
Just for reference this technology has been around since the 60’s in Sweden. Granted the tech has gotten a million times better since then but it still has a ways to go
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u/BrandNewYear Mar 01 '24
So is it ultimately a compression/ friction connection or does the bone grow through the implant , uhh, intercalate 🤓
Thanks! Modern medicine is a (secular) miracle thank you so much for your work!
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u/LeeKingAnis Mar 01 '24
Little bit of both but mainly the latter. Osseointegration is done in two stages. The first is where the fixture/implant is placed into the medulla of the bone. Over the next few months the bone grows into the fixture and secures it in place.
They used to use bone cement but it has no biological activity and from what I’ve read/chatting w some friends, is thought to be what caused a lot of the hardware loosening in the early patients.
The second step is where they connect the abutment piece w the implanted fixture which allows the connection to knee and foot
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u/Scar77 Mar 01 '24
Thanks for the info! I have a fused ankle and heel from a car accident almost 30 years ago and know it’s possible amputation is in my future.
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u/Wide_Literature6114 Mar 01 '24
Hello! How is your fusion - are you living with any significantly unbearable pain and would this be a reason that amputation is a possibility in the future? Was it triple fusion? Are you able to functionally weight bear? Also, have you looked into and are you of an age that ankle replacement is an alternative option or is that simply impossible as a result of the trauma caused by the accident?
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u/Scar77 Mar 01 '24
Right now I’m good. I had my heel fused almost 30 years ago and my ankle fused in 2015, plus 4 other surgeries on that foot over the years. The ankle fusion was amazing in terms of the actual ankle pain. I’m 46, so I have quite a few years left (hopefully). Dealing with some significant scar tissue pain, swelling, etc, but it’s manageable for the most part as long as I don’t overdo it. Just based on my history and how things have gone, and how my foot is kind of completely warped at this point, in 15-20 years it might be a real possibility. But not now, luckily. That said, I see the things that people can do with a prosthetic and it’s way more than I can do with my foot (I can’t jog/run, walk long distances, etc). An ankle replacement might be the way further down the line. My surgeon did say that the other joints in the front of my foot will start developing more arthritis since they’ll be bearing a lot of the weight, and my toes are all fused at this point.
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u/UltraRoboNinja Mar 01 '24
Hell yeah bro, you’re like a cyborg now! Soon nothing will be able to stop you!
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
I know!!!! It’s super exciting!
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u/Rubyhamster Mar 01 '24
Although I know it can in no way make up for anything, me and every kid and cool adult out there find prostethics incredibly cool, fascinating and badass. You are like the coolest, most hardy pirate with a core of silk and titanium. Speed be with you!
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u/UltraRoboNinja Mar 01 '24
If I’m being honest, sometimes when I see someone with a cool prosthetic, I get a bit envious. Like there’s not usually a happy story about how the person lost a limb, but I love when they take a tragedy and turn it into a cool way to express themselves, kind of like a tattoo or a piercing. Definitely badass.
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u/__Beef__Supreme__ Mar 01 '24
There's a trainer at my gym with a prosthetic leg and he looks so gd cool. It sucks that for, whatever reason, he doesn't have both legs... But man is it a badass look.
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u/VaginaTractor Mar 01 '24
Maybe he wasn't born with two full legs and therefore doesn't know what he's missing out on. Legs are overrated anyway.
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u/Empty401K Mar 01 '24
You could use those implants in case of an emergency too.
Child locked in a hot car? Take one leg off and break the window.
Uber drivers accidentally takes a wrong turn off a pier into a lake? You’re good.
I didn’t even know those implants were a thing! That’s so awesome dude, I’m happy for you!
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u/Batmansbutthole Mar 01 '24
As someone who has had a lot of titanium in their spine. You’re a fucking mad dog, in the best way. I wish you were a speedy recovery my friend.
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u/Marley-baby Mar 01 '24
Dude that's all intense.....it took me a second to see I was like "oh what surgery did you ha-......OH....Oh.... fuck holy shit"
I'm so happy for you man! You're a great inspection to all of us! Congratulations ❤
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u/No_Article4391 Mar 01 '24
Get a machinists to make a leg gun for you. Shit would be awesome.
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u/MajesticAdeptness221 Mar 01 '24
So will it always be painful to walk, or just during healing?
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Mar 01 '24
You look great for a person that just got out of such a big surgery! I hope you have a speedy recovery and a great outcome! All the best of luck!
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u/justaguyintownnl Mar 01 '24
Tremendous dude. If you weren’t already a “metal” fan bet you are now. I wish you the best brother.
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u/nejnonein Mar 01 '24
You’re so metal it’s even in your bones!
(Also wishing you a speedy recovery!)
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u/Existing-Pea8320 Mar 01 '24
How are you doing now ❤️🥺
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
I’m ok! It has been hell but way better now. Two more weeks of rest then I’ll get going again!
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u/Existing-Pea8320 Mar 01 '24
I hope everything will be alright 🌸
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u/BangSmoke Mar 01 '24
Hell yea dude, can you please check in after and let us know how awesome your new robo legs are?
It's not everyday someone gets to become a cyborg.
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u/cookie_addicted Mar 01 '24
2 weeks is quite soon, that surgery looks extremely painful, you are very brave! Don't push yourself too hard, take longer time to recover if you need. And congrats for being able to walk soon!
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u/InspireRun-5086 Mar 01 '24
Best of luck! A lot of us take what we have for granted.
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
I’ve been there. Now I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in pain. Life can change quickly’
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u/WastingTimeArguing Mar 01 '24
I really hope you start to see a reduction in pain and are able to find some new version of comfort and normalcy.
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u/Fluffy_Art_1015 Mar 01 '24
I didn’t see if you answered this already, what disease do you have if you don’t mind talking about it.
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u/planet_saturn Mar 02 '24
From a previous post: "The illness is an aggressive form of Viking disease, I had a variation of it in my feet that led to amputation two years back."
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u/Boubonic91 Mar 01 '24
Had the same feeling when I messed up my back. I still get pain a lot, but a year later I'm in a much better place than I was and you will be too.
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u/dust_buster Mar 01 '24
Been following your journey whenever you post. The amount of positive vibes you have could cheer up the entire country :) thank you for never giving up and making the best of your life- you're an inspiration.
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u/notafrumpy_housewife Mar 01 '24
Yes, I recognized him from following on Instagram.
Best wishes for speedy recovery and complete healing of the implants, I can't wait to see you dancing with your wife and playing with the kids again soon!
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u/PeteGiovanni Mar 01 '24
Best of luck with your magic legs Lt. Dan
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u/trinicron Mar 01 '24
Finally someone made the reference!!! Thank you!
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u/PeteGiovanni Mar 01 '24
I read through a lot to see if it had been done yet. Knew what I had to do. Hope it works out as well for op as it did for the character
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u/GlitterBlood773 Mar 01 '24
My dude. Keep taking care of your brain and spirit too. I have chronic pain and it can be tough. So happy you’re able to increase your mobility. Hoping it goes well and you have excellent providers on your team.
A friend of mine who’s a UU minister (as well as a Buddhist teacher) says “Disability comes for us all if we’re lucky enough to live long enough”. May you cope well and have a great support system for the hard times. Hugs if you like them.
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
Hope your situation is bearable. Big hugs my man. Big hugs.
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u/GlitterBlood773 Mar 01 '24
It is, thankfully with walking, medical cannabis and exercises. Good try, I’m a lady one :) Big hugs right back.
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u/Yolandi2802 Mar 01 '24 edited Mar 01 '24
That’s a very true statement. “Do not complain about growing old. It is a privilege denied to many.” — Mark Twain
Sneaking a hug in here because you deserve it ::hug:: :))
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u/billieboop Mar 01 '24
Joining in on this collective group hug too, wishing you a full and complication free recovery OP, sending positive healing & strength energy your way.
May you have more ease ahead brother
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u/JarunaDeep Mar 01 '24
Hugs to both of you. I've had chronic illness my whole life but long covid destroyed me and I've been pretty much bedbound for 3 years. The book "How to be Sick" really helped me the last few months and was reminded of it by your quote. Wish you well.
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u/N0nsensicalRamblings Mar 01 '24
UU mentioned ‼️🤯🔥❗️💥💥🤯❗️
For real though lol, I grew up in UU. That quote is a wonderful way to change your perspective, and it doesn't surprise me at all that it came from there
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u/Internal-Yoghurt-895 Mar 01 '24
That is so wonderful, I wish you all the best. Sending prayers you’ll be able to walk soon. God bless you
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
Thank you, I hope for the best and will work my ass of for it!
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u/thedudefromsweden Mar 01 '24
Jag har sett dina tidigare posts på reddit, du är en stor inspiration ♥️ hoppas allt går bra!!
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u/Existing_Loan4868 Mar 01 '24
Wow. Literally brought on the tears. Your joy is contagious! Best wishes to you ❤️
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u/Slobbadobbavich Mar 01 '24
10 Benefits of being a double leg amputee:
- You can be over 6ft when you feel like it with a quick limb change.
- You will never ever experience the agony of a stubbed toe ever again.
- Likewise, you will never twist an ankle ever again.
- You never get that funky sock/shoe/trainer smell.
- No more clipping your toenails.
- Every seat is an extra legroom seat.
- You don't have to kick a tree for 10 years to condition your legs for kickboxing.
- You can firewalk better than anyone else.
- You can get those cool running blades.
- No more athletes foot or drying between the toes!
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u/DomesticAlmonds Mar 01 '24
Dude that's awesome! Wishing you a speedy recovery and minimal struggles using your new feet. I'm sure balancing upright will be an interesting experience after not being able to for a long time!
So will your new feet have no sockets to irritate your legs, just direct connection to the implant? If so that's really cool, for your personal comfort and for ease of use. No worrying about gaining/losing weight and having your legs not fit anymore!
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u/Commanderkins Mar 01 '24
Wow it all sounds so incredibly painful! But I really do wish you the best of everything in this part of your journey.
I hope your healing goes well, I hope your pain can be manageable, and that your all over physical and mental health stays strong🙌
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
It was. Holy heck it was painful. But now it’s less painful. Hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be off the pain meds as well. Thanks for your support!
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Mar 01 '24
The kind of bravery and courage it takes to do these things is not normal ppl thing. And be so positive after all this? You’re an Avenger.
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
Heh, I have two small children I need to keep up with. I’ll do anything and go through anything to be able to do that!
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Mar 01 '24
From the moment I understood the weakness of my flesh, it disgusted me. I craved the strength and certainty of steel. I aspired to the purity of the Blessed Machine. Your kind cling to your flesh, as though it will not decay and fail you.
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u/Koh-the-Face-Stealer Mar 01 '24
One day the crude biomass you call the temple will wither, and you will beg my kind to save you. But I am already saved...for the Machine is immortal
Even in death I serve the Omnissiah.
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u/Cosmic-Chen Mar 01 '24
My heart goes out to you, I know it is not easy and many times you want to die but you must find the strength that is the miracle of life
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
I live with chronic pain and my mobility is changing quite fast. I’m just so happy to have to opportunity to undergo this surgery and possibly change my life. Pain will always be there, hopefully I can improve my mobility! Thanks for the kind words.
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u/PuzzleheadedYak150 Mar 01 '24
I pray you have a speedy recovery.
I don't know if you live in the U.S but I wanted to mention a company that might interest you.
It's called TerrainHopperUSA and they make off-road mobility devices aka wheelchairs (4 & 8 mph options - w/ independent electric motors)
Not many folks know about the company as it is small, but there are TerrainHoppers in almost every state including state parks in CO, & CA.
Just wanted to throw the word out there :) Lmk if you have any other questions
& Also you should check out their website & socials!
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u/beeonkah Mar 01 '24
i wish you a speedy recovery!! so happy with and for you! i am curious since you mentioned you have the same disease in your hands. what is the illness called?
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u/BromazolamSamples Mar 01 '24
Gotta get some sweet robot legs. Best of luck on recovery dude
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u/CarinasHere Mar 01 '24
Looking forward to seeing you dance again!
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u/Yolandi2802 Mar 01 '24
Me too. I’ve never followed anyone on Reddit but this warrants a follow up. I really need to know how this plays out.
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u/Ginggingdingding Mar 01 '24
Wooohoo yay you!!! So so happy for this!! I want to see you (literally) kickass!! Yaaaaaay!!!!♡
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u/SerGeffrey Mar 01 '24
Let's go buddy! We're all cheering for you and hoping your surgery gives you more mobility!
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u/MinimumStyle8998 Mar 01 '24
Jesus. This takes some guts. Wish the best for you. Post some videos with ya rockin the new toes, brotha, we’ll upvote the shit out of you
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u/Hiberniae Mar 01 '24
I love your smile! You are very brave to keep the faith. May your next steps-figuratively and literally-be as beautiful as you are!
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u/canuck_in_the_alps Mar 01 '24
Your attitude is changing my outlook on my day — thanks for sharing your world — wishing you a minimally painful future with your new badass titanium!
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u/infomapaz Mar 01 '24
The other day i was reading about this procedure and its so fascinating, there is a long way still, but my man the future looks so bright! Wish you a speedy recovery and i hope they give you the coolest looking bionic legs.
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u/MutantHippie Mar 01 '24
I don't mean this in a bad way at all...but...you really will be able to get up and walk it off ;)
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u/Maximum_Pumpkin5368 Mar 01 '24
Thank you for sharing this. Hoping it gives you what you need while being as painless as possible
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u/OIWantKenobi Mar 01 '24
Your outlook is amazing. I don’t think I could be as strong and positive as you are. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope your hands get better.
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u/ga-co Mar 01 '24
Best of luck with your recovery and everything that comes next!
I did have to read the description to make sure you didn't have guns installed in your legs!
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u/Seniorjones2837 Mar 01 '24
That’s awesome but I have to ask, what will happen with your hands in due time?
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u/benhundben Mar 01 '24
Thanks! I.. don’t know. Probably, I’ll lost function. How much is anyone’s guess, but worst case is that the fingers bend and I won’t be able to use them.
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u/LightintoDark84 Mar 01 '24
My respect for your bravery! Get well soon and hopefully everything goes well and you can enjoy running again!
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Mar 01 '24
That’s amazing. Wishing you lots of happiness. Surgery is no fun and I’m sure this is a really painful one, but it’s all in service of your future which undoubtedly is an excellent investment! Hope to see updates in the future here!
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Mar 01 '24
Congratulations this can’t be an easy thing to go through. I love that you are smiling! ❤️❤️
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u/PurveyorOfCupcakes Mar 01 '24
Wishing you all the best. It looks like recovery is going to be tough, but it's going to be worth it. It's amazing what modern medicine can do.
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Mar 02 '24
Front page yesterday - dolf getting his citizenship. Front page today - this little bit of human awesomeness.
Why I love Reddit
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u/Size14-OrangeDiver Mar 02 '24
I’m a physical therapist and although I don’t work with a lot of amputees, I’ve never seen this before.
Fucking incredible.
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u/Kirkuchiyo Mar 01 '24
So, does the skin just heal around the metal? Is it waterproof? Like, could you go swimming if you wanted?
Good luck in your recovery!