4 years ago today

4:21 PM Edit This 4 Comments »
2004
2008
It's been 4 years since I was "hit" with Transverse Myelitis and paralyzed at T1 (and down). It's been like being on a roller coaster, ups and downs, and sometimes scary.
I went from being completely paralyzed from the mid-chest down to being paralyzed on the left side with the left leg being the most affected. Plenty of other functions don't work well (bowel, bladder, intercostal muscles...) and I have pain 24/7 and am a walking pharmacy, BUT, for the most part I don't let it get me down or stop me from doing what I want to be doing. Sure I have days (more lately) when I am sad and frustrated and wish it had never happened. But I can't change it and figure I have 2 choices... crawl in bed and do NOTHING or continue living the life I choose to live. I've never been one to give up or sit still for long, so I choose to live.

I walk with a long leg brace and a cane, and sometimes use my wheelchair. I get plenty of "poor you" looks from strangers and at times odd, insensitive comments too. Whatever!

I am in my last semester of my RN program and will be graduating this May (fingers and toes crossed). I never thought I would make it, yes I wanted to, but honestly had no idea if my body would let me. So far, so good!

I thank the nurses who inspired me and encouraged me to do this. I will never forget it, it means so much to me. THANK YOU!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

You'Re really brave girl and you know everyone admires your stamina in this program. I myself can barely hold on to become a nurse... i dont know how u do it...
:) You conquered all the obstacles inspite of TM, and ur still conquering it all.. I AM PROUD OF YOU!

BTW,
BEAR Jr is soo cute...

LOVe YA!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your amazing accomplishments! As a fellow TMer, I think I can understand better than some the effort it requires to simply make it through a day. My only advice is to grant yourself the slack you need, when you need it. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I have been reading your blog for quite a while. I just want to congratulate you for coming this far. You are a brave and strong person. Goodluck in all your endeavours. I am just finshing first year nursing and I love it! 2 more years to go. By the way I need to engrave my stethoscope, where can do that here in montreal?

Anonymous said...

You are awesome!