I never used to really understand the appeal of Instagram. It sounded like something I'd like, but I just couldn't get into it. I'd posted a few photos from my adventures, but whenever I went onto it I used to mainly get quite questionable content on my feed. I eventually learned that you have to train the algorithm by liking the sort of content you actually want to see, which back then was mainly sea kayaking related.

I'm on my lunchtime walk through the woods, which wasn't something I was able to do before. It's about six months since my amputation and things are going well. I'm in a lot less pain now, and crucially, my pain is lower than it has been for years. As a result, I'm beginning to feel that I'm transitioning from 'recovering from an amputation' to 'being an amputee'.

I'm stressed. Again! What is it this time? It's Monday evening and I'm in a right grump. It doesn't seem right as I've had an amazing weekend doing lots of things for the first time since my op, but something's not quite right. It could be that I've had a frustrating evening trying to update my wife's laptop, without success. But that doesn't quite add up.

It's new leg day! Whilst I'm getting on well with my current leg, I've had it since six weeks after my operation so it's absolutely massive. After the amputation your stump is very swollen and very gradually it comes done over time. So when you get cast for your first leg, they have to make it big enough so that you can get it on.

I'm so exhausted. It's a not a pleasant form of tiredness, I feel drained. I didn't think going on holiday would be so hard! It's about four months since my operation and we've gone abroad on holiday. After being stuck in the house for almost a year, apart from my hospital stints, we decided it would be good to get away in the summer.

Why am I so suddenly so stressed? You would think getting your leg amputated would be the most stressful thing you could do in a year, but apparently not! It's now three months since the operation and my blood pressure is through the roof. I'm beginning the process of formally returning to work and getting ready to go abroad on a holiday, but I'm surprised just how much these two things are affecting me.

It's about three months since my amputation and I'm getting on well with the prosthetic leg. To begin with it was very challenging to use as my stump was so swollen. Every morning I would have to squeeze it into the leg and add lots of 'socks' throughout the day as it shrunk. By the end of day it wasn't too painful, but it swelled back up overnight and I'd start the whole thing again the next morning.

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I knew this was coming, but it’s still a massive shock. This is my fourth time coming off oxycodone over the past thirteen years, but I still can’t quite believe how awful it is. I thou…

In the weeks immediately following my operation I was very lucky that so many friends and family either visited me when I was in hospital or reached out by phone. A common theme of many of these di…

It’s a couple of months since my operation. In that time I’ve not really had to fully look after myself, let alone anyone else. This weekend my wife and daughter are away for a few nigh…

From previous surgeries I’ve learned the value of keeping as active as possible whilst waiting for the op. Swimming in particular is great for me, if I can manage it. Whilst I was unable to u…

It’s about nine weeks since my amputation, about four since I got home from the hospital and two since I’ve had my prosthetic leg. I’ve not attempted too much since getting it as …

It’s 9.30pm. I’ve been back on the ward for four hours and I’ve still not had a look under the sheet. I’m surprised that I’m so hesitant to peek. I’ve been consi…

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Research in Educational Administration and Leadership | Volume: 9 Issue: 4

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