Ruth Codd, known for her vibrant presence on social media and recent appearance on a popular television show, has undergone a second leg amputation. The decision, she revealed with characteristic honesty, came after years of relentless pain and a body pushed to its absolute limit.
Her journey began at fifteen, a football injury sparking a cascade of nerve damage and intractable pain. Surgeries offered temporary respite, but the underlying issue persisted, casting a long shadow over a decade of her life. Ultimately, amputation below the knee brought a measure of relief, a chance to reclaim some normalcy.
But the constant strain of relying on crutches for eight years took a devastating toll. Ruth explained that she was perpetually on her tiptoes, a subtle imbalance that gradually, irrevocably, destroyed the joints in her feet. Doctors eventually determined there was no path forward but further intervention.
With a wry smile and her signature humor, Ruth shared the news in a video, framing it as a “full circle moment” – returning to create content in her childhood home. The bittersweet reality was that access to her usual creative space was now impossible, necessitating a second below-knee amputation.
She didn’t shy away from the details, openly describing the state of her foot, already missing all her toes, as resembling “a little hamburger.” The decision wasn’t about finding a cure, but about halting further deterioration and reclaiming a quality of life that had been steadily eroding.
Ruth acknowledged the impact on her work, particularly her role as an amputee warrior in a recent live-action remake. Despite the challenges, she’d continued to pursue her passions, but the physical limitations were becoming increasingly difficult to overcome.
Her experience with the franchise, which features characters adapting to limb loss, resonated deeply. The story of resilience and adaptation mirrored her own, and she praised the production for its commitment to disability representation.
Now, with a new wheelchair affectionately nicknamed “Fat Tony,” and a determined spirit, Ruth looks ahead. She believes this second amputation will ultimately empower her, making her “pretty unstoppable” and allowing her to fully embrace the future.
Ruth’s story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the courage to prioritize well-being, even in the face of immense physical challenges. It’s a journey marked by pain, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to living life on her own terms.
