7 replies to this topic

[Ang]

Today my sister brought over my medical records because I need them to prove that I was injured before the age of 24 so that I can get disability based off of my parent. Apparently if you were injured before the age of 24, unmarried and one of your parents is eligible for social security retirement or disability you can get a bit of extra money. Anyways I was reading thru my records and apparently I confused what injury I have. I always thought I was c4 but it says I am "T-1, complete secondary to fracture subluxation of C7 on T-1 as a result of MVA" No clue what that means other than it wasn't a C4 break as I thought.

Today as I read my records I realize that I should have done so much more to be more independent than I was. I didn't really have much of a support group. I sure wish this forum was around when I was 16 in 1981 when I was first injured. My parents didn't really push me to do things that I should have been doing like go back to school and get out and be social. They basically did everything for me and since that was easier for me I let them. Easiest is not always the best! They didn't mean any harm of course, did the best they could at the time. And I should have pushed myself as well instead of letting life go by me. So if any new people are reading this do whatever you can as soon as you can to be as independent as you can so you won't have any regrets about missing out on things when you get older. At the time I thought my life was over and didn't think I would ever be able to have a so-called "normal" life.

In 1998 I started community college. In 2001 I received my Associates of Arts. In 2005 I received my Bachelor of Arts In Psychology. This I believe was the best thing I could do for myself at the time. During that time I had a part time job working in the admissions office of a local college. It was a job I loved. Unfortunately I had to quit in 2007 because of transportation issues. I don't drive and spending the whole day on a bus just to work 5 hours a day was too much for me. All this time I had been living at my parents house basically being supported by them. I was getting SSI at the time which helped a little but who wants to tell people they still live at home with their parents when they are in their 30' & 40's? It's not much of a confidence booster even if you have a good reason.

Today I am living in my own apartment for the very first time in my life. My youngest sister is my roommate. We each pay half of the rent, utilities and other stuff. For the first time in my life I feel like a grown-up instead of a child living at home with their parents. We have been here almost 3 months now and I love it. The apartment is a bit accessible. They have a wide door on my bathroom so I can get in there pretty good. They put in a ramp for me on the front door and installed a remote control for my ceiling fan/light so that I can turn on my light all by myself whenever I want to and boy does that feel good. Life is good now. Life will be great when I finally get my chair fixed and a tub bench for my bathtub. Just waiting on slow paperwork.

The moral of this story is: Do whatever you can to be as independent as you can it will benefit you in the long run. Don't be like me and miss out on life. You never know what you will be missing!

[pistol_pete]

Good for you!
You thought you were C4 but it says you are T1. Wouldn't you be able to tell by how much hand control you have?
If you can move your arms and use your fingers normally then that would be a T level injury wouldn't it?
How much can you use your hands?

[Ang]

pistol_pete, on 09 January 2012 - 06:03 AM, said:

Good for you!
You thought you were C4 but it says you are T1. Wouldn't you be able to tell by how much hand control you have?
If you can move your arms and use your fingers normally then that would be a T level injury wouldn't it?
How much can you use your hands?

I have complete use of my arms, hands and fingers. I just thought it was some kind of miracle. I didn't become really aware of anything until 3 days after the accidents tho they told me I talked to them but I have no memory of it. I also had a head injury as well. We were driving to Montana to visit my grandparents on spring break and the car rolled and I landed on my head. I wouldn't recommend doing that to anyone Tis not fun. Anyways I don't really remember exactly what they told me just that I wouldn't walk again and for some reason I got it into my head C4 break. I didn't ask any questions at all. I was just numb and lost hope and really didn't get it back for a really long time. Back then there wasn't a lot of support out there and I was very stubborn about hiding away from life. Silly I know but it is what it is and I can't change the past just have to move forward to the future

[Bethann]

Ang, on 09 January 2012 - 06:40 AM, said:

pistol_pete, on 09 January 2012 - 06:03 AM, said:

Good for you!
You thought you were C4 but it says you are T1. Wouldn't you be able to tell by how much hand control you have?
If you can move your arms and use your fingers normally then that would be a T level injury wouldn't it?
How much can you use your hands?

I have complete use of my arms, hands and fingers. I just thought it was some kind of miracle. I didn't become really aware of anything until 3 days after the accidents tho they told me I talked to them but I have no memory of it. I also had a head injury as well. We were driving to Montana to visit my grandparents on spring break and the car rolled and I landed on my head. I wouldn't recommend doing that to anyone Tis not fun. Anyways I don't really remember exactly what they told me just that I wouldn't walk again and for some reason I got it into my head C4 break. I didn't ask any questions at all. I was just numb and lost hope and really didn't get it back for a really long time. Back then there wasn't a lot of support out there and I was very stubborn about hiding away from life. Silly I know but it is what it is and I can't change the past just have to move forward to the future

Nice ending to your story and glad to hear your so happy.......(O:

Edited by Bethann, 09 January 2012 - 12:20 PM.

[Stand]

Congratulations on your newfound independence! Make up for the lost time the best you can. I guess I don't have to tell you that. Best of luck to you and your sister in YOUR apartment! :-)

[Tetracyclone]

I share your exultation at having the apartment. i expect this is also good for your parents. Next stop, a car and driving. I think it is not too late to focus on developing more arm strength and trunk control. Might be the perfect time.

[wheeliebear75]

Ang, on 09 January 2012 - 06:40 AM, said:

pistol_pete, on 09 January 2012 - 06:03 AM, said:

Good for you!
You thought you were C4 but it says you are T1. Wouldn't you be able to tell by how much hand control you have?
If you can move your arms and use your fingers normally then that would be a T level injury wouldn't it?
How much can you use your hands?

I have complete use of my arms, hands and fingers. I just thought it was some kind of miracle. I didn't become really aware of anything until 3 days after the accidents tho they told me I talked to them but I have no memory of it. I also had a head injury as well. We were driving to Montana to visit my grandparents on spring break and the car rolled and I landed on my head. I wouldn't recommend doing that to anyone Tis not fun. Anyways I don't really remember exactly what they told me just that I wouldn't walk again and for some reason I got it into my head C4 break. I didn't ask any questions at all. I was just numb and lost hope and really didn't get it back for a really long time. Back then there wasn't a lot of support out there and I was very stubborn about hiding away from life. Silly I know but it is what it is and I can't change the past just have to move forward to the future

As a 14/15 yr old in 1990....I can attest to the isolation of that pre-internet & ADA era.....(glad they're over...viva la ADA & web )

It's good you're getting your independence. You'll have to keep us posted.

[rue2you]

Get on Youtube and check out videos!! You will be amazed at what you can do - and still learn to do!! Good for you!