Small steps in my recovery was all I could manage. As I became more mobile, I now find myself on a waiting list to attend an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. I am told by numerous medical professionals that I will need more treatment for the multiple injuries I sustained in my crash. After 8 weeks or so, my broken ribs have healed and I can finally sleep on my side and lift myself out of bed but now my “pain sensors” have moved. When I say my “pain sensors”, I will try my best to explain to you what I mean. I learnt early on with my recovery that when you sustain multiple injuries, your pain sensors will be directed to the highest pain level first and once that injury has healed or has become less painful, your highest pain level will then move to another injury you may have sustained. I had multiple injuries and now find myself going through the “pain sensor” process. It had now left my ribs and moved to my legs.
I am now faced with the dreaded task of applying for Long Term Disability (LTD). Luckily enough, my lawyer was on top of it and had started the process. When I say “started the process”, it is shocking how much paperwork your LTD provider will ask from you. You would think that being involved in a horrific car crash would speak for itself given the police reports and medical documents that are provided but that is it not the case. They will ask for numerous documents and it will seem like it never ends. It is a “long drawn out process” and as a survivor, I would ask that you try to remain extremely patient and prepare yourself for a long wait. I have yet to hear from another survivor that received their LTD in a timely fashion without any delays or denials. If you are denied LTD, please seek legal representation immediately.
It Took Me 4 Months to Drive Again
After 4 months or so, I decided to see what it would feel like to get behind the wheel of a vehicle again. Although no one asked me to try and I was not forced into it, I just felt like the time had come and I wanted to know if I would ever be able to drive again. I didn’t drive far that day as I was in excruciating pain and I honestly didn’t know what to expect and I was taking small steps in my recovery. As I took deep breaths, I managed to drive around the block and I made sure someone was with me. I was not faced with flashbacks as I had thought I might have been, however I felt my hands glued to that steering wheel, a feeling I had never felt before. I had terrible anxiety getting into the vehicle and driving the vehicle but I was okay…..just okay.
I decided that since we were still experiencing nasty winter weather, I would wait until summer arrived before I would get behind the wheel again. I cannot stress enough the importance of waiting until YOU feel ready. Don’t rush into it and give yourself plenty of time to feel comfortable. When that time comes where you feel up to driving, be prepared and ask a family member or friend to come with you as a support.
After being on a wait list for about 6 weeks, the day arrived where I found myself sitting in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic filling out forms the best I could. I could barely walk or sit and taking small steps in my recovery. I was in tremendous pain and one of my injuries was a broken index finger which was chipped in two places and that finger was really struggling to heal. I was greeted with a Doctor of Chiropractic and as she started to ask me questions about my crash and injuries, I instantly felt a connection with this young woman by the name of Michelle. She was patient, sincere, empathetic and smart. As I had never been to see a chiropractor before, I shared my concerns with Michelle as I felt I was in such a fragile state that I just couldn’t bare the thought of any part of my body hurting more than it already was.
Michelle assured me that she would take it extremely slow with me and that I would need a lot of treatment. Not only was I going to see Michelle, I would also see a massage therapist and participate in aqua therapy when I felt up to it. Where will I find the strength? I was taking small steps in my recovery. I didn’t do much that first day other than complete the assessment and then it was a waiting game to see if the treatment plan was approved. Once the treatment plan was approved, although I was nervous and hesitant to become a patient with Michelle, I would soon find out that it was the best decision I would ever make for my recovery.
Comfort Level is Crucial
When faced with the daunting task of becoming a new patient with medical professionals, it is so important that you feel comfortable with your doctors. If you don’t feel comfortable for any reason or you feel that they are not a good fit for you, please find another doctor. I know that may be “easier said than done” but you need to have a comfort level with your doctor as you may be seeing them for several months or even years. If you don’t feel comfortable and you find yourself having a hard time finding another doctor, ask your family doctor or lawyer to refer you somewhere else. You may be surprised to find out that your lawyer may be able to refer you to another doctor that may be accepting new patients in your area. I took small steps in my recovery and did not rush it.
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
