11 replies to this topic

[blingless]

I found this forum awhile ago, finally registered and love all the info I've found so far.

I'm a c4-5 incomplete and became one 39 months ago. My injury was sustained as a result of an attempt on my life while on business overseas. A single gunshot close range entered my cheek and almost exited my trapezius muscle on the opposite side. The hemorrhage caused a bruise that pushed against my spinal cord and my life began as I know it today

3 weeks in ICU followed by 3 weeks of rehab (just to learn how to sit for 30 mins straight in a wheelchair), and I was released by my doctors and was assisted onto a plane headed home (thanks for everything mom!)

3 weeks in quarantine finally led to admission into rehab for 90 days. The diagnosis was that I may end up walking with braces and a walker one day.

Entered rehab bed ridden but lucky to have my mom, family, and friends supporting me. Learned how to stand and walk very short distances with a quad cane by the time I left.

I'm very lucky and blessed to say that I started walking independent of a cane, with a limp (damn you tone!) within months of leaving rehab.

I have limited movement of my arm and hand on my more affected side, wonderful burning nerve pains from both elbows down 24/7, but I'm lucky to still be around to share my story.

[Travelling Blackbird]

Welcome to the forum. That was damn lucky, surviving that.

It's great that you've had that recovery. That's awesome. Thanks for sharing the positivity and your positive attitude.

All the best,
Derek.

[Smileyblue]

Welcome to the wealth of information n assistance we've all been lucky to find in here..
;-) Congrats on yr recovery thus far.. Keep yr chin up n let that positive attitude keep shining on..

Edited by Smileyblue, 22 May 2010 - 12:38 PM.

[Snakeye]

Wow, what a dreadful exsperience. Welcome....

[Avocado Baby]

Hi! Welcome to the forum

[greybeard]

Hi Blingless.

Are you bling-less because you're skint? - Or because you've got good taste? lol

[Wheelsonfire]

Greetings and salutations.

Welcome to the thunder dome, long may you reap the benefits from both experienced and novice alike.

[julibugs]

Wow Blingless,

What a terrible attack - and what an amazing recovery.

Welcome from another newbee

[mcferguson]

Welcome, glad you found us.

[blingless]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

greybeard - let's go with good taste. it's a nickname I use because I'm a minimalist at heart

dealing w/ it - I'm 35, and an entrepreneur. All things considered, everything is the good part since the injury. Here's my top 5

1. My parents had recently filed for divorce just before my injury. I'm happy to say they have re-evaluated the importance of life and family since.
2. I discovered who my true friends were after the injury. It's amazing how much better life is when you are left with just the real ones.
3. I appreciate life, living, friends, and family in general a lot more than ever.
4. After meeting so many amazing people in rehab, the idea of "limitations" has been banned from my thoughts
5. I've met my soon-to-be fiancée and I'm looking forward to getting married next year! She should be joining this forum shortly.

I can't stress enough how amazing everyone is. The information you've shared that I've found here is priceless! Thank you!

[Smileyblue]

It's gr8 that yr parents re-evaluated their decision.. And CONGRATS on yr upcoming engagement n wedding..


Personally yr number 3 was the best part for me.. ;-) I have had my eyes opened to the beauty of life in a way that could never have been achieved any other way..

Life is good!