Relocated To Daytona

I am now in Daytona Florida

I had the choice to do a few things recently. I could have moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, moved to Daytona, Florida or remained in Sarasota, Florida. The last option still being a choice, because inaction to me, is still a choice.


Each place obviously has its pros and cons. To make a long story and decision short I weighed everything I could consider, consulted friends, thought for a very long time, and then made a decision. At first it seemed tough to make up my mind. Mainly because I let other people influence the way I felt. It came down to one thing.  Where was I going to be the happiest? I considered the locations, money (cost and income) , people  I would work with, and overall vibe of each area.  After all consideration I easily selected to come out to Daytona!! 

Here in Daytona it feels like I am starting over. It is more like a fresh start. The other options either had people or places I was familiar with. In Daytona, everything is new. A new place and new co-workers gave me an opportunity to fully challenge myself. I have always thought that you must expose yourself to new experiences and viewpoints to keep growing and evolving.

Obviously I will be doing my best to get involved with the amputee community here. I will be starting a new support group in the area. I will also be attending amputee related functions and working with amputee related medical professionals.  

If you are in the area and ever want to meet or talk please reach out to me!!

Best Wishes To All.

You must accept a challenge if you ever want to feel victory!!
Ty Wilson
email - twilson@opcenters.com
cell phone - 386-562-4655

Going Vegan

                                              

Why the change in diet? 
Roughly two months ago I decided to switch to a pretty strict vegan diet. This means I have done my best over the last two months not to ingest any meat, dairy, eggs, fish, seafood, animal fats/oils or any other animal based products.

I have not elected not to wear any animal products, fur leather and all that jazz. I own a couple of leather or faux leather belts, have saddle bags that are probably leather, gloves and who know what else? I honestly have not thought much about it? As you can imagine a vegan lifestyle can be taken to an extreme just like anything else.

I must admit at times it does seem that the treatment of animals used to make food or clothing products seems inhumane, especially on a commercial level. I just don't see, for me a personal reason to totally abstain from using some of these products at this time. I would never judge anyone for using or consuming animal products. It is a lifestyle decision and I try really hard not to judge or tell others how they should live their lives.

The reason I switched my diet was because of health reasons. High blood pressure, heart issues, diabetes and arthritis are common in my family history. I have seen several documentaries over the years stating that eating a vegan, raw foods or vegetable based diet can be pretty effective for combating some of these medical conditions. The latest vegan documentary I saw was called "What The Health" . More about that movie later.

What Led To The Diet Change?
I have suffered from arthritic gout attacks and symptoms over the last twenty years. The gout attacks had been getting worse and more frequent. In 2016 I went to a walk in clinic at least three times to try and get relief from painful gout attacks. My blood pressure has been rising or has had a tendency to be high over the last several years as well. I started taking medication regularly for the gout and my family doctor has tried to get me to take high blood pressure medicine for several years now. Honestly I had been feeling pretty unhealthy and suffering arthritis pain off and on for a while.

We started a weight loss challenge at my work about 5 months ago. The challenge kind of got the wheels turning in my mind on changing my diet. At first I procrastinated and did nothing. As you can imagine my results were bad for the first month of the competition. I lost very little or no weight. I can be quite a procrastinator at times.

Besides being a procrastinator I can also be a little competitive. As the deadline started getting closer for the challenge to end, 6 weeks or so, I started looking at options. The first thing I did was try to cut back on carbs. I had some decent results from cutting the carbs I think I lost around 5 lbs by doing nothing besides changing my diet the first week or two I tried it. I also starting going to the gym sporadically, mostly doing weight training. I then went on vacation to visit a friend the following week. At the time I left for vacation I was down about 11 pounds or so.

While visiting my friend I caught the previously mentioned, What The Health documentary on Netflix one afternoon. I found some of the claims to be remarkable. I will tell you that I thought the documentary was very one sided and some parts of it, mainly the results some of the people in it had, seemed to be impossible. Honestly I still do. I think in lot of documentaries out there the directors/writes often get a little over jealous about their claims. This film was no exception. Lets face it these people are passionate about their projects or they would not be making movies about them. This does not mean I discounted the whole movie, I just gave it a bit of healthy scepticism.

None the less, when I returned from my trip I decided to try the vegan diet out and see how it worked for me. I figured if the claims were even partially true it would be worth giving it a try. I also went to the gym on a much more regular bases, concentrating on light impact cardio, 45 minutes or more of stationary bike. I also hit the weights for 20 to 30 mins, I did not give them as high a priority as cardio. I'm not much for being in a gym for over an hour. I feel you can get burned out and over train, especially with weights, if you are not careful.

My Results? 
I lost about 25 pounds in the challenge, almost 10% of my body weight.
I lost around 2 3/4" in my waistline.
I stopped taking my arthritis medicine about 6 weeks ago and have not had a gout attack since.
I have not stopped to check my blood pressure yet. I'm pretty sure it is better than before. Many times in the past my blood pressure would be taken when in pain, which tend to give high readings as it is.

Other noticeable changes:
I feel great! Much lighter on my feet, which helps a lot wearing a prosthesis.
I feel more energetic!
I have recently started jogging some. I am still working on this and have only mustered about a mile and a half during any single session with my running leg. I am shooting for participating in a 5K this November.
My clothes fit great! I am wearing shorts and pants that I had kind of tucked away in the back of the closet due to how tight they were. I even have worn some of my friends clothes. Besides his shirts, I have never been able to fit into any of his clothing.
I have started having more regular bowel movements. This wasn't much of an issue before, but I definitely notice a difference. The vegetables really get things moving in this area.

I must stress that going to the gym has been a big factor in this endeavor as well. There is no way I would have gotten the results I have without hitting the gym.  in addition to the diet. I am currently going 4 to 6 times a week.

How Challenging Is It Eating Vegan?
I joke with my friends when they ask how hard it is being a vegan. I say it is a lot like being a recovering alcoholic. Each day is a challenge and I just do it one day at a time. No one likes the taste of a cheese burger better than I do. The smell coming from a fast food joint or restaurant can still really spike my appetite.

Funny thing is when I go out to eat with people they often apologize to me when they order meat. I try to stress that it isn't a big deal to me and it is a choice I have made. I certainly don't want anyone to feel bad about eating with me. On dates, women who know my diet almost always talk to the waiter for me, state that I am a vegan and ask about options for me. This drives me a little nuts. I think that motherly thing women posses tends to make them do this? I am not sure? I really dislike, for people to make a big deal out of things for me. I especially don't like asking people to make exceptions for me. This makes me guilty for some reason? I just don't like people having to go out of their way for me.

I have cheated a time or two. Which makes me a cheagan. I have eaten a bite of chicken or meat here or there that someone has badgered me to try. I also have partook in some donuts, breads, breaded items or tried some sauces that I am sure have contained dairy, butter or eggs here or there. This has been pretty minimal. Obviously I don't order non vegan items, but if something comes with cheese that didn't get removed or an appetizer has come out with beef or chicken I don't sweat it. I just try my best to eat around the 'forbidden' substance. I am human and I don't turn into a freak about things. I just try my best. This vegan thing is something I have imposed on myself, to attempt to be more healthy. Tf I slip up a little it isn't going to make or break me.

The Biggest Challenge?
By far for me the hardest thing has been not using coffee creamer. I drink a lot of coffee every day and I love it with half and half. There are probably days in the past where I would easily consume a cup of more in coffee creamer itself while drinking coffee through the day. I will usually drink a 4 to 8 cups plus of coffee a day. I just have not found a good substitute. Almond milk, which I often use before leaving the house, just doesn't cut it as a creamer substitute. Soy milk is okay but it is usually not available and I try not to consume too many soy products. I am getting more used to drinking my coffee black.
I always used to eat a lot of cheese, sour cream and yogurt as well. I really miss eating pizza at times.

I know I am painting a rather bleak picture here. In all honesty being vegan has not been that bad. There are a lot of great options out there. In a lot of ways I never really appreciated the natural flavor of a lot of fruits (their sweetness) and vegetables until now.

Things I Eat A Lot Of
Beans - I consume a lot of black beans. I've even done black bean smoothies before. Don't ask...lol.
Hummus - served with vegetables at a restaurant or made at home is a favorite.
Broccoli - I eat it along with or on top of things often. It is great with brown rice, couscous, wheat pasta or in vegetable stir fry. (I try not to eat a ton of pasta as I am still trying to lose weight).
Avocados - I eat these either cut up on things or as guacamole. A long with tomatoes.
Peas, corn and green beans are big in my diet as well.
Peanut butter - I eat it often. Sometimes strait out of the jar.
Trail mix
Almonds
Sweet Potato Fries - They are my dirty indulgence.

Protein?
By far the biggest comment I get is, 'Aren't you worried about not getting enough protein?'. To be very honest I don't worry about it at all. Except for the first week or two of doing this (The adjustment period. I constantly felt hungry the first week or two.) I never feel weak or faint at all.


Funny Things That Have Happened
The first 2 weeks I went vegan I took a date to a steakhouse she chose for dinner and on two other occasions I met clients at steak places. It was quite the drag.
       
- Sometimes You Have To Laugh At Life-

I should have posted a before and after picture. If you follow me on Instagram you can definitely see the difference compared to some of my older pictures.
Instagram user name:
ty1wilson

Updates And Such

Hello All:

I have been very far removed from this site for a very long time. I finally got a post up a couple of weeks ago and it actually got a few hits. So it is nice to see some interest out there.

I have removed or revised a lot of the older post I have on here. Many of the links to videos were broken, other post I felt were irrelevant and other reasons.

I still have a lot of work to do. I need to revise my "Prosthetic Equipment" page as I am using totally different gear now.

Just wanted to give an update.


Next blog is on the changes I have experienced since switching to a vegan diet. 

As usual some current music I am jamming is included:

Greta Van Fleet - Highway Tune

The Importance Of Diet & Exercise

A little music. To listen to while reading if you want. A tune I have been jamming for the week. I love music. It keeps me motivated and helps me through my day. Music comes many styles I try very hard to be open minded and find worth in all of it's formats and genres. Another piece of advice I would give to anyone. Stay open minded it promotes mental and spiritual growth.






I wanted to talk about something that is very important to an amputees well being. Actually it may be the most important thing.

Unfortunately there are no shortcuts. Believe me I have tried.

YOU CANNOT BE A FULLY HEALTHY PERSON, LET ALONE AMPUTEE, WITHOUT FOLLOWING A SENSIBLE DIET AND PARTAKING IN SOME TYPE OF EXERCISE.

There is no substitute for a sound diet and moderate exercise to help you be the best you. Frankly if you are not striving to be your best you are wasting a precious opportunity. Each day that we get up and venture out into the world we actually create it.

I know it sounds cheesy, maybe even a little unreal to think that your life makes that big of a difference in the world? I don't think any of us realize the huge effect we have on others. Even if you feel like there are not many people in your life that depend on you, believe me they do. We each make a difference in others we often don't even realize. Someone you may not even think about, your smile, attitude of even casual conversation may have a major impact on. We just cannot realize our full potential if we do not take care of our own happiness and well being. This is not possible without good nutrition and exercise.

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Exercise What is the best?

The answer to this is often unclear. There are so many factors that no one can tell you what the best regimen may be for you. Age, physical capability, interest and so many other factors play into this decision. I would not even want to attempt to give you advice on what would be best for you. One thing I know for sure is doing something is always better than nothing. Setting goals, and listening to your heart will probably go a long way into helping you with this decision.

No matter what your situation may be I can guarantee there is something about it on the internet. In this golden information age I am certain you can find ample advice or examples of activities you are interested in pursuing.


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What diet is the best?

This is once again such a personal decision that I really would not be able to offer you good advice on what would be the best for you.

One thing is certain. Eating REAL unprocessed foods is the way to go. So called food that is packaged and has a bunch of ingredients, such as sodium, corn syrups and other man made chemicals should be avoided.

Another certainty is that water should be your main beverage. Sodas, diet drinks, fruit juices and even excessive amounts of so called 'health drinks' (which usually contain lots of sugar and sodium) would not be something I would recommend.

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One word of caution about the internet when it comes to diet or exercise. Proceed with caution. Sometime you can get information overload. There is so much advise that it can be confusing. I would definitely stay away from any advise or product that promises quick solutions.

Working out and being healthy is a lifestyle. There is no secret solution that will be found by doing one miracle exercise or ingesting a secret product.

If you look at people who lead truly healthy lifestyles they usually stick to basics and put in the hard work to get their results.

Remember just because there is hard work involved doesn't mean it cannot be enjoyable. Nothing in life that is worthwhile doesn't involve putting in work and effort. After all if it was easy there would not be such a health crisis going on in this world today. I am sure most of your are aware of the staggering statistics on human health, so I won't even go into them.

Be passionate. Live life to the fullest. Never give up. Do your best every single day. Make a difference in this world.

Next blog I will go into some of the lifestyle changes I have made to affect my health. 

Remember it is never to late to change the direction of your life.

Good to see you! make it a great day!

Why Not?

After losing my leg. I decided I was going to run. Of course, I had to learn to walk first. I was in pretty decent shape the time I went through my amputation, so that was a big help. I also faithfully did my exercises every day to build my leg strength. Honestly if I had not been able to work out I think I would have gone nuts. It was a great way to kill time at not "worry" about being an amputee...at least distract me from worrying for a while.

So, after I starting walking I began riding a bicycle. Even with two legs I never had the right body type to be a great or competitive rider. I didn't care. It was a great and positive way to deal with my new lifestyle. I eventually did several 100 mile bike rides. I even finished in some pretty decent times. I spent the better part of a few years climbing some of the biggest hills Austin and San Antonio Texas has to offer. There is no better feeling than climbing over that top crest of a huge hill. Even better I helped encourage other people I was riding with. When they were down or thinking about quitting they would see the dude with one leg still trucking along. It was a great feeling.

Finally, I started running. It was slow going. I remember my prosthetist going out to adjust and setup my leg. He was able to lightly jog and keep up with me while I was giving it everything I could and going as fast as I could muster. It was very discouraging. Slowly I started to get a little faster. I think my best time in the 5k ended up being around 27 minutes. Still very slow, but almost as fast as my time when I first joined the military. I ended up running several 10k and 5k event. I even ran a half marathon once...finishing at about an 11 minute mile pace. I was a little disappointed with my time, but proud to finish.

I have come to find out that if you want to do something bad enough...you can. Even some things that seem impossible. Before becoming an amputee I never had run a half marathon or pedaled a bike for 100 miles. Those goals are behind me. I really have not run in a while or done much distance bike riding. I certainly think if I wanted to I could definitely do either again. Now a days I tend to spend my time in the gym doing a combination of free and machine weights. I also spend a lot of time cruising on my bike around town, here in Sarasota, FL.

I recently built my first fixed gear bicycle. I had an old mountain bike frame that had the right traits to be turned into a fixed gear. The two most important being a real wheel drop down that slides back and forward for the back wheel and clearance for road bike size tires to fit. So I bought a fixed gear wheel and chain and built the bike.

I am also a big music fan. I used to play bass in a band when I was in my 20's. I also have been messing with music gear of all types for many years in my spare time. Speaking of time, it is the main factor when pursuing your interest. Making time to do the things you love can be tough. It's funny that we often spend a lot of our time coping with living. Working to pay bills or other task we must do to make it through the day. This seems so backwards to me sometimes. Wouldn't be nice if we could all spend most of our time doing the things we love?

You have to ask yourself why not? Why don't we do the things we love? Are we scared of failure? I don't know how many of you have met someone that does their dream job for a living? I think a lot of people out there tell us and themselves they do...but often it is a lie. We tell ourselves we love what we do to 'sell' ourselves the path we have chosen to follow. If it is not a path you actually chose though...Is it the right one? I have met a few people that I knew did exactly what that wanted for a living. There were very content and happy people. Happy living a simple life because of their ability to pursue their dreams. Yes it does take sacrifice to do your own thing. It can often be a lonely road. I think that is part of the fear we have. Being alone, worrying other may see us as odd. Remember you only have one life. Shouldn't you pursue the things that make you happy?

Building a bike I have thought about building for over 6 years was an awesome feeling. Even though it is just a simple machine (as a fixed gear bike is meant to be) it feels so good to take it out on the road. The bike is nothing fancy. Darn it I built it!

I recently recorded a song in my studio apartment. It is a cover tune that I have always liked called 'Simple Man'. Messing around and recording music is something I have envisioned doing since being a kid and first getting into music. I can't claim it is a great recording or my talents are superior. Same answer though. Darn it I did it! It was a lot of fun. Why should care if someone likes it or not?

I think if you are doing something and it is a little scary you might be on the right track to finding true happiness.

Included is a picture of the bike.

My question to you is WHY NOT? You can do anything you want if you envision it. This isn't to say that everything will always come out how you want it to. It really comes down to how much time and energy you wish to put into your vision.

Keep Dreaming. You can do it!!!

Special Thanks To Northeast Cycles, St Petersburg, Fl for helping get the gear I needed and the advice. Likewise to Paradise Bicycles Ft Myers.

Putting Yourself Out There

It seems like eons  since I last put up a post. Excuses aside...I am helping foster a child, in the middle of remodeling the house, hectic work schedule..you know the usual.

I did want to touch on something that I think is very important in life. A subject that is necessary to be a success. When I define success, I mean being happy with who your are. It is taking a chance. Not being scared to try something, no matter the odds, the shyness you may have or the obstacles in your way.

I love art. I especially like raw, unfinished, low tech music and film. I also dig homemade construction projects. To me, the unique touch someone (even an amateur) can put on a home project is always better than the usual cookie cutter , paint by number way. I think what draws me to this type of work is passion. Someone being so excited about something they use whatever means they can find to get the it done. I believe this is probably one of the many factors that stretch an individuals imagination. Remember the phrase necessity is the mother of invention? I think we can all learn a lesson from this type of persistence. If you really desire to do it. You need to go for it.

I have a few examples. There is a movie callled  The Room. It is knows as one of the worst movies of all time. The acting is terrible, the story is full of holes...and you know I love it. It is so terrible it is bad. Some of my friends think I am crazy when I show them clips of it. The movie has become a Cult Classic and is considered the biggest cult film of the decade. I just adore that attitude. The director had a dream, he chased after it and (maybe not the way he wanted) it had become a huge success. To me, this is what makes life exciting.

Another music album I enjoy is Beck's One Foot On The Grave. From what I understand the album was recorded in a house using very low tech equipment. I think it is fantastic. Though the sound quality is not great there are a few great songs, Rowboat - covered by Johnny Cash on his 'Unchained' Album & Assh**e - recorded by Tom Petty on his 'She's The One' album. Not bad for a low tech album. One Foot On The Grave along with the song Loser (of course recorded in someones living room) actually led to Beck landing one of the most lucrative record deals of the 1990's.

So what Am I trying to sell here? I'm trying to push you into taking a chance and going after something you are passionate about. Life can be boring or it can be full of adventure. It really depends on how you look at it, what you spend your time doing, your attitude on what others think, and if you are willing to go for it.

Will your project always work out? Will others enjoy it? Of course, the answer is no. But does that realy matter?




I doubt if I will return here before the end of the year..but you never know? I want to wish everyone an Awesome Holiday Season! Best wishes in the future, but remember to live in the present. TyGuy

Amputee Views Prevail

As those who have stopped in here from time to time have probably noticed I can sometimes get on a rant. I am a very passionate person, especially when it comes to my personal viewpoints. I will always be a fan of individual responsibility, keeping an open mind and being steadfast in your principles.
While I feel there is nothing wrong with me having those beliefs, I do not think it is useful to use this forum to push them on anyone.

Obviously, You don't have to be an academic to tell we are going through some changing times. Change, while inevitable, can sometimes be painful. I have to admit I don't always accept change without some complaining along the way. So I rant and get on a soap box once in a while. For that I strongly apologize.

This site is about being an amputee. It should always be this blogs goal to help inform people looking for information about being an amputee. It is not my duty to tell others how to believe or think. This site should be used a resource.

As far as my music, science, religious and political views go I will try to exclude them in future post. For those who may have some interest in that area of my life I will continue to include my 'Personal Links' section. Just keep in mind it is just that, an incomplete set of links that delve into things I am interested in. No agenda pushing, just other areas of my life I find interest in.

The rest of this site will contain post about amputee issues, useful amputee links, amputee support group information, prosthetic equipment and so fourth.

Looking forward to chatting at you soon....
Ty W