Your Stories

"At least I'm getting some of my life back."

LAURA

I'm 23 years old, I live with my parents and I am currently out of work.

When I was younger, about 15, I was a bit wayward. (I suppose most teenagers are at some time). After I had left school I didn't have much going for me. One day early in 1997 I decided that I should do something with my life. I took a big step; I went to live with some friends in Liverpool. After I had been there about two weeks I had got myself a job as a security officer, shortly after that I found myself a nice flat (first floor). Things were looking up. Work was going well and I had the opportunity to apply for a site supervisor’s job. I was gradually paying off my debts and everyone thought I was finally sorted out (Including me).

I met a man at work; we got on well and started seeing more of each other. October 25th was his birthday and he asked me to go with him and his friends for a night out, I agreed. Whilst we were out his ex-girlfriend turned up. I was polite and tried not to upset her. The evening ended for me at the point when she attacked me. My head was bounced repeatedly off of a brick wall and as I hit the floor I was kicked in the side of my right leg. Two of his friends came with me in the ambulance to the hospital, but after I had waited about an hour I discharged myself without seeing a doctor. The next day I could hardly walk, my right knee was the size of a football and I could not turn my head. A friend came to see me and took me back to the hospital. After being kept in overnight they strapped my leg and gave me crutches put a collar on my neck and sent me home.

I couldn't do anything for myself, I tried to cope for about a week and then I phoned my parents and asked if I could come home. Of course two days later they came to get me. I got home on November 5th, the next day my dad took me to the local hospital. When I was finally seen by a doctor he said that the cartilage in my knee was split and that I had torn tendons and ligaments. My leg was put in a cast for three weeks to give these a chance to heal. When I had the cast removed the orthopaedic specialist was not happy, I was put on the ward and I went into surgery four hours later. I underwent an "Arthroscopy", (this is where they make two holes one each side of the knee and go inside to fix what damage there is). When I woke up and saw the doctor afterwards they told me that they could find no damage. I had months of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, this helped slightly but I was still in chronic pain. For months they kept saying that they wouldn't give up on me, that they would find what was wrong and fix it, I believed them and lived in hope.

In February 1999 a hospital specialist told me that there was nothing they could do for me, "I'm afraid you'll just have to learn to live with what you've got" was close enough to what he said. I was angry, very angry, (for a few days), then I was distraught, and as far as I could tell my life was ruined. I still suffer from severe pain and limited mobility, on a good day I only have to use one crutch but on a bad day I need both. I have to limit myself to what I can do, because there's a lot that I would like to do but can't.

It has taken me a long time to be able to say, " I AM DISABLED" and to try to believe it myself. I've done three part-time computer courses and passed them all. I now ride a Suzuki GS750 Trike, and I also ride pillion on my fiancé's Triumph T'Bird I can still go to rallies and shows but we have to stop quite frequently so I can rest my leg.

I still have bad days (like everyone) but I realise now that things could be a lot worse and at least I'm getting some of my life back.