Thanks to all that have helped!!!

Monday, August 27, 2012

I'm Back...

First off, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get back on here and update everyone on how everything is going with my progress on getting back to work shape and life in general. To be honest, I've been more than a little depressed and couldn't bring myself to write about what I was feeling at the time. I have had to come to the realization that returning to my previous employer within the time allotted is not a possibility, this in no uncertain terms crushed me. To add to my disgust was rumors of high ranking members of this organization wanting to "break me" if I should attempt to return to work there. (You'll notice I am being vague about where I work/worked, they have put out a department wide memo that any mention of the company outside of approved outlets will be met with punishment, up to and including termination. Since, I am currently an employee there I will obey by their rules.) I have been facing the fact that I am unable to push my body to the point I need it to be in order to return to the ambulance in the time I have left. As of writing this I have 4 days left and I have found that building up the strength in the hip flexor and gaining the endurance/stamina needed to return to work has been much more daunting than I had originally expected. Luckily, I have other places to go to work once I am able.

It's not all been doom and gloom here in the Prosthetic Medic household. As I have said before, Kate and I will be welcoming home a baby boy sometime in the December/January timeframe. We have decided to name him "William Lewis" and call him "Liam."

Also, I had the distinct pleasure of being featured by Otto Bock, the company that makes my prosthesis, in a video/photo shoot. They featured my recovery effort and interviewed one of my best friends and coworkers to ask what  impact I have had on his EMS career. I was joined by a local police sergeant who is also an above knee and a volunteer fire fighter who is a bilateral below knee amputee. It was an amazing 2 days. I got some great advice from the officer who is a mentor of sorts to me. He just reminded me of what I am working for and how important it is to show my sons how to overcome adversity, not only say it, but show them with my actions.

When I finally cleared my head and took the time to focus on the positives I have in my life, the fact that I still not only have a life to live, but have created another one, has given me the motivation I had lost. I'm ready to try again, not only to get back to being a medic, but to get back to living the life I want and not the one I have been handed. If any of you still follow me, or even read this, thank you for your understanding and look forward to more regular updates in the future. Back on the horse, hoping the buggy follows....The Prosthetic Medic





Daniel and I at the Otto Bock Photo Shoot
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2 comments:

  1. derekAugust 28, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    I've been following your journey for quite some time and impressed by your resolve in the face of adversity. The choices you have had to make aren't easy ones and your progress has been remarkable, it might not be where you want it or hoped it would be, but is ahead of where most would be. I have been a Paramedic for 18 years in the Metro Detroit area until last year. While on scene i blew out my back requiring me to have L2-L3 fused with a discectomy, the only career i have ever known was gone in an instant. By the time I had surgery in November it gave me 1 month to recover and return to work, PT doesn't start for a month and a half post surgery and i was let go the day after Christmas. Needless to say i have had plenty of time to reflect on where i want to go with my career which will not include the back of a rig. Just wanted to let you know that i understand where you're coming from.

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  2. AnonymousAugust 28, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    Nice to see you back, being in the UK,I am not familiar with the US setup. But are there jobs/roles within the wider healthcare system that will let you carry on using your skills, while you continue to build up your strength?

    Best Wishes to you and the family

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