The art of caring

On the night of October 4th, 2017, I survived a DUI accident that has changed my life forever. I was leaving my prayer circle on that night, my friend and I were walking to our cars I noticed from a distance a swerving car coming towards us. I warned her and proceeded to get out of the way and before I knew it, the swerving car hits my parked car and continues to move forward pinning me between his car and a parked truck.  It took the force of a tow truck and jaws of life to get me out of the position the impact left me in. I am so grateful for the first responders who saved my life and the people around me who were my life support because without them I could not be here to share my experience. The accident was caused by an underage, uninsured driver who had no license and was driving under the influence. I was severely injured, in ICU care for the first three weeks after the accident, the amazing doctors at Ventura County Medical Center decided it was in my best interest to be transferred to Keck Hospital for orthopedic and plastic surgery care. I have endured over 13 surgeries, long stays in the hospital, and with the uncertainty of my future.  My right leg is still in the process of healing and the team of surgeons can't guarantee that my leg can be saved. My femur, tibia, and fibula are fractured and my nerves, tendons,  and joints have to be reconnected. The team of surgeons that are working with me has expressed that there aren't enough resources to cover some of the medical procedures I need and have put the offer of amputating my right leg as they say "so I could move forward faster". One of the metal rods that is holding my bones together is infected as well. There are a few challenges that I'm working through, I have had to be my own medical advocate. Sadly,  it has been the biggest challenge to get the proper care I need. I did a lot of research for an above the knee amputation and it is very difficult to go through and I feel that I have come too far to give up now. If that decision would have been promptly following my accident I would have come to terms with that reality.   I have taken action upon myself to do my part to continue to move forward with my independence and would like to have the opportunity to salvage my leg and live a comfortable life. Every day is a challenge to get out of bed and go about my day since now I need assistance with certain limitations I have at the moment. In the condition I find myself in today I am limited to the things I can do.  One being supporting myself and my needs. Before the accident, I had completed my course to become a CNA/Hospice caregiver and making a living by helping others which was the most meaningful thing I could dedicate my time to. Now being the one needing care I find it difficult to ask for help. My physical state is still very uncomfortable since my right leg is nonfunctional at the moment and the mental trauma is something I am working to overcome. Meanwhile, I await the next surgery for my right leg I am working hard on dedicating my time to give back to others, bring awareness to my community and the youth about driving under the influence, and better my well being. I would like to make any contribution and use it towards better quality care for myself and to be able to give back to others.