Dear me...
Fredaricka was initially told she would never walk again after a freak accident slipping on icy grass. She now gives hope to others as a volunteer for Day One.
Hello self,
It’s been suggested that I may like to write a letter to reflect on our recovery journey since that awful day of our injury.
I know you will remember that icy, freezing cold day. It was a late Sunday afternoon and you were rushing, as usual, when the accident happened. Slipping very badly on the icy grass, somersaulting through the air so very easily. I can still hear you screaming out in pain and the loud, hollow sound of your leg snapping. The shock realization of excruciating pain and the sight of the bent and distorted leg - what a very frightening sight.
Okay, so it’s only a broken leg you will think. The hospital will just mend it and your busy life will quickly get back to normal. However, you will soon learn this will not be the case. The rollercoaster two year journey of operations and hopeful recovery will begin. What a difficult time of mixed emotions it will be. It will seem like there are never two days alike. Pain, sadness, anxiety and the worry of just what the future will be will seem ever present.
What about your family too? They will all go through their own sadness and anguish. You will try to do a good job and show happiness for them, even as you feel physically broken and emotionally shattered. Endeavor to be positive and hopeful for future recovery. You will be able to walk again one day.
You will experience a depth of despair after three very long operations and two years of recovery. Looking back now, surprisingly, it seemed to pass quickly.
Signs of recovery will come, albeit slowly, lifting your spirits. The outlook will start to seem brighter on the horizon.
I know I can now say ‘time is a great healer’ and my present busy daily life is a testament to the journey from despair to the positive, thankful position I am now in. I know I will be forever thankful to the expertise of my amazing surgeon, Prof Giannoudis, who performed his surgical ‘magic’ on my leg, and of course his very special Major Trauma team.
Our recovery journey started some 11 years ago. During that time, you will often wish that there was someone who had been in a similar position whom you could speak with, who could offer some words of support and helpful guidance. Thankfully, these days there is now Day One and peer support.
I have travelled the recovery journey and now have special feelings of gratitude for moving from a very dark and unknown place, to the positive outlook on life I have today.
To now offer Day One peer support to other patients gives me a very proud sense of achievement, thanks and gratitude.
Finally, to end our letter there are just three words: ‘We did it’.
Fredaricka West
Support Major Trauma Awareness Week
Every £1 you give will provide a minute of vital counselling – together we can raise £10,000 to meet extra demand for this crucial service.
