Rescue Me
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Insurance Games
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Playing To Win; Playing For Your Future
Dealing with insurance can be tricky and often frustrating. I speak from experience.
It’s unfortunate that insurance companies make it so hard to understand the ins and outs of their policies as well as getting approvals especially since those who are trying to get covered are often going through really tough emotional times.
As I got myself prepared for my amputation I was doing everything to prepare myself, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially seeing as this would be a forever life changing surgery.
My experience was not smooth, nor was it kind, but I figured out how to handle my situation, found my voice, and fought for what was right and what I needed.
Join me this week as I take you on my journey with the games that insurance companies play, and how you can play and beat them at their own game.
This is what I fought to get……
So I can do this….
…And this
….And this
…And this.
What are you fighting for? And if you’re not fighting for what you want, then who will???
Randy and David at The Limb Center and also Limbs For Humanity
This week, if you are in the middle of a big decision that takes medical insurance, make sure you do your homework and get confirmation about what is covered.
If you have been told “No” by your insurance company then it’s time to fight for what you want and need.
We must fight for ourselves, because only we know exactly what we need and want to make our lives worth living.
Help yourself by fighting for your future. Don’t give up, and don’t take “No” for an answer!
You are a warrior and you are WORTH IT!!
Have a blessed week and as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
Much love,
The First 3 Years
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Finding Hope after Amputation
No one really tells you what to expect after amputation, and quite frankly, even if they did, each journey is different.
The reality is that the first couple of years are filled with bumps, bruises, ups and downs. You will have highs and some of your lowest lows. There will be enormous changes, in your life, and in your body. And even when you finally get through the healing process, post-amputation, the challenges are just beginning. But with all that said, you can and will survive.
You spend A LOT of time in your prosthetist’s office the first 2 years
My very 1st prosthetic, one of many. Had no idea what was to come. All I knew was that I would be walking again!
Yet another socket!
Randy at The Limb Center in Phoenix, making my mold, for ( you guessed it) ANOTHER socket!
You will learn how your body adjusts, how it heals, what kind of strength (both physically and emotionally) you have, and you will build character…. oh boy, will you build character.
These are all the sockets (minus 3) that I have gone through, because of changes to my limb, in just 3 years!!!
The process is long and can be stressful if you don’t have patience. You will find yourself doing well one moment, only to feel like you’ve taken a step back in the blink of the eye. But don’t you give up! And don’t you worry. This is all part of the learning process and the changes you are going through, physically. Becoming an amputee and traversing the first 1-3 years is all about adaptability and change. If you can go into it knowing it is a process that could take that long, and that you will have positive moments of moving forward, riddled with backward steps, then you will be ready and able to handle what gets thrown at you.
You are a warrior, built for adversity.
Be strong.
Stay positive and active.
This is the to fight for what you want out of life.
We are in this journey together!
This week I want you to decide what it is that you really want out of your new life.
You will want to start building your own toolbox for those moments that become hard and emotionally draining.
I have so many hobbies, and things I do to pass the time, and to distract myself on the harder days, the days where phantom pains want to destroy me and my resolve.
What do you do when you get upset? Tired and frustrated? Or when you are hurting?
Most of us have a coping mechanism to help through those moments in life. This time is no different.
Be prepared to redirect your thoughts so you can get through and come out stronger on the other side.
Prepare yourself for battle; the internal battles that seek to bring chaos into y9ur life, making you doubt yourself and trying to destroy every dream you have. You are a WARRIOR! Believe it! You will succeed and be stronger for it.
Be prepared.
And as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!
Much love,
What’s Your Word?
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The Power of Words, Mightier Than Resolutions
Spreading Joy This Season
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Cheers to the End of Another Year!
As 2023 comes to a close and the holidays are now upon I want to wish you all a blessed and happy new year!
As I celebrate my 5th year anniversary of my amputation today I am realizing how blessed I have been with how much I have experienced, accomplished, and the people I have met through this journey.
I also know that the vibes you put out into the world come back to you 10 fold.
Our attitude is contagious. How we approach the world can either add joy to it or be a thorn. Which are you bringing to the world?
Today as you are experiencing the emotions of this season remember that many people are struggling. Some struggle with an invisible problem (missing a loved one, a rocky relationship, struggles with money or job) and other’s with something very real and visible (amputation, being alone, medical conditions).
Be kind.
Remember that we all struggle.
Spreading joy takes very little on our part and a smile goes a long way.
Finish this year strong and positive and reap the rewards of being kind and positive with the people you meet throughout your week.
I know this seems like a pretty basic and obvious statement, but when we get caught up in our own schedule and agenda we often miss helping someone in need, or miss an opportunity to brighten someone else’s day.
We all fight battles, we all need kindness shown to us.
As you struggle through your own situation (for me it can be phantom pains like I’m dealing with as I type this) there are others going through something even more difficult and debilitating, making it hard for them to function or find joy during this time of year, making them feel alone and isolated.
We are in charge of our own attitude and only we can choose to see our glass half full.
So where are you with your situation, half empty or half full?
The next couple of weeks, as I take time off to be present and with my family, I challenge you to watch the world around you. Look for ways you can make it better. Smile more, see the silver lining in your situation, find ways to bring happiness and positive vibes into the world… then watch to see how those vibes come back to you and change your life.
I hope and pray you are able to find happiness and joy during this time of year and that good health befalls you this new year.
Change your perspective, change your life.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!
And as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
Much love,
The Most Wonderful Time of Year
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Winter Wonders and Woes for Amputees
Wintertime brings colder weather, holidays and family time, ice and snow, along with new outdoor activities. It also brings with it challenges for getting around if you are an amputee (or anyone who struggles with balance).
Crutching on snow and ice should be an Olympic Sport
I am fortunate enough to live in Arizona but as a family, we love to get out and ski in the mountains of Colorado and Utah.
My very first goal as I was getting ready for my amputation was to ski again with my family. I had just 3 months from amputation to test myself.
Even though there are different ways to accomplish “skiing” I wanted to be standing and looking like I always did as a skier (minus one leg that is). My stubbornness definitely helped me. That plus my perfectionist attitude and drive.
My first day I was so nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I tell you this because even though I had been skiing since I was 17 years old there was so much relearning to be done and a lot of newness to skiing with only one ski. For instance, turning one way versus another was so much harder not having the downslope ski to aid in control.
As time went by, I began to understand what was needed to succeed. Every chance we got I went on the slopes. And every time I was on the slopes I got butterflies and had to suppress fears of getting hit from behind, falling and trying to get back up (not as easy with one ski and on a slope of snow), or heading downhill and catching icy patches.
There are other ways to ski, like on a mono ski (sitting in a bucket sled, leg(s) strapped down), or using a ski bike.
This past trip we decided to take a day off from skiing, but I wanted to be outdoors and breathing in the cold mountain air and enjoying the snow all around us, so we went for a hike into the mountains.
It was beautiful!
Backwoods hiking
Beautiful views, challenging terrain for an amputee
Winter life for an amputee is quite challenging. Just as changing our shoes, or going over different types of flooring or terrain, challenges us for a few minutes before we feel comfortable moving about with the change, winter challenges us and our feeling of confidence and trust in each of our steps. We must be more cautious, and meticulous with each step. I am always looking down at where my feet are landing and what type of surface I will be hitting with the net few steps. For me to enjoy the beautiful mountains w were hiking in I had to stop and set myself then look all around. Once I got my fill I would begin to march on once again.
All in all, I am excited for my next winter trip and plan to try snow shoeing and see how it feels to have larger foot on my prosthetic.
Even though there are a lot of new things to adjust to as winter weather approaches, know that you are capable, you just need to learn your perimeters. It takes time, but with focus and determination you can conquer winter without any falls or injury. Always know to protect your good/sound leg and take your time. Don’t allow anyone to push you faster than you are ready to go.
Stay positive and create positive verbal cues for your brain to latch onto and you’ll find yourself maneuvering snowy conditions like a pro!
FIERCE AND ON FIRE Challenge!
Don’t forget that we are still charging forward on 100 miles before Jan 1!
Are you in?
Check the past couple of podcasts for the link to join and to register for the challenge at Run Motivators if you want to order a medal for your trophy case!!
Let’s keep moving and end 2023 active and healthy!
May your hot;liday season be filled with family, fun, joy, and blessings of all kinds.
And as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
Much love,
The Age of Prosthetics
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Change Is in the Air
I had the distinct honor of being a part of a gait study at MIT in their Media Lab in Boston. It was the final project of a PhD student’s program and it was amazing!
To see what the future of prosthetics is heading toward and being able to test something that is still a ways out from being on the commercial market was such a blast and a lot of work. Testing the product through different scenarios and also using my own leg to show my baseline capabilities for comparison was so interesting and enlightening.
I would never have picture myself, in a million years, being able to be a part of this, nor did I ever picture myself without a leg.. oh the places I have been, the people I have met and the experiences I have enjoyed, all because of my decision to amputate almost 5 years ago.
MIT Media Lab lobby
Getting geared up for my baseline study with my own leg
Gathering data
Making adjustments
Such an honor to meet the man who created his own prosthetics after losing his own legs, Dr Hugh Herr.
Would I do it all again? Yes!
First off, I am not a person that looks back and says, “if only I had…” or ” I would have done this differently”. Instead I focus at what’s happening now and what’s in front of me. This makes me a happier person.
Second, I wouldn’t trade all the problems I have had (phantom pains/sensations, fitting issues, rashes and burns from sockets) because everything I have been blessed to experience has also been met with amazing people, experiences and seeing and doing new things.
I am a better person, a more well-rounded person, for having this life altering surgery. I am happy that my life changed direction.
I have been able to test my will power, my integrity, my character much more by going through something so big. I have been tested and been able to rise up and become a stronger individual, both physically and emotionally.
I wished I could share with you so much more about my time at MIT, but until this student’s study is published it needs to be hush hush. Someday next year I will talk about it in more detail, but until then, I suggest that if you ever get a chance to take part in a study, one that helps make progress in our prosthetics, take it. Not only are you helping the future, you will also get to learn more about yourself.
As the past couple of weeks I have pushed you all to get active during this busy time of year. Taking care of yourself is so important for your mental and physical well-being but we tend to put it off for other things. Don’t wait! Join me on my Fierce and On Fire challenge.
It’s a virtual challenge by RunMotivators and if you’d like to join you can register and receive a medal for accomplishing this virtual challenge.
The goal? 100 miles, your way.
What does that mean?
You decide how you accomplish 100 miles. I set the goal timeline for December 31st but you can always set your own timeline since this started 3 weeks ago for me.
How can you reach 100 miles?
Whatever is comfortable and easiest for you and your circumstances. If you are wheelchair bound them maybe do some upper body workouts.
15 minutes=1 mile
You can swim, walk, hike, ski, surf, run, bike…the sky is the limit and you decide what challenges you, where you are at.
The idea is to get moving for YOU!
Making yourself a priority during this time of year, when we tend to ditch the things we do for ourselves to doing things for others.
Are you in??
Join me TODAY and get a jumpstart on your own health and fitness goals.
I hope you have a blessed week ahead and as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
Much love,
Sick and Tired
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Staying Healthy in the Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays
I had the distinct pleasure of getting sick recently. I haven’t been sick in so long, and not once since becoming an amputee.
I was on a vacation and burning the candle at both ends. I’m sure, between being around a lot of people and lack of sleep my immune system became compromised, leading me to having tingly skin, sore muscles, nausea and sleepiness. What I wasn’t expecting was how my amputee body would react, or even THAT it would react.
Yep, you guessed it, phantom pains!!!
Laying with my girl when I struggle brings peace and healing.
As if all that other stuff wasn’t enough to take me down, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing phantom pains and the total discomfort that added to all the other symptoms. It was crazy, and it totally sucked!!!
Listening to my body and knowing how much I run myself into the ground during the holidays I decided I needed to make some changes and adjust my thinking and patterns.
How about you?
Are you taking care of yourself?
What are you doing to take care of yourself when you’re up against a demanding schedule?
Let me help you create a positive and healthy change during this holiday season so you can be at the top of your celebration game!
Here’s my challenge (AKA Call to Action):
Take time each day, from now until the end of the year, for yourself. accept my challenge from last week’s podcast and take on the Fierce and On Fire Virtual Challenge- 100 miles by Dec 31.
You can walk, run, hike, bike, swim, ski, exercise, you name it, you can do it, as long as you are taking time for yourself and moving in some way or another, however you can.
Check my link in my IG bio @BAWarrior360 for how to register.
You can also check last week’s podcast HERE for the link to join.
I pray you have a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving week!
Until next week,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
Much love,
So You’re An Amputee…Now What?
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You have made it through a HUGE surgery. Maybe because of an accident or a sickness. Maybe you made the decision to amputate so you could live a better, healthier life. Whatever the reason, you have made it through that emotional decision, and come to terms with your new reality.
Unfortunately, your journey has just begun, but have no fear, you can shine and move forward with your new lifestyle and live an amazing and full life!
You might think that the act of being amputated is the hardest thing you will have to go through, or that you won’t ever live a full life with all the “restrictions”. And while it’s true that it takes time to adjust to your altered body, you can overcome the perceived restrictions.
A life as an amputee can be as good as you envision it, goal set for it, and how you approach it. It is mind over matter. It is about positivity, attitude, and courage.
Your journey, like life itself, will be filled with ups and downs, There will be storms and there will be rainbows. That’s life!
What can you start doing, now that you are an amputee, is adjusting your mindset, from being a victim to being the warrior in your story.
It’s time to goal set, dream of your future, build strength and grit. You will need all of that to find success, and if you prep correctly and envision the possibilities then you will succeed!
You define success.
You will get knocked down but if you realize this you will be better prepared for those moments and be ready to fight.
Remember, you are a warrior, not just because you have gone through something extreme, but because you fought to rise up after being knocked down. You have got into battle and continue to fight for what you want in life.
This week, listen in as I discuss what it took for me to find success after amputation.
This week is about coming to terms about your body.
Setting goals.
Understanding that this is a marathon and not a sprint, becoming prepared to fight for a better life and finding strength and resilience through adversity, and learning how to get back up after getting knocked down.
Be prepared for battle and fighting for what you want (and you should go into this knowing exactly what you want out of it).
You can achieve great and amazing things for your life. You are not a victim, you are a warrior!!!
Have a blessed week and as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!
Much love,
Finding Success Through Trials
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Mindset Matters
So you’re an amputee now. You’ve gotten through your surgery, and you’re home. Now what?
The road is long, my friend, but doable.
You can and will survive, dare I say, you can even thrive as an amputee.
How you see your circumstance and adapt to your new way of living is up to you and based on your own mindset.
After I elected to amputate my leg, above knee, after 5 years of surgeries and a blood clot, I had no idea what I was in for, but what I did know was that I was strong, stubborn, and going to hold myself accountable to my own success (seeing as I chose this path). This is my journey and I was going to own it- the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all.
Mindset matters!
If you tell yourself you will succeed, chances are, you will.
If you tell yourself you can accomplish your goals, chances are, you will.
This is no different. Positive self-talk, self-love, and positive mindset will all come to your rescue on those hard days.
Yes, there will be hard days, weeks, and even months as you adjust to your new way of getting around. It’s ok to have those emotionally bad days, just don’t allow yourself to linger there. As you heal, then start the fitting process of your prosthesis, you’re going to realize that the tough days are just beginning, but I know you can handle it. Why? Because you are a warrior and capable of great things!
I would tell you that I am successful at being an amputee, and living my best life. How do I gauge that? By the goals I have set for myself, achieved, and by the fact that I don’t see myself as handicapped or incapable, anymore.
This mindset takes time, and is refined through trials. It doesn’t happen overnight so don’t get frustrated if you don’t feel this way…yet.
Stick with positivity. Keep pushing yourself toward your goals. Never give up and one day you’ll realize that you have gotten to a place where you have found joy, happiness and peace with where you are at, and living a great life. Being an amputee isn’t the end of the world, nor the end of a healthy, happy life. On the contrary, you will find your new journey very rewarding once you grasp what makes it tick.
Find Your Rainbow
Nothing worth achieving happens quickly, remember that. We must fight the battles, learn to pick ourselves up, and to try, try again. These moments that try to take us down are the precise moments we need to experience so we can become stronger and learn how to manage them in the future.
I’d say that 75% of my Call to Actions revolve around goal setting, and this one is no different.
You must find it in your to dream and write down the things you hope to accomplish as an amputee.
Don’t limit yourself, just write!
List as many things as you can that you’d love to accomplish.
At first they may be as simple as wearing your prosthesis a little longer each day, or not taking it off when you get fatigued. Then you’ll start dreaming of taking walks again with your dog or family.
Mine got as big as learning to surf for the first time ever. HEY, why not??? right?!?!
Write them all down, now figure out what is attainable at the stage you are at and set that as priority number 1. Create steps to that goal, how will you achieve it. and then get after it!
Don’t wait until Monday, or after this holiday nor that holiday, START TODAY!! Today is as good a day as any. and the sooner you start the sooner you’ll achieve your goals.
You are a warrior and capable of more than you may believe. You are resilient and an overcomer!
Best wishes on your goal setting!
And until next week, as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!
Much love,
Angie
