Julie's Recovery

 
In mid October Julie was involved in a serious accident that has put her out of work and compromised her day-to-day life. Read Julie's story below:

On Monday October 16th, I was headed to the beach to have a relaxing evening of painting and watching the sunset. I was almost down to the sand of the beach when I slipped on an uneven step. On my right arm, I had a tote bag carrying a box of paints, canvas, and a glass painting pallet. When I slipped, this glass became wedged between my thigh and arm. My thigh pushed the glass straight into my arm creating a large laceration upon impact of the fall. This severed my nerve and 50% of my bicep muscle but I am blessed that it missed a major artery. An ambulance was called and I was taken straight to the emergency room. I received stiches and was instructed to see a plastic surgeon first thing the next morning. As a hairdresser, I was worried about the fact that I could not move my index finger and thumb.

The next morning, I was immediately scheduled for surgery to repair the severed median nerve and torn bicep muscle. Post-surgery, doctors discovered 3 severed nerves. They repaired them to perfection, as well as my bicep muscle.

It has been very difficult for me to be out of work and away from clients and my teammates at the salon. This has been a very trying time for me, testing my strength, positivity and resilience. I am determined to make a full recovery, although accepting that I will probably have some permanent numbness in my fingers. As long as I get full movement back, that will be a blessing in itself.

The next 18 months will be filled with many doctor visits, physical therapy, and a high possibility of future surgeries. The doctors want to perform a tendon transfer to take the functioning of one muscle and move it to the thumb to prevent that muscle from dying while the nerve is taking its time to repair all the way down to my fingers. The doctors are certain I will need this surgery, which does scare me to have to have another recovery time, but I know this is the best option. 

Although this injury is life changing, I am feeling so very loved and cared for. My family and friends have been so supportive. I believe all great things are worth fighting for and I will get through this. My attitude stays strong and positive and I look forward to going back to work and making my clients feel beautiful and empowered again.
Your donations would help pay for my medical expenses, my deductables for 2017 and 2018, co-payments for physical therapy and future surgery. Any contribution to support me is greatly appreciated beyond measure.

Thank you in advance, from the bottom of my heart,

Julie