Jamie Nepia's RHEO KNEE & Pro-Flex XC Story
“When you go down, the only way to come is up”
Jamie Nepia
In 2018, I incurred a shotgun wound to my leg and was rushed to the hospital where I had limb salvage surgery to save my leg. Being unable to stand up three months after undergoing multiple surgeries, lead me to decide to have my leg amputated. I knew this would allow me to walk again and I would no longer be dependent on my wheelchair or be required to undergo any more surgeries.
As a single mum of five incredible kids, it was important for me to get back to my busy life and be there for my whanau (family). It’s taken a lot of work to get to where I am now, including counselling for PTSD, and being able to go boxing has saved me.
When kids ask me what happened to my leg, I tell them I didn’t eat my veggies. My first prosthesis, ‘Legacy’, was a metal-looking leg and I found it hard to come to terms with my amputation. I had trouble with bullies on social media but boxing helped increase my fitness and empowered me through learning self-defence. I had many falls, but I persisted to remain active.
As a single mum of five incredible kids, it was important for me to get back to my busy life and be there for my whanau (family). It’s taken a lot of work to get to where I am now, including counselling for PTSD, and being able to go boxing has saved me.
When kids ask me what happened to my leg, I tell them I didn’t eat my veggies. My first prosthesis, ‘Legacy’, was a metal-looking leg and I found it hard to come to terms with my amputation. I had trouble with bullies on social media but boxing helped increase my fitness and empowered me through learning self-defence. I had many falls, but I persisted to remain active.
As a single mum of five incredible kids, it was important for me to get back to my busy life and be there for my whanau (family). It’s taken a lot of work to get to where I am now, including counselling for PTSD, and being able to go boxing has saved me.
When kids ask me what happened to my leg, I tell them I didn’t eat my veggies. My first prosthesis, ‘Legacy’, was a metal-looking leg and I found it hard to come to terms with my amputation. I had trouble with bullies on social media but boxing helped increase my fitness and empowered me through learning self-defence. I had many falls, but I persisted to remain active.
My new prosthesis is a RHEO KNEE XC and Pro-Flex XC and it looks awesome! I like that it blends in and fills my trouser leg. I also like that I don’t have to worry about walking in the rain as it is water-resistant. I think it’s so cool that it’s electronic and I can charge my leg! My prosthetic leg is much safer than my old leg and the knee gives me an extra boost. I have more energy and my walking has improved; I even go hiking now! I love that Travis (my Prosthetist) can adjust my leg as I improve by using the Össur Logic App. I also really like that it lets me know when the battery is running low.
The RHEO KNEE XC has been great for the gym and the mechanical lock gives me added security when training. With the RHEO KNEE XC, I can do squats and maintain balance. I can even pick up my 2-year-old nephew and carry him, which I didn’t have the confidence to do on my old leg.
My whanau (family) tell me I walk more and that I’ve lost weight. I’m also more motivated and independent since getting the RHEO KNEE XC. Nowadays I love a challenge and I’m really looking forward to my first Boxing match; especially as it will be the first New Zealand Women’s Amputee Boxing match!