Amputee Due To Medical Condition Podcast
Redefining Life After Limb Loss with Travis Sanders | Barber, Author & Amputee
What happens when life changes in an instant—and you have to decide whether it defines you… or whether you redefine it? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Travis Sanders — master barber, entrepreneur, author, peer mentor, and above-knee amputee whose story is rooted in resilience, mindset, and purpose. After blood clots led to multiple surgeries and ultimately limb loss, Travis was forced to confront a completely different future. But instead of allowing that moment to define him, he made a powerful decision: He would redefine it. Just days after leaving the hospital, Travis returned to cutting hair — a moment that perfectly captures the determination and mindset that now fuels his mission to help others.
Melinda Preciado: From ER Professional to Disability Advocate After Limb Loss
What happens when your life changes overnight—and you have to rebuild from the ground up? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Melinda Preciado, a former ER professional turned disability advocate, about her life-changing journey after becoming an above-knee amputee in 2021 following a rare and devastating medical complication. Melinda shares the realities of life after amputation, challenges with prosthetics and accessibility, misconceptions about disability benefits, and why advocacy matters. She also opens up about social support, finding community through Miss Wheelchair, and using her story to inspire others. An honest conversation about resilience, identity, and discovering strength beyond limits.
Amputee Story After Cancer: Kim Ousley on Limb Loss, Recovery & Advocacy
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kim Ousley to share her powerful amputee story—from a synovial sarcoma diagnosis to limb loss, recovery, and becoming a leader in amputee support and advocacy. As a certified peer support visitor and advocate, Kim is helping others navigate life after amputation with honesty, resilience, and real-world insight. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in amputee life, disability, recovery after limb loss, and stories of overcoming adversity.
Dating & Relationships After Limb Loss with Neomi Flores
What is dating really like after limb loss? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Neomi Flores to talk about relationships, confidence, and the realities of dating as an amputee. Neomi shares her deeply personal journey after losing her leg in 2022—including the emotional recovery, navigating self-confidence, and the challenges of putting herself back out there in the dating world.
Surviving COVID, Losing Her Legs, Finding Purpose | Brianna Heitzman’s Story
What happens when you survive COVID… but wake up to a completely different life? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Brianna Heitzman, a certified employment specialist with Down Syndrome of Louisville, whose life was forever changed after a severe battle with COVID-19. After being placed on a ventilator and ECMO, Brianna faced an unimaginable outcome—the loss of her legs. But her story doesn’t end there. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and rebuilding a life with purpose. Brianna’s journey is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—a reminder that even after life-changing trauma, there is still a path forward.
Scott Martin Returns: Soccer Coach and Author of Play From Your Heart
In this deeply moving episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Scott Martin, a bilateral hand amputee, soccer coach, and author of the upcoming memoir Play From Your Heart. Scott opens up about the life-altering infection in 1993 that led to the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, and the emotional aftermath that followed. He speaks honestly about denial, detachment, and the five-year struggle with depression that tested his identity, confidence, and purpose.
About Amputee Due To Medical Conditions
Limb loss due to a medical condition refers to the loss of one or more limbs (such as arms or legs) as a result of a medical condition or disease. Unlike traumatic limb loss, which often occurs due to accidents or injuries, medical conditions leading to limb loss are typically caused by underlying health issues that necessitate surgical amputation to improve the individual’s overall health, prevent complications, or enhance their quality of life. Some common medical conditions that can lead to limb loss include:
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): PAD is a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries, usually in the legs, due to atherosclerosis. Severe cases of PAD can lead to insufficient blood flow to the extremities, resulting in tissue damage and the need for amputation.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to a range of complications, including peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation. Diabetic foot ulcers that do not heal properly can become infected and, in severe cases, necessitate amputation.
- Cancer: In some cases, cancerous tumors or sarcomas in the limbs may require surgical removal, resulting in limb loss. This is often done to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
- Infections: Severe, uncontrollable infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis or gangrene, can cause extensive tissue damage and may require amputation to prevent the spread of infection to other areas of the body.
- Vascular Diseases: Various vascular diseases, such as Buerger’s disease or thromboangiitis obliterans, can lead to arterial inflammation and blockages, ultimately leading to limb ischemia and amputation.
- Congenital Conditions: Some individuals are born with congenital conditions that affect limb development or function, and in certain cases, amputation may be necessary to improve mobility or address complications.
- Complications of Orthopedic Conditions: Chronic orthopedic conditions, such as severe osteomyelitis (bone infection), extensive osteoarthritis, or Charcot joint disease, can lead to joint destruction or bone deterioration, sometimes requiring limb amputation.
Limb loss due to a medical condition is typically a medically necessary intervention aimed at preserving the individual’s overall health and preventing further complications. After amputation, individuals often undergo rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and prosthetic fitting, to regain mobility, adapt to their new circumstances, and improve their quality of life. The medical team, including surgeons, prosthetists, and therapists, works together to ensure a comprehensive and personalized approach to care for individuals who have experienced limb loss due to a medical condition.