JoAnn K.
Fifteen years ago, I had a life-changing accident that resulted in the loss of my right leg. Your support of IM ABLE helped me get the life-changing equipment that will help me get back to racing and chasing my dreams.
Fifteen years ago on the sideline of a high school football game my life changed in a way I would have never anticipated. I was struck on the sideline when a host of players traveled out of bounds. I sustained an anterior hip dislocation, causing orthopedic and neurological complications.
Over the course of 15 years of traveling to and living in NYC for treatment, my health continued to decline. During this time, I underwent multiple surgical procedures and many other treatments in an effort to restore function to my hip and lower leg.
After deep contemplation and consultation with medical professionals, we decided the best option was amputation of my leg at the hip. We embarked on a new procedure for hip disarticulation to include osseointegration, a process where a metal implant, typically made of titanium, directly connects to the surrounding bone tissue. This fusion creates a stable and durable interface between the implant and the bone. This procedure is the first of its kind and has allowed the collaboration of top medical professionals to build a prosthetic leg which has elevated my level of function.
The loss of my leg has eliminated the majority of the daily pain, the use of crutches and bulky bracing. I had experienced over the past 15 years. The weight of the physical and emotional pain was very heavy, although it wasn’t until my amputation I realized just how heavy the weight of pain had been. I am so very thankful and blessed to be rid of the daily pain.
This next chapter of my life is proving to be a new opportunity to thrive, not just survive. My son got to see me walk for the first time, he was two when I had my accident. I am able to do things for the first time in 15 years, like stand upright, sit upright, and walk on two feet. I have been afforded a new lease on life and I could not be happier.
If you would like to follow my journey you can follow me in instagram @A_Hip_Journey or on YouTube @ahipjourney4500
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