Well, I've got a lot to fill you in on. First of all, my double vision has resolved. You see, back in January I had surgery for a condition called "Fourth Nerve Palsy". That alone has made my life more bearable. Second, I found that if I was in a pool, I could walk without my cane. I suggested aqua therapy to my physician and he agreed. I then went to aqua therapy and to physical therapy. Combined, I've learned to walk with the assistance of a singled pronged cane for short distances. I still rely on my motorized wheelchair for my main mode of transportation, but walking around the house is wonderful. Third, The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is having me evaluated for modifications needed to once again drive. The whole goal is to go back into nursing. The reality is that I'll probably never be able to be a staff nurse, but with my experience I can be a nurse case manager who helps other individuals with a tbi. My progress will be ongoing. I'll never stop rehabilitating, it will continue forever. My belief is that you must "baby step" towards your goals. We are all capable of reaching the top. It maybe slow, but at least we're here to make those strides!
My accident happened Dec 11th, 2000 while traveling home from work at a local nursing home where I was in charge of a skilled unit as a RN. Though I have no memory of that day, the last memory I do have happens to be of my family on that Thankgiving day. Luckly, I had no spouse or children that relied on me for support. Just a loving mother and four siblings! Two brothers and two sisters. Anyway, I was told by my family that I was in a coma for several months before coming back to a concious world. The very first memory I have is of my uncle telling me to stick out my tongue. I was thinking, "I wander if he knows that just because I am 36, my mom can still whip me!?". Anyway, while in the coma, I contracted the "flesh-eating disease. Well, my stomach is not the pretty thing it once was, but I never had dreams of being a bellydancer! I now am confined to a wheelchair, have limited use of my left side, have double vision and slurred speech. I just finished therapy, (OT, PT and ST) so I am still early in my recovery. It is not that hard! I've been through worse. Like being in the Army! Oh, I forgot to mention that before I became a nurse, I served in the Army. Anyway, the most important lessons I've learned is that life is special, treasure each day as if it were the last! Last, alway be able to laugh at yourself. If you can except yourself in times of turmoil, anybody can except you as are.
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