Q&A

What exactly is amputation?
Amputation is the loss of a limb either surgically or congenitally (born that way).
Mine was a right above knee amputation. 

Do you regret it?

Obviously, I regret the actions that resulted in my amputation, driving in a dangerous way. I don't regret the change in my life. I have a more peaceful and stress free life at the minute. I have no worries at all and I am a much happier, stress free Jacko.  

I miss my old life a lot some days, however my new life is much more interesting and full of the same ambitions and drive. My new life as an amputee is a blessing and I have so much hope and anticipation. I have lots of exciting ideas and my dreamworld is much easier to strive towards. 

What's the best thing that has happened to you in the last 12 months?

Apart from surviving a terrible car crash, I'd say, having two new gorgeous cousins brought into the world. I love my aunty Eve and her new baby Jack Elliot and I adore the Quach family! My Aunty Theresa and her new beautiful baby boy Xavier Ignaius ( AKA Xiggy! ) 

They are both such gorgeous little smiley boys and I love them with all my heart. 

Who are your biggest inspirations? Can be people you know or people you don't but find inspiring.
Well, I've been hunting for a young amputated girl who i could befriend and talk to about similar problems etc. however I stumbled across Amy Purdy and thought she was cool, she is a big inspiration for me at the minute. I want to achieve the things she has conquered. I want to be looking beautiful and dancing in heels as well as representing my country in the paraolympics! She is my inspiration on many levels. 

Closer to home, however, my aunty Theresa is a massive inspiration to me, she always has been and always will be. Her comforting words of advice have always been a heart lifting experience. I will always turn to her for advice and guidance and she always has and continues to tunnel me through dark patches and helps me get on track and aiming in the right direction. My angel that is always there for me and I always turn to in times of need

Can you actually polish the toe nails?

I haven't done so far, however I have seen other polished toenails on prosthetic legs. My Leonard is still in his early days, I'm trying so hard to polish up my ability to walk before I even consider decorating him with nail polish. I never really painted my toe nails prior to the crash anyway, I don't really have a thought to. 

Did the amputation hurt?

Probably. I don't remember any feeling of pain, I was dosed up for a long time and my memory is very talented at blocking out the nasty bits. I don't recall any pain at all. Although I'm sure there was, bit of a stupid question really. 

How did you get the amputation?  Did it affect your memory?

I crashed my car and it landed on top of me. I did have a pinch of Amnesia, my memory during my hospital time was pretty humours and I've heard lots of stories from visitors about my short term memory. 

You are such a new amputee, what do you have to offer other amputees, being so inexperienced (yes, a real question)?

I really don't know to be honest. I haven't really thought about it like that. I don't feel like I can offer other amputees anything but friendship. I've made friends with Tom and Rav, 2 amputees at The Maltings, my physio place. We get on well and support each other. I'm off to Limp Power events in May which will introduce me to many amputees, so I'll see how I can help them and vis versa.

Are you REALLY as positive as you portray yourself to be?

Yes, Im not one for holding back on emotions with friends and family. If I was ever feeling sad - which I honestly don't think I have - I would let them know. I'm just looking forward and working towards goals I've set myself and I'm excited about these goals and just want to stay focused and I haven't got time or energy to feel negative. 

Where do you expect this blog to take you?

I just want to get my 100 happy days down and dialogued really. I haven't really thought of what to do after that. I'm very new to the blogging world and I'm not quite sure what the craic is with it all. I'm just going to see what happens. It has already given me extra support from lovely comments from so many people on Facebook, it's amazing to see how far it's stretched through people sharing the link. 

What is the funniest comment anyone made to you about your leg?

My gorgeous adorable cousin Urban called my thigh my little leg and chanted, "you've got a little leg, you've got a little leg" I thought it was funny and waved it in the air while she chanted around me. 

Who reacts better, kids or adults?
Definitely kids!  they have no filters and are so curious!  They ask questions and don’t pretend it doesn’t exist.  I think adults are so worried about being PC or offending me that they just stare or ignore it.

Would you rather have gone through what you have OR be told you're gradually going blind with a maximum of 19 years left?

I'm partially blind in one eye anyway, and my sight is a bloody mess! SO I'd defiantly go for the gradually going blind with a maximumof 19 years left. I would have the same figure and ability to get married and have kids and see all the major important things. So in 19 years I will be 44/45 and I would then have an eye transplant or something.

What has been the best piece of advice you've received since your accident? 
Have faith in that things will work out and life will be good. Keep your head up and look forward. (Words from my aunty Theresa.)

 If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be?

Jaffa Cake.