Sunny day, car crash, life change

[Claulispp]

Well here goes. . . time to stop lurking

 

It was a gorgeous, New England, September afternoon.  The kind of day with a little bit of snap to the air, leaves starting to change, and brilliant sunshine was the day my life took a sharp turn.     My boss and I were returning to our office after a meeting at the corporate office.  I was driving with my left hand out the window, playing in the breeze.  

 

ACCIDENT: car rolled, hand was still out the window, (warning: gore ahead) the top of my hand and lower arm were scraped off in what is called a deglovement injury, no skin, no muscle, no tendons, nothing left bone.  Luckily, only 3 fractures.

 

Today, my treatment team and I decided that the attempts and strategies for rebuilding weren't going to be productive.  We have gone from repair to rehab. I have some, although weak and very limited, movement in wrist, fingers, and thumb.

 

Life almost seven months later: lonely without work, frustrating learning to adapt and figure out how to do things differently, and grieving some of my old activities

 

MAIN QUEST: Develop the strength and skills to return to kayaking, camping and gardening without any human assistance or interference. 

 

Six weeks:

• Maintain Paleo food choices a minimum of 6 days a week  (I have "been Paleo" for just over a year, but too much comfort food is back in my life)
• Strengthen hand enough to pick up a gallon of milk
• Daily complete one whole body fitness activity: walk, core work, leg strength. . . other activities as I make adaptations

It is too easy to feel like a victim, give in to my current limitations, and to completely isolate myself.  

 

This challenge will challenge those beliefs and help me break free from the idea of disability.

[WarriorPrincess]

I just joined today, too. Just wanted to shout out a quick Helllllloooo and "Good for you!" You've had much to overcome, and you have made it this far! You gotta start somewhere, right?

I have a buddy of mine who was born with Spina Bifida, and he lost one of his legs below the knee due to MERSA, and he bike rides nearly 30 miles per day, on a good day. Disability really is a state of mind. You can do and accomplish anything you set your heart and mind to. At least, that's what I'm hoping for me, as well. Good luck to you!

[verander]

You've got this.  Congrats on your decision to take up a challenge!