It has been over thirteen years since breaking my neck and being diagnosed as a quadriplegic. Looking back over these past thirteen years, I never would have expected to be where I am today. I have accomplished so many things since that fateful day that I thought I would never achieve. It feels weird to say it, but my injury has really given my life purpose and meaning that I didn’t have before.
Some of the goals I have achieved wouldn’t have been possible if my accident didn’t happen. I feel like I have done a great job at staying positive and focusing on moving forward with my life since my injury. My disability and limitations do not define me, but if I’m being honest, I have been struggling lately due to having to sit down all day and no longer getting weight bearing in my legs. I have noticed my muscles atrophying and my bones getting weaker over time. Losing muscle mass and bone strength is something I was warned about early on after my accident. You can do your best to exercise, eat healthy, and take vitamins, but these things are inevitable with a spinal cord injury.
After my injury, physical therapy was my main priority. I worked out multiple days a week and dedicated my time to getting back as much function as possible and maintaining my muscle mass. Fast forward 13 years, I have graduated with my master’s degree and started working as an associate marriage and family therapist. Work has now become my main focus in order for me to live independently and provide for myself.