All the things I never thought I'd say until I lost my leg

Recently, I stopped to think about how different life is now that I'm an amputee. I'm pretty acclimated nearly four years in. But sometimes, I catch myself saying and doing things that would have seemed wild to two-legged Alex. Life is funny that way. It sends you in all sorts of twisted directions.

I desperately need Botox……. For my leg. 

Sweat is the amputee's enemy. I tried all the remedies to keep my residual limb from sliding around the inside of my prosthesis on a hot day to no avail. After some research and chats with other amputees, I learned about Botox for hyperhidrosis. And so I went on a mission to find a way to get my insurance to cover fifty-plus units of Botox that would not be going into my face. After a fairly painful fifteen minutes, I am happy to report I am already seeing a reduction in sweat a few days post-treatment. Who knew?!

Yes, I will be wearing sneakers or flats with all my dresses.

 In college, sneakers weren't worn unless you went to the gym. It was heels at night and flip-flops all day long. Now I can't wear either of those. Thankfully, sneakers have never been more in style, because I wear them EVERYWHERE. Nice dinner? Clean sneakers, Disney Day? Sneakers, night out? Sneakers it is.

I need to sleep by the outlet so I can charge my leg.

 My leg is computerized, and it needs to be charged every night or else it turns into a very expensive paperweight. And on occasion, it will fall over in the middle of the night, a loud sound I'm getting oddly used to at this point.

Leg jokes are now my thing.
Four years ago, I wouldn't have dared make a joke about a prosthesis. And how could I? I knew nothing about them or what it's like to rely on one daily. Now, I crack jokes all the time, and to be honest, it feels great to make light of something that can feel so heavy at times.  I go out on a limb for things all the time - See what I did there :)

It's normal for us to evolve over the years. But gaining a disability will change your life in an instant. In a way, I'm thankful for all the things limb loss has helped me learn. Sure, I miss my leg, but I love the fierceness and compassion I've gained over the last four years. - Sometimes, it takes being on your last leg to see what you are made of.