Posted on May 19, 2023

I never thought that routine surgery would change my life forever. I was a healthy and active person, always on the go, and never thought that anything could slow me down. All that changed when I became a paraplegic after a surgery that was supposed to make my life better.

I had been dealing with chronic back pain for years, and it was affecting my quality of life. I couldn't do the things I loved, like hiking, cycling, and playing sports, without being in pain. So, I decided to have surgery to fix the problem. The surgery was supposed to be routine, and I was told that I would be up and walking within a few days. 

But something went wrong. After the surgery, I suffered a spinal cord injury that left me paralyzed from the waist down, and I knew that my life would never be the same. 

The first few weeks after the surgery were a blur. I was in the hospital, surrounded by doctors and nurses, and I couldn't believe what had happened to me. I was angry, scared, and confused. I didn't know how I was going to live my life as a paraplegic. I spent the next 6 months in a hospital bed contemplating this.

The physical pain was excruciating, but the emotional pain was even worse. I had always been an active person, and now I was confined to a hospital bed. I couldn't do anything for myself, and I had to rely on others for everything. I went through a period of depression, feeling like I had lost everything. I felt my life had been taken away from me. This emotional impact of my paralysis was one of the biggest challenges I faced.

But I didn’t give up. I realized that I still had my family and friends, and they were there to support me. I knew that I had to be strong and fight through this. I worked hard to regain my strength and independence. It is a slow process, but I am determined to succeed.I found a support group for people with spinal cord injuries, and that helped me tremendously. It was comforting to talk to others who understood what I was going through.

There is a stigma associated with being disabled. People often treat me differently or leave me out of activities. It was hard to adjust to that. I have learned to ignore the stares and the comments and focus on living my life to the fullest. Another adjustment I’ve had to make is having to find out if places I want to go are accessible for disabled people.

I am starting to participate in adaptive sports, which I hope will give me a sense of purpose and help me regain my confidence. 

Despite the challenges, I have learned to embrace my disability. It has taught me to be more patient, more resilient, and more compassionate. I have also learned to appreciate the little things in life, like a beautiful sunset or a good book. I have found joy in the simple things, and that has made all the difference. 

I was dealing with medical bills that never seemed to stop. The surgery that was supposed to make my life better left me with a mountain of debt. I had to fight with the insurance company to get them to cover the costs of my care. It was a long, frustrating process, and it was a significant financial burden. I didn't let the medical bills get me down. I knew that I had to focus on my recovery and not let the financial stress consume me. I worked hard to find resources to help me pay for my care, and I was able to get some financial assistance along the way. 

I have learned from my experience the importance of advocating for myself. I had to fight for my rights and my care, and I learned that I had to be my own advocate. I had to speak up and make sure that my needs were being met. It was challenging, sometimes frustrating, and sometimes embarrassing, but it was necessary for my recovery.

In conclusion, becoming a paraplegic in later life can be a challenging and life-changing experience. It can result in physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that can be difficult to overcome. However, with the right support and resources, many individuals can adapt to their new way of life and maintain their independence and quality of life. It is important for individuals who become paraplegic in later life to seek out the support they need and to take an active role in managing their condition. With the right mindset and support system, paraplegics can live fulfilling lives and accomplish their dreams.