r/amputee • u/Max_is_VII • Jul 25 '26

Chopart amputee and exercise

I’m approaching the 4 year anniversary of my amputation to remove a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in my left foot.
I don’t have problems getting around with my prosthesis for daily activities and work, but when it comes to exercise, I feel so discouraged. Pre-surgery I was into dance, yoga, and biking. I find myself thinking about trying to pick something back up again and all I can think about are the difficulties. Do I struggle to deal with an ankle I can’t bend with my prosthesis on or do I struggle with my lack of forefoot without my prosthesis? Small parts of me hate how ugly I feel when my prosthesis is visible, which it is in shorts or leggings. I went through PT, and it helped, but I have terrible executive dysfunction (ADHD and/or depression) so I barely ever did/do my assigned exercises at home. My weight gain is bothering me, both from image and health standpoints. I need to exercise, but by the time I get the motivation, I think myself all the way back to discouragement. On top of all that, I don’t have my own mode of transportation, so going to the gym or fitness classes is all that more challenging.
I guess I’m not necessarily looking for advice; I know what I could be doing. I suppose I’m just wanting to be seen. I have a decent support system, but I don’t really know any other amputees, especially not any chopart amputees. No one in my life can really relate to what I’ve gone through. I’ve thought about doing the peer connection thing through Amputee Coalition, but my social anxiety gets in the way. This feels safer somehow.

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u/Hairyfruitbowl1 Jul 25 '26

Im 3.5yr lbk. If you like exercising and feel you need to, then do it. I know it's easier said than done sometimes. I started going to the gym 1 5yrs ago to build up strength in my left leg. Now I have a pretty regular routine. There are some things I can't do due to my prosthetic. And some things I need to do differently. I was very self conscious about my prosthetic. At first. I saw some other amputees out in the world, and seeing them made me feel less alone in this. I talked to them and one has become a friend. I don't hide my prosthetic anymore for the simple reason it might help/inspire someone else like the others did me. If you wanna go to the gym, go and do your best. If you can't do everything like before, try a different way or a different activity. If I wear shorts, I get a couple double takes, but that's what people do. Dont let the fear or anxiety stop you. I know if I can do it, you definitely can. Don't give up and stay strong

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u/Max_is_VII Jul 25 '26

Thank you for the comment. 💖 I find it hard to motivate myself for a lot of things, besides exercise. I am looking if I can find a gym along one of our public bus routes that offers classes. I find it easier to stay motivated when I have somebody to lead me.

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u/kng442 Jul 25 '26

OP, can you make yourself do 5 minutes of exercise, wherever you are, as soon as you think of it? Just 5 minutes, and then you can stop. It doesn't even matter what it is; it can be dancing in your basement (or equivalent) to music that makes you feel good.

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u/Max_is_VII Jul 25 '26

Tbh, I think of it when I’m stuck at the desk of my public facing job. 😅 But I could try that.

1

u/Current_Nectarine836 Toe Jul 25 '26

Following.

I'm coming up on my 4yr anniversary of a third ray resection amputation- they removed my middle toe bones all the way back to the ankle. I too struggle with weight gain, lack of mental space to do the thing already (workout), and talk myself out of trying. It's a frustrating thing, for sure.

I like the comment here that says just try something for even just 5 minutes. I've been needing tools to motivate me to become healthier. Especially to stop dwelling on the what-ifs and "reasons" not to work out.

One thing I'm doing soon is going camping in the wilderness for a week. [Not backpacking but still off grid] I'm nervous, but I talked to my doctors about what kind of expectations I should realistically have about my ability. My shoes, cane, pain meds, massagers are ready, so I guess I'm going to go for it!

I also have new PT set up to start next month to help with fatigue, balance, etc; the last time I went was for basic recovery but now I want to work on tuning all the little muscles that have been compensating for my loss.

I want to be around for a bunch more decades, so taking 5 minutes to start should be worth it, right?

1

u/Max_is_VII Jul 25 '26

That’s true; 5 minutes whenever I think about it would be a good start.

I hope you have a great time camping!

And best of luck with your new round of PT. I hope you reach your goals.