L's interview
Error
How did all start?
I flew off a 10’ ladder across a stage while working and completely landed with my full weight on my left hand.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes! Because I was going through workers comp from the time of injury to the time I saw a doctor who began to suspect 10 months. From the time of the injury to confirmation about 16 months.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Orthopedic, spinal surgeon, pain management and physical therapy. Physical therapy has been the most helpful because theres someone regularly touching, massaging and exercising and just the support and human contact.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
It’s really a combo of things. But it comes down to getting up and putting the work in on the physical and continuing to understand. Mixed extreme pain meds and physical therapy.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
The pain! At one point I tried to surgically amputate my own arm.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Yes! I’m basically at home all the time, prefer to walk to near by places and car rides under an hour with air suspension. I have completely changed from an outdoorsy person to a bed bound.
What things have you stopped doing?
Running, working and being outside for long periods of time.
What do you think about the future?
I’m r-inventing myself. Honestly it’s just me pushing forward and honestly like my grandmas. I get up every day, get done up, groom and wait to die. “If I die I die well dressed”
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Right before I got injured.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would still be working as a carpenter/ explorer.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Push through the pain, just another day that hasn’t killed me.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Journal, force yourself to journal. It will really make you think of your symptoms and triggers. And have someone to comfort you, and someone to openly and honestly talk to. There’s a point in the beginning when the pain is getting worse and worse, the ER won’t help with pain management so don’t bother, even if you’re about to amputate your own arm from the pain. And the pharmacy’s are horrible with opioid medicine so be prepared to fight for pain management.
