I am finding it hard to accept this for one, and also sometimes I just get anxiety about being disabled. This is all still new for me. Anybody have a similar experience?
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mental paralysis for newly injured
Started by
crash
, Aug 07 2006 11:14 PM
3 replies to this topic
#1
crash
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Posted 07 August 2006 - 11:14 PM
Today has not been a good day for me. I've just started driving recently and it has put me off a little bit. Now I have the freedom to go places and get things done and it feels a little overwhelming. All of a sudden it feels like I have to deal with everyday life stuff again only now I am disabled/paralyzed
I am finding it hard to accept this for one, and also sometimes I just get anxiety about being disabled. This is all still new for me. Anybody have a similar experience?
I am finding it hard to accept this for one, and also sometimes I just get anxiety about being disabled. This is all still new for me. Anybody have a similar experience?
"I get flustered when the carpet's dirty"
Top#2 *onion*
*onion*
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Posted 08 August 2006 - 02:30 AM
Hi Crash,
Congradulations, you're driving. Sometimes I think you have to remember how far you've come. Pat yourself on the back, and go wwhooo I've come a really long way. This is a nothing. Yeah it's another challenge. And life sucks on some days. But there is always (well not really always) the next day.
Congradulations, you're driving. Sometimes I think you have to remember how far you've come. Pat yourself on the back, and go wwhooo I've come a really long way. This is a nothing. Yeah it's another challenge. And life sucks on some days. But there is always (well not really always) the next day.
#3
Glor
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Posted 08 August 2006 - 04:29 AM
Hi Crash,
These are all steps in the process, but as Onion said, you need to congratulate yourself on taking another step towards claiming aspects of your life back. I think its a great achievement and just take it slowly. I know my partner loved driving his car, because it felt like freedom and it was an equalizer - everyone on the road has wheels
Every new thing you do will expose you to dealing with the fact that you are now paralyzed, but thats okay too. Its early days for you as i understand from your postings, so don't put yourself under too much pressure.
G
These are all steps in the process, but as Onion said, you need to congratulate yourself on taking another step towards claiming aspects of your life back. I think its a great achievement and just take it slowly. I know my partner loved driving his car, because it felt like freedom and it was an equalizer - everyone on the road has wheels
Every new thing you do will expose you to dealing with the fact that you are now paralyzed, but thats okay too. Its early days for you as i understand from your postings, so don't put yourself under too much pressure.
G
#4
Avocado Baby
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Posted 08 August 2006 - 03:00 PM
Hi Crash,
Like everyone else has said, you really need to congratulate yourself for starting to drive again! It's a really good step in the right direction. Try and remember that and be proud of yourself for achieving that freedom and independence.
I know this must be really difficult time for you as everything you are experiencing is new to you and that much harder than it used to be. We've talked about it and the anxiety that comes with disability and the problems we face so you know I can really relate to this. Sometimes it's really hard not to compare yourself to other people and how they do things or how you used to be and do things. Just try and remember that you are still the same person, you just have physical limitations now that mean things may take you a little longer to do or get used. It can be extremely frustrating at times and it is perfectly normal and understandable to have days feeling like this (I still do). After all, you have suffered a loss so you are entitled to be upset about it. You will improve though and gradually you will get used to the way you are and come to terms with it...I promise!
Do you have any close friends that you were friends with before your injury? Get them to take you out and try and do as much of the things you used to as possible. That way you can get back to normal life as much as you can. Like I said, you are still the same person inside so just be yourself and spend time with people who care about you and make you feel happy. It alwaya helps to motivate me.
I hope I've been of some help and you're feeling a bit better.
Take care
Like everyone else has said, you really need to congratulate yourself for starting to drive again! It's a really good step in the right direction. Try and remember that and be proud of yourself for achieving that freedom and independence.
I know this must be really difficult time for you as everything you are experiencing is new to you and that much harder than it used to be. We've talked about it and the anxiety that comes with disability and the problems we face so you know I can really relate to this. Sometimes it's really hard not to compare yourself to other people and how they do things or how you used to be and do things. Just try and remember that you are still the same person, you just have physical limitations now that mean things may take you a little longer to do or get used. It can be extremely frustrating at times and it is perfectly normal and understandable to have days feeling like this (I still do). After all, you have suffered a loss so you are entitled to be upset about it. You will improve though and gradually you will get used to the way you are and come to terms with it...I promise!
Do you have any close friends that you were friends with before your injury? Get them to take you out and try and do as much of the things you used to as possible. That way you can get back to normal life as much as you can. Like I said, you are still the same person inside so just be yourself and spend time with people who care about you and make you feel happy. It alwaya helps to motivate me.
I hope I've been of some help and you're feeling a bit better.
Take care
Paraplegic with Spina Bifida. Sensory and function level is T8. T11-L5 fusion 1993. Laminectomy and decompression T10 2006. Spinal fusion T8-T12 with instrumentation Feb 2007. Moderate kyphoscoliosis. Taking 75mg Lyrica 3xday for neuropathic pain.
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