4 Reasons I Love Being an Amputee

In the summer of 2014, I became a right leg below knee amputee (BKA). My life changed forever in ways I never imagined possible. With all the tough times came many positives and I’m still finding more ways to be grateful every day. Below are some of the top reasons I love being an amputee.

1. The jokes I can make

I never miss an opportunity to make fun of myself. It always brings a relaxed feeling to any situation. Since becoming a BKA (below knee amputee) I try to make jokes about my leg as often as possible, in the right company that is. Nothing’s worse than attempting a joke you think is amazing and no one knowing you’re an amputee making the joke not funny.

Jokes include: “don’t pull my leg it might come off”, “wait a second my leg fell asleep” and others as the opportunity presents itself. Laughter is always the best medicine and I take that as a daily challenge to laugh about my lifestyle as much as humanly possible.

2. Taking off your prosthetic at the end of a long day is one of the best feelings in the world

I have known very few experiences that feel better than taking off my prosthetic. Especially after a long day or a tough workout. It is very similar to taking your shoes off after being on your feet for hours. The only difference here is my “foot” is much bigger and wasn’t specifically made to walk on.

All the pain I was in with my leg on immediately goes away. It’s like breathing again after unknowingly holding my breath for hours. Even jumping into a pool on a hot summer day isn’t as relieving

3. Built-in excuse to make friends stay in, instead of going out

So as I’m sure everyone can relate there are times when you just want to stay home and relax for a day or night. Even as I’m getting a little older I definitely find myself wanting to go out less as if my sofa is calling me just to sit down and chill out.

Now, let the thought enter your mind of having a full-proof built-in excuse to make even your most motivated friends come by and spend the night in. Are you maybe, I don’t know trying to manipulate people? Well, the short answer is yes, but come on it’s for the greater good. Who wouldn’t want to spend the night playing cards or watching a movie with good friends?

Quick disclaimer I’m a firm believer that you should always be putting yourself out there and be active especially as an amputee. However, it’s nice to have a full-proof excuse not to.

4. The strength, motivation, and perspective it’s given me

I never could’ve predicted how much losing my leg at 24 years old would have affected me. It changed me in ways I never could’ve imagined. After months of physical therapy and rehab, it gave me a higher view of myself and let me know how much inner strength we all have as people. Just by looking down and feeling my fake leg, I have built-in motivation to never settle.

The perspective I gained is an extra benefit. No matter what happens in my life whether it’s a job, friends, or money I know that it’s all temporary. It has given me peace with the idea that there are more important aspects of life than all the superficial “stuff” we stress about daily. Good friends, family, and strong resolve are all you need in life everything else will come.

I’m sure not everyone will agree with me on what I have listed out, but these are the reasons that are important to me. I also don’t think you need to only be an amputee to relate to this. We all have life events that change our normal forever I just am trying to look on the positive side.