Lower Limb Amputee Podcast
Adaptive Innovation: Steve Doudt & the VertaCat Golf Cart Revolution
Golf should be accessible to everyone, and VertaCat is making that a reality with the VertaCat Golf Cart! In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Steve Doudt to discuss how this revolutionary adaptive golf cart is changing the game for individuals with mobility challenges. Steve, a bilateral above-the-knee amputee due to a motorcycle accident in 1992, has an inspiring journey of resilience and determination. After serving in the USAF 1721st Combat Control Squadron, Special Operations Team, he transitioned into adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, even competing in the 1996 and 2000 Paralympic Games. In recent years, Steve has embraced golf, achieving significant success in adaptive tournaments. The VertaCat has been instrumental in his golfing journey, allowing him to stand and swing freely, enhancing his performance on the course.
Inspiring Healthy Living: Jackie Silver’s Journey As An Amputee And Nutritionist
Join host Mike Bolland on the We're Not Stumped podcast as he interviews Jackie Silver, a certified nutrition expert and left leg above-knee amputee. Jackie shares her inspiring story of resilience, her journey to becoming a health advocate, and her mission to help people make informed nutrition choices. From overcoming personal challenges to thriving in the wellness space, Jackie’s story is one of empowerment and courage. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with inspiration and practical health advice!
Latisha Judkins’ Journey: Surviving Flesh-Eating Bacteria and Thriving After Amputation
Mike Bolland sits down with Latisha Judkins, who shares her harrowing yet uplifting story of resilience. After losing her right leg below the knee to a flesh-eating bacteria, Latisha faced incredible challenges but emerged stronger than ever. Tune in to hear how she overcame physical and emotional hurdles, found support, and rebuilt her life with determination and hope. Latisha’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s power to thrive in adversity.
Overcoming Adversity: Jeanette Jones’ Journey as a Cancer Survivor and Amputee
Mike Bolland sits down with Jeanette Jones, a childhood cancer survivor who shares her remarkable story. Diagnosed with cancer as a child, Jeanette faced years of treatment in an effort to save her left leg. At age 16, she underwent a hip disarticulation — a complex amputation that removes the entire leg, including the femur, from the pelvis. Jeanette's resilience and determination in the face of these challenges will leave you inspired. Tune in for her powerful insights on adapting to life after amputation and thriving beyond adversity.
Life After Limb Loss: Susan Fumagalli on the Transformative Power of Osseointegration
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Susan Fumagalli, a true inspiration and advocate for amputees around the world. Susan opens up about her personal journey through limb loss and her experience with osseointegration—a groundbreaking technology that has changed her life and could reshape the future of prosthetics for countless individuals. Susan shares her story, from the physical and emotional challenges of losing limbs to the hope and transformation that osseointegration has brought to her life.
Empowering Communities with Inclusion: Interview with Rachel Simukonda
In this episode of the *We're Not Stumped* podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Rachel Simukonda from the City of Flagstaff to discuss the city's efforts in promoting inclusive and accessible communities. Rachel shares her insights on Flagstaff's commitment to creating opportunities for people of all abilities, along with her personal experiences in advocating for equity and support in public services. Tune in for a powerful conversation on inclusive employment, adaptive living, and how Flagstaff is leading by example.
About Lower Limb Amputees
“Lower limb amputees” are individuals who have undergone the surgical removal or have congenital absence of one or more of their lower limbs, typically the legs and feet. Lower limb amputations can occur for various reasons, including trauma, vascular diseases (such as diabetes-related complications), congenital conditions, infections, or other medical issues.
The level of lower limb amputation can vary, and terminology is used to describe the specific location of the amputation:
- Transfemoral (Above-Knee Amputation): This type of amputation occurs above the knee joint, resulting in the loss of the entire lower leg and foot.
- Transtibial (Below-Knee Amputation): In a transtibial amputation, the amputation takes place below the knee joint, preserving the thigh but removing the lower leg and foot.
- Syme’s Amputation: Syme’s amputation involves the removal of the foot at the ankle joint while preserving the heel pad. This type of amputation is relatively rare but can offer certain advantages for prosthetic fitting.
- Partial Foot Amputation: Some individuals may experience partial foot amputations, where only a portion of the foot is removed.
Lower limb amputees often require prosthetic limbs or devices to regain mobility and functionality. Prosthetic solutions for lower limb amputees are designed to compensate for the lost limb and help individuals walk, stand, and engage in various activities. These prosthetic devices can range from basic prostheses for walking to more advanced, computer-assisted prosthetic limbs that enable a higher level of mobility and adaptability.
Rehabilitation and support from healthcare professionals, including prosthetists and physical therapists, are essential components of the recovery process for lower limb amputees. They work closely with patients to ensure proper prosthetic fitting, provide training on prosthetic use, and help individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life.