What injury did you sustain?
I was in a motorcycle accident that happened less than a mile from KU Med center. When they took me to the hospital I assumed and was ready for my first broken bone and wear a cast for 6-8 weeks but that was not the case. My leg was crushed between the car and my motorcycle, fractured my left tibia at the joint and mid-shin and my leg went without blood for 4 hours and the decision to amputate me leg was thrown around several times.
The Repair: My initial surgery was a double fasciotomy to relieve the pressure built up from my open veins and to graft a vein from my right leg to my left that took 12 hours. A few days later the double fasciotomy received skin grafts from my thighs. Due to the swelling of my surgeries that had to heal before my bones could be set/screwed back together. Altogether roughly 6 weeks in the hospital, 30 hours of surgeries and 320 stitches and staples.
When did this injury occur?
4/10/2013
How long was the recovery process?
Walking after 6 months and currently ongoing…
What provided you the motivation and drive to press on through the difficult times after sustaining the injury?
There was definitely not one single thing that I can attribute my motivation. The fact that I was very stubborn and never let go of hope or my drive. My Mom and Dad were my rock supporting me and taking care of me when I couldn’t get out of bed on my own. There were several doctors and nurses that were inspiring and personal.
How did the injury you sustained shape your character in who you are today?
I think my outlook on life is different which sounds goofy like it’s out of a book. I don’t get caught up in the little things and feeling sorry for myself is kind of a thing of the past. Losing my independence has been a defining moment in my life.
Since the injury, how has life changed for you?
There was definitely not one single thing that I can attribute my motivation. The fact that I was very stubborn and never let go of hope or my drive. My Mom and Dad were my rock supporting me and taking care of me when I couldn’t get out of bed on my own. There were several doctors and nurses that were inspiring and personal.