AmpLAfy

Fresh from a gold win in Tokyo, paralympic triathlete Lauren Steadman shares what it was like retaining motivation for Tokyo 2020, the inextricable link between physical and mental wellbeing and her fabulous experience on Strictly Come Dancing.

Accepting and adapting is a difficult part of the amputation journey. Former teacher Caroline Coster became a quadruple amputee following Covid19 and sepsis. A year on, she is walking, raising money for the children’s charity in Africa she supports, sewing (hand sewing and on her sewing machine) and is more determined than ever to get the most from life. Plus psychological therapist Kim Lyons returns from series 1 to offer her valuable insight.

Dr Neil Hopper, a vascular surgeon who became a double below-knee amputee due to sepsis, shares what it is like now being back at the operating table. Victoria Lebrec, who lost her leg in a lorry collision and now works for charity Road Peace explains how she has found a new sense of purpose. Two very different stories – and two very driven people.

Phantom limb pain affects up to 98% of amputees - and yet, despite this huge figure, research in this area remains limited. 

Dr Soori and Kim Lyons, both specialists in this area, examine what phantom pain and sensation actually are, and explain the latest treatments and developments, while above knee amputee David Rose shares his experiences of living with phantom pain every day for 41 years.

When faced with any major life change or challenge, we humans have an incredible capacity for resilience. However, we often don’t realise this until we have to. From the world of work to going on holiday, amputees are perhaps more aware than most people that there is more than one conventional way to do things. We adjust to circumstances. We find new ways. We have an amazing power to adapt.

In this episode, Ryan Hammatt and Melissa Oliver share their experiences adapting as young amputees – Ryan after becoming an upper limb amputee aged 11, and Melissa after a cancer diagnosis resulted in an above-knee amputation in her early twenties. Meanwhile, occupational therapist and prosthetic centre manager, Sue Patterson talks about both physical and mental adaptations.

When you lose a limb, the reactions from people around you can be varied and unpredictable. Many people simply don’t know what to say. Amputation is a trauma – not just for the individual, but also for their family and friends. Many close family members experience psychological trauma as a result, and may put their own lives on hold to prioritise the person they love.

In this episode, we speak to two relatives about their experiences of supporting a loved one through amputation. Marie Walton’s son, Lewis is 18 and lost his leg three years ago through cancer, while Althea Dove, younger sister of podcast host Ella Dove, saw Ella’s accident happen.

How to set and achieve goals, from small steps to big dreams. As humans, achieving targets we set ourselves brings natural satisfaction. Think about crossing off a to-do list, finishing the housework, handing in a big project or crossing the finish line of a run. The satisfaction of completion fulfils us all, in many ways, every day. And it’s no different when you’re an amputee.

In this episode, Paralympian Julie Rogers explains how she trained mentally and physically to achieve sporting success, Mukhtar Adam talks about his goals of completing his Masters, climbing the O2 and embarking on his Hajj pilgrimage, and physiotherapist Clare Horne is with us to explain why goal setting is so crucial, both during recovery from amputation and generally, for us all.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? When it comes to our appearance, we all have good days and bad days – and this perception of ourselves is a huge determiner of both our mood and our confidence. When you lose a limb, your body changes. It makes sense, therefore, that your body image does too. But self-acceptance for amputees is a journey, often an ongoing process.

In this episode, above knee amputee Lianne Forrest shares how she only ‘came out’ as an amputee two years ago after years of low body confidence, hiding her prosthetic leg from the world. Specialist counsellor Angie Hobson offers her advice on the therapy process when it comes to body image for amputees, and what we can do when those inevitable days of doubt strike.

Whatever your age and whatever the cause of amputation, the psychological impact of losing a limb is huge. With such a seismic and shocking change to life, it’s natural that the mind can be just as affected as the body.

In this episode, Tracy Ralph tells her story of losing both her legs and her fingers to sepsis, and the mental health impact of that, while psychological therapist Kim Lyons offers her advice on coping with the mental repercussions of amputation including PTSD, the benefits of mindfulness and how understanding your values can help reframe your outlook.

This podcast is produced by the Limbless Association, a project developed within the LA’s Young Ambassador Programme.