My name is Karen Leonhard and I’m a dear friend of Laura Williams a 40year old single mother of one son. I feel compelled to start this fundraiser for Laura to relieve the extreme stress she’s been going through these past months since being in a severe car accident last October! Her life has been turned upside down not only physically, mentally and emotionally but financially as well! I can’t begin to tell you the struggles this young lady has been through since I met her in 2010! Laura has overcome so many traumas throughout her young life but has found the strength to keep going despite the awful hands she’s been dealt! Just as life was finally going her way, she was hit from behind by a young driver who wasn’t paying attention and slammed into her going 30 mph, needless to say her car was totaled and her body has been destroyed as well! The process of trying to have the insurance of the at fault driver has been extensive and still not final, even with a lawyer! Not only has this affected her physically but mentally, financially and psychologically as well! I’d like to attach Laura’s journal she has kept since that awful day so you can further understand what Laura has been enduring for months and months now!

LAURA'S JOURNAL

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024

I left work at 4pm from Legends Mall and took my normal route home to on Sparks Blvd. When stopped behind a Suburban with a crosswalk right behind me (O’Callaghan and Springland Dr.), I thought I was the last one through the intersection and proceeded to wait for traffic to move along. I looked into my rearview mirror and this kid looked as if he had just looked up, no screeching brakes, this kid hit me while I was at a full stop and I believe he was going about 45 MPH as that is the speed limit there.

His Jeep Patriot lifted my Nissan Sentra into the air from behind causing the back window to shatter into the front seat and the back of my head with force. I looked in my mirror again and watched him put his Jeep in reverse to let my car down.

Once all of the cars were stopped I parked, took off my seat belt and ran out of my car. I was delirious. I kept asking if I was bleeding. I was angry and confused. I called 911. I made a claim on my Geico app right away and called them for info about where to have my car towed.

I was not sure what to do so the police told me to have someone come pick me up. I called my son who came right away with his partner to get me. My son stated that I was unusually calm on the phone and he was shocked to see my car totally crunched up this way. I was shaking. I have never been in a car accident before. This was something you would gasp at in horror while driving by.

Wednesday Oct 23, 2024

Drove: 9.2 miles for rental car

Thank God it’s my day off today and tomorrow. First thing in the morning I was still in panic mode and got a ride to get my courtesy rental car from Geico at Enterprise Rental Cars. I came home and went straight to sleep. I was stiff and had tremendous pain in my left hip and right shoulder and arm. I clenched when I saw the boy about to hit my car so my arms are messed up. I feel pain in my facia in my thighs and arms. My right hand and shoulder has sharp pain. My left hip has clearly been dislocated. The ringing in my ears off and on since yesterday. It’s a very high pitch light ringing mostly in my right ear. I am dizzy and depressed from the adrenaline rush. All I can do is sleep.

My psychiatrist called me for our regular monthly video call appointment and when she found out what happened the entire 55 min appt. turned into a conversation about how to psychologically handle car wrecks. She immediately upped my anxiety meds.

Thursday Oct 24, 2024

Slept all day. Cried. Depressed. Pain became worse than ever. I now feel like my entire pelvis is out of place and my shoulder is pinched badly. I can’t sleep on either my right or left side and I am a side sleeper so it has been hard to get comfortable sleep. I keep thinking “go to the Er, go to the ER” but I am literally too depressed and exhausted to even ask for a ride. So I just slept and prepared to work the next day as I only make $15.50 an hour and I cannot afford to miss ANY work.

Friday Oct 25, 2024

In a great deal of pain I decided to call the Accident Injury Clinic in Reno. I don’t work until 4pm and I have time to see a Doc. They stated that in order to get their services I have to pay out of pocket. I decided to work with one of their attorney’s. David at the clinic got me an appointment with John Hope Esq. so that I could get the medical treatment I so needed. My appointment with Mr. Hope is Monday the 28th. Until then I will use my Ibuprofen and Cyclobenzaprine from my existing hip and back disorders and I will drink a lot of water, stretch and use facia rollers in order to function.

At work at 4pm the ringing came back with a monster headache. I got through my entire shift with my co-workers understanding that I am on light duty and in a bad state. They were all kind about my malady and I was able to work because of the team I am a part of. I was unable to bend to stock items in the retail store. (I work at Bath and Bodyworks). I was unable to lift. I was only able to stand for an hour at a time. Major neck pain is kicking in. On my breaks I would have to sit - do major stretches and yoga to be able to keep standing. My left leg hurt from my hip to my sacrum and all the way down to the center of my foot. I think there is a pinched nerve in there. I was so stiff and my co-workers exclaimed that I looked exhausted.

Saturday Oct 26, 2024

Today I just cannot wait to get to the Doc. My back hurts so badly. I wish I could go sooner and almost want to use my Medicaid to go see a Doc but I believe the ER will just provide drugs and not much real help. So I stretched and rolled on my facia rollers. Still feeling depressed and having a “comedown” from the adrenaline rush. Ringing in ears persists off and on with headaches and extreme neck pain.

I rested and soaked in a salt bath before returning to work for the night shift. Again, on light duty. I had texted my boss a picture of my car as soon as I could so she knew what happened on the 22nd after work so she was kind and understanding. I was able to go through the motions of doing my job as a sales associate with stretching in between customers and resting my back by leaning on the counter or going into the back room to sit. I am starting to have very high anxiety from this issue and worried about the course of my life. I am scared this car accident will ruin my life.

Sunday Oct 27th, 2024

I am so looking forward to meeting my new attorney tomorrow so that I may see a Doc. I am able to work today although the pain and headaches are intense. It’s getting to be the Holiday Season so things are louder and busier in retail and this is getting to me because of my maladies. I still have ringing in my ears. It appears worse when I am at work or a loud environment. My hip is so bad that I am limping, still cannot bend over or lift. Also could not comfortably climb a small ladder at work for product replenishment.

Monday Oct 28, 2024

Drove: 18.6 miles to see attorney

add 4.8 miles roundtrip to Accident Injury Clinic

I am so happy that today is a day off work and I get to meet my new lawyer. I rested and soaked in the salt bath before going to meet Mr. Hope. He explained everything to me and I signed his contract. I met his secretary, Sandy. They are comforting people who make me feel like I can get through this.

As soon as I got into my car after leaving Mr. Hopes office, I called the accident injury clinic again. They said I could come right away for treatment. I met Dr. Baker and Vanessa. Dr. Baker interviewed me for quite a while before inspecting me while I was lying in different positions on a cot. It was painful to show her what was going on but she made me feel comfortable. She’s experienced and professional. She was able to diagnose the main problems I was having physically and adjust me accordingly. I can’t even tell you how much of a relief it was! I wasn’t limping when I left although I was EXTREMELY tender and sore on the right shoulder/arm and my left hip where she had to do the most work on me. My neck was so tight she could barely work on it but there was a small amount of relief and less headaches and ear ringing after the help with my neck.

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Before going to accident injury clinic today I soaked in a salt bath. I also had to take Ibuprofen for my swelling. I had my second appointment with Dr. Baker and she was able to help more with my neck this time. While I am still figuring out how to manage the mental and emotional side effects of the wreck (ie: crying for no reason, sad for no reason, scared for the future, unsure about my life goals, unsure if I can maintain working in retail etc). Dr. Baker is helpful with the physical maladies. When physical maladies are relieved its easier to be mindful and notice the mental and emotional states I am experiencing. I feel out of control of my own life.

Wednesday Oct 30, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Day off from work. Today I used my time off to sleep off some of this mental/emotional pain. I will start seeing a therapist soon. My appointment at accident injury clinic is at 2:30pm. By this time I’m still very sore from the adjustments and looking forward to the relief they provide. I still cannot move onto my left side without assistance from the Doc. It’s embarrassing and painful. I am so grateful for the accident injury clinic and feel like the best thing that happened after my accident was my phone call to them.

Thursday Oct 31, 2024

Today I have a cleaning scheduled as I am a part-time cleaning lady. It’s a smaller job so I loaded up my lightweight vacuum and a small bag of supplies to clean a small office downtown. I had to be mindful of needing to wipe low tables and cabinets. It was difficult. The vacuuming was the most painful.

After this job I am scheduled to work 4-11 at Bath and Body Works. The shift started fine but after about 2 hours I was in pain from standing, near the end I began to get grumpy and unable to stand correctly. Having to do stretches in between customers etc. Complaining to my coworkers.

When I got home I was in so much pain that I could not sleep. This is the beginning of a bad cycle. When I start to loose sleep I am not OK.

Friday Nov 1, 2024

Drove: 1.2 miles for rental

Drove: 14 miles to bring borrowed car home

I was able to sleep in today because my shift didn’t start until 2pm. I slept until noon before even having coffee. I was so stiff when I woke up I had to immediately eat, take an ibuprofen and do some stretches in order to function. I got through my 2-8pm shift by staying hydrated and stretching and leaning on my coworkers for support.

After work I had to return the rental car. My son's partner picked me up and took me downtown so I could borrow one of my clients’ cars.

I was so tired it was difficult to get through the car borrowing process. The car already has scheduled maintenance so I will be taking care of the car gas and maintenance while I borrow it.

Saturday Nov 2, 2024

HARD MORNING!! After getting BARELY any sleep last night and being unable to eat properly because of the pain, I had to wake up at 8am to get to work by 10am. The mis-matched scheduling of retail and changing my sleep schedule daily is really getting to me. I can handle this normally but not while recovering from this accident. I bring it up to my manager that I need more consistent schedule for my sleep schedule and she says shes following labor laws.

Work was horrible. Night was horrible. Sleep was horrible. The pain is getting worse as a stiffening type of pain. I’m starting to get headaches in the lower part of the back of my head.

Sunday Nov 3, 2024

Slept through two alarm clocks for 8am work meeting. Called in sick to work because of physical pain. Was given a “no call no show” for sleeping through the meeting which just dampened my mental health. The physical problems are creating mental and emotion problems for me and now is totally affecting my work. Feeling worn out and depressed. My headaches are so bad I am sensitive to light.

Monday Nov, 4 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Drove my cleaning client to Tahoe in his car because I’m borrowing his car. He will get a ride back to Reno in a few days. Noticing more headaches I believe due to tight muscles in neck and shoulders from the car accident.

Had to sleep most of the day after the long drive.

Tuesday Nov 5, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

I had to ask to be late to work. Things are getting uncomfortable at work. I was recently promoted and I can tell that my boss is irritated that I cannot work as usual because of the car accident. She is being less kind and gave me a no-call no-show for missing work Sunday. Very tense at work. Maybe I should take medical leave. A few people have suggested it. It’s possible I could get paid medical leave because of my position so I will consider this. I believe people at work are disappointed in me. I had to be late so I could go to the accident injury clinic before work to get adjusted. I am sore and feeling all the pain from release during my accident injury clinic appointments. They help but also cause soreness and inflammation in order to get the desired results. My headache is terrible and lights are bothering me. The ringing in my right ear really light and high, comes and goes. I am having a really hard time. I feel so discouraged about work and in myself.

Wednesday Nov 6, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Day off work. I was suppose to go see someone about a new job that would be easier work while healing from my car accident but I was too tired and depressed. I canceled that and went to get adjusted at accident injury clinic. I had a depressing day. Soaking in a salt bath and feeling horrible. Lack of sleep and unable to eat. Headaches with ringing again.

Thursday Nov 7, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Worked a late shift after going to accident injury clinic. Spoke with a supervisor about how I felt the store manager was being unfair to me and she agreed and stated her opinion. I am still on light duty but part of this job is to get trash off the floor and stock shelves and I just cannot help the fact that it is natural for me to do these things in this environment so I do and it kills my back. I cannot be here or I will not heal. I cannot stand for more than an hour without being in such bad pain and my entire left side locking up. I am starting to feel like this car accident ruined my job and my recent promotion. I am going to consider returning my key and resigning from my position as shift lead to just regular employee and go on medical leave as my Doctors keep suggesting this. Headaches, lack of sleep and unable to eat. Not healing well.

Friday Nov 8, 2024

I worked today from noon to 6. They told me to go home early. I was doing my very best but I still got cut. They typically do not cut keyholders so I did take this personally. They clearly do not want me on shift with them after I was in a car accident. After doing everything I could to sleep and take good care of myself, my efforts were thwarted by cattiness and the pressure of performing well in a corporate environment during the busiest retail season of the year. I am clearly unable to work so I will likely finally take medical leave. Lack of sleep and eating habits are still stable. Headaches are so bad.

Saturday Nov 9, 2024

I can no longer handle the pain of working right now. I have contacted my manager and stated that I am on medical leave. I contacted the Bath and Bodyworks HR department for help and also reported my manager for treating me poorly after my car accident. I got the information I need but will have to wait until Monday to make progress in filling a claim.

Slept most of the day. Headache was better. Soreness and stiffness is getting worse.

Sunday Nov 10, 2024

Unable to complete household chores which have been building up. Been having a hard time keeping up on my dog's walks. Today is depressing. I wish I could work. Headache is better and I have decided that I need a massage to help with my neck so I will get permission from the doctor this week. Oversleeping. Overate. Depressed. Mild headache. Stiff as a board and unable to do laundry or anything.

Monday Nov 11, 2024

Today I worked on making phone calls and doctor appointments. I need to see my orthopedic doctor. He will x-ray me and give me muscle relaxers for the stiffness. I have also scheduled a massage after being cleaned by the accident injury clinic. I need doctor's notes for my medical leave from work.

Tuesday Nov 12, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Unable to motivate myself to get groceries so I had my son go for me. At accident injury clinic I got note for work. I asked for help with my neck because of the headaches. I slept most of the day. I have been very sore from these appointments. It’s the kind of sore that feels like progress a little bit, like things are staying in place better.

Wednesday Nov 13, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

+mileage to Orthopedic add 7 miles roundtrip

In the morning I had my emergency call with my psychiatrist so that she could speak with me regarding my medical leave. We had a one hour appointment, checked that my meds are ok during this time of trauma and she sent me notes for work. I felt better after speaking to her. I was really looking forward to my next appointment with Dr. Olson at Nevada Spinal and Orthopedic surgery. He x-rayed me and saw that my neck has vertebrae issues as well as my lower back. These issues were either caused or made worse by the car accident. Dr. Olson made notes and gave me a prescription for lidocaine patches and muscle relaxers. He also gave me a shot in my lower back to get rid of the pain all the way up to my neck. I felt much much better after seeing him. See x rays of damage to my spine;

Thursday Nov 14, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

$145 for correctional massage therapy

After a finally real nights sleep thanks to the shot from Dr. Olson I was elated for my massage. My massage therapist is practiced in helping those with injuries from car accidents. She did great work. Afterwards I ate and was told to be on bed rest for 3 days. I will stay on bed rest until Monday. I can’t describe what it feels like to finally get relief from this pain which has been making me depressed, made me lose my title at my job, made me unable to eat and made me unable to sleep. Feeling better is finally happening. She told me to drink tons of water and see her again in two weeks. After the shot from Dr. Olson now I am really relieved. My massage therapist said she could feel the whiplash in my body. She has helped people after car accidents before. She removed so much of the shock from my body. She said when I walked in I still looked like I was in shock and when I left my face looked less shocked and wide eyed.

Friday Nov 15, 2024

I did as I was told and stayed on bed rest today. I used CBD THC balm on my inflamed body. I drank a ton of water. I felt very grouchy. The massage released a lot and I need to chug water and flush out my system. Made phone calls. Received email that I am not eligible for paid medical leave so I will have to add my missed work hours to my insurance claim. I work about 30 hours per week but it varies as it is retail. I am concerned about this and concerned that I won’t get properly reimbursed for my time. I have been driving someone else's car to my appointments so many appointments and taking all of this time to figure out what’s wrong with me, buying more than normal amounts of gas and it HAS TO BE PREMIUM in my client’s car… and now missing work and having to give up my key holder position has just thrown me down into a spiral. I said I wasn’t going to let this car wreck ruin me but they really do ruin you and you can’t do anything about it. Slept the rest of the day.

Saturday Nov 16, 2024

On bed rest again today. Feeling soreness in my neck still right below my cranium but otherwise mild soreness in back and neck. Headache gone. Tried to be slightly active by doing dishes etc but had to take it easy. I am a busy body and being on bedrest is hard for me. Grateful the headache is gone OMG. I feel better today but still sore in my lower cranium. I did flush out a lot of toxins yesterday, I can feel it. I feel better but like I need to be gentle with myself. Still upset about my financial situation and concerned about how I will pay December rent of $1100 let alone get another trustworthy sedan and move on with my life. This car accident ruined my career plans, holiday plans and financial stability. I still am unable to complete normal household tasks, keep up on cleaning -even though I am a cleaning lady and known as a neat freak.

Sunday Nov 17, 2024

Last day of bedrest and I am restless. My brain wants to go back to work but my mind and body are not well enough. It is very frustrating. I rest and watch TV. I soak in the tub. My pain is still at a point where I am using lidocaine patches on my neck and lower/mid back. I want to walk my dog but it seems overwhelming and like not a good idea. My headaches are different after the massage. The whiplash effect is still there. Starting to have night terror and wake up covered in sweat.

Monday Nov 18, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

I have errands to run for the person whose car I am borrowing. I can tell he is tired of letting me borrow his car and I still have no word of payout to pay off my old car or anything about being able to get a replacement car. I am scared I won’t be able to pay off the $8660 I owe on my car and still be able to buy a new sedan.

I was able to shower and run errands with patches and ointment on my back and shoulders. I had to make plans to give him his car back for a few days which scares me that I will miss an appointment. I do not want to miss any appointments as they provide so much relief. I soaked in the tub. I used my own money to put gas back into the car. Appetite is normal. Headache still there. Feel groggy still, like the shock from the car accident still hasn’t fully left my body. Night terror again, wake up covered in sweat.

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024

Today my back is aching. I have a therapy appointment. During the appointment we mostly discussed the car wreck and the havoc i is wreaking on my life. I am unable to get an insurance claim on my car from the Insurance company of the person who hit me. My lawyer stated I must get in touch with my own insurance to figure out how to get a replacement car. I hope to hear back from them tomorrow but it’s looking bleak. I will have no car and still owe thousands of dollars on my totaled car. I am very depressed and have no idea what to do. I emailed the Leave of Absence team at Bath and Body works and sent the following attachments for my UNPAID medical leave. In addition to these there are two notes from my psychiatrist which will not attach to this journal. I will print them for my attorney. I talked to my psychiatrist about the night sweats and she stated it was a normal reaction for someone who already has PTSD to get recurrence of old symptoms after a new traumatic event.

Wednesday Nov 20, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

I woke up in pain. I also realized I had missed one of my appointments at the Accident Injury Clinic on Monday. I was so groggy that I fell asleep around the time the appointment was to begin at 6:30 pm. They have an interim doctor and the appointment times changed drastically. I’ll get back on track. Aside from the whiplash, left hip pain and right shoulder pain, I am feeling better though and believe my treatments at Accident Injury clinic can wrap up within a few weeks and I can continue in physical therapy, which I have to do anyway for my pre-existing conditions which were made worse by the car wreck. I just needed the extra help because my pre-existing back and hip problem mixed with whip lash messed me up really bad and threw all of my physical work out the window. I basically have to start physical therapy over again from the start after having been doing for two years with one long break recently because I had been feeling much better until this car accident. Now I have to find a new physical therapy location closer to my home, one with an inversion machine at the advice of Dr. Olson, and I will have to miss work to make two appointments per week with them, I am still on medical leave but I must get back to work soon! I will still be receiving psychiatric care through all of this and after. The car wreck worsened my existing PTSD and I have had extra appointments with my psychiatrist because of the car wreck. My psychiatrist will continue to work on this with me. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist today to discuss my meds, car accident and note to disability accomodations’ for if I decide to go back to retail. I am trying to find a job where I do not have to stand all day because I will still need to heal. If not I will have to make it work at Bath and Bodyworks for now. I have an appointment at accident injury clinic tonight and will figure out how to makeup my missed appointment. I have to give back the car I am borrowing after my appointment tonight. I will be able to get it back on Thursday night, I believe.

I have retrieved documents to prove the value of my wrecked cars’ transmission. It has a brand new 2024 transmission installed BY the Nissan Dealership. This must increase the value of my car for insurance payout purposes.

Thursday Nov 21, 2024

I have no appointments today. I am restless and feel ready to move my body more. I walked my dog on a short walk . This caused a pulled muscle in my left calf. I really need to stretch my legs! I’m grateful I was finally able to walk my dog after one month of being unable to do these types of normal things. Did some yoga and soaked in salt bath. Almost regretted the walk but I feel like I need to MOVE MY BODY.

My sleeping schedule is finally normal which feels mentally better. I know I will need to continue therapy and physical therapy after this as i would have done anyway because of my pre existing conditions. I was on such a good track and got thrown way off course by this awful driver!! I get so angry to think about him and how careless he was.

Friday Nov 22, 2024

It’s officially been one month since my car got wrecked. The whiplash only comes around the bottom of my ears and neck now. I have pain in my lower back but have lidocaine patches for it. I use ibuprofen daily. I use cyclobenzaprine daily. But with these aids and not being at work standing- I am able to heal.

Today I walked my dog twice as far as the day before. He and I were both tired and sore. I took a hot Epsom salt bath. I was sore in both legs until the end of the next day after more stretching.

Saturday Nov 23, 2024

Sore from the walk but still can’t stay still. . . . Mind all over. PTSD was activated by the car wreck and I am just now realizing that and settling in with the shock I think.

Being the kind of person who cannot stay still, I borrowed my neighbor's leaf chopper and cleaned the front and will do the back yard tomorrow. I was cautious of my limit. It felt so good to work outside and get exercise and fresh air. I did regret it later.

I did over exert myself and had to soak in the tub extra long and take meds. I used THC CBD balm. It’s a good sore from exercising but I know I’ll benefit more from starting at my new physical therapy location called Swift on Vista Blvd. I just need to return the woman's call so I can get my first appointment at this new better physical therapy location.

My back and shoulders were sore from the work and I know I’m supposed to take it easy but I feel like I know my limit and know how to go slow and use correct posture.

Sunday Nov 24, 2024

I was slightly active during the first half of the day. Right after morning coffee I cleaned the leaves in the backyard with a leaf vacuum tool which puts them into a bag. My neighbor let me borrow it and I have to do it as my lease states that I must keep up the yard. It was more than the day before. I got a lot done. It felt good to work again but I am sore and a little dizzy.

I had to use the last half of the day to recover from my work. I rested, soaked in a salt bath and propped myself up on pillows.

Monday Nov 25, 2024

Sore from the weekend chores but glad I was able to get that, laundry and regular house cleaning done!

Today I had an appointment to test drive a used lexus from the Dolan lot where they have good warranties on used cars. I do not know when or how this lawsuit works but I plan on getting an all wheel drive car that is safer and higher quality than my old one. That way I will feel safe.

I had to go to the Doc. Breast cancer scare which turned out to be nothing. Life keeps going even during trauma…. Glad I didn’t get ad news to make it all worse though, I was honestly extra anxious.

I cancelled my appointment at the accident injury clinic for this evening stating that I feel aligned and will continue my work, as I would anyhow, at a physical therapy clinic. Additionally, there’s a new Doc at accident injury clinic and he is there late. I do not like the evening appointments because the traffic is bad and it messes up my eating and sleeping schedule. I would like to continue my own treatment that will be based on my existing conditions and how they have been affected by the car wreck. If my attorney needs that Doc to re evaluate me I will oblige I just want to work on more exercise and less of the treatments.

I’m ready for a replacement car! I’m ready to get back to work! I’m ready for this to NOT RUIN MY LIFE!!! I will NOT let this ruin my life. It already ruined my job and my car, my back and neck, but not my whole life. I won’t let it. It’s been excruciating and borrowing a car is a blessing but embarrassing as well. I’m ready to be done with this crap! I had to call the at fault party's insurance company today to make sure they got my car. They stated that it was being worked on today so I was feeling positive that there is motion happening, the financial stress is insane. I need to pay $8667 for my totaled car plus buy a replacement car plus get compensated for missing work, borrowing a car, gas to and from appointments, my mental state, my emotional state, my overall wellbeing, getting a massage (only thing that really gets rid of whiplash) etc. etc. etc! I’m done with this. I want the punk who hit me to pay for what he has done and I want to MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE!! If I can even keep my job? I stand all day! How can I do that after these injuries? I have been looking more for an office job so I can still heal from this wreck. Wish me luck.

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024

Today I had a terrible pinched muscle in my shoulder. My left hip is a sharp pain and my whole body is tightening up again. I am realizing that I need to see the Doctor at accident injury clinic more. I really need those treatments. They stated that I should not start physical therapy until I am done with my treatments there. I will follow their advice. I’m still having a hard time getting household chores done. I used all of my energy on dog walks and leaf cleanup that now I am like stiff and in pain and need to heal more. My floors are covered in mud from the recent weather but I am unable to vacuum and mop.

Wednesday Nov 27, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Woke up with pinch in shoulder again. My left hip is so bad but I am going to take a short walk to try and loosen it up. I completely am in pain and so upset with myself for not going to accident injury clinic more. The appointment this evening adjusted everything right back. My body is clearly not ready to be back in place on it’s own with exercise yet. I need to talk more to my Orthopedic Doctor bout this. It does hurt to plank, which Dr. Baker at accident injury clinic said I could try but not to do if it hurts. I have no been getting enough exercise, sleep or regular diet. This car wreck just ruined my life, my job and my back. I’m still experiencing night terrors.

Thursday Nov 28th, 2024

Thanksgiving. Stayed in bed all day. Depressed and unable to participate in anything. Headaches and reminisce of whiplash is coming and going.

Friday Nov 29, 2024

Bad night terror last night. Woke up in shock and covered in sweat. Had to wash my blankets. Tried to help hang up Christmas lights outside to distract myself -but ended up doing more delegating than anything as I could not go up and down the ladder without real pain. I have a hard time but I am admitting to myself that I need rest and I am not allowing myself to go overboard on household duties or anything like that. I just ask for help and do my best. I want to get stronger. I have definitely gained 10 pounds since the car wreck last month. I did not want to let it ruin my life but it is taking such a toll on my body, mind, social life, spiritual life and emotional well being. I just still don’t believe this happened to me. Still shocked. I think reality would be a lot harder if I didn’t have a car to borrow. I’m grateful for that but I will owe him money at the end of everything. Ringing in my ears was bad today. Mostly the right side.

Saturday Nov 30, 2024

I am trying to relax today but I do need to put gas in the car I am borrowing and drive my son to work. I wore myself out dealing with Christmas decorations yesterday so I just soaked in the bath and took the whole day to do nothing but focus on healing my body and mind.

Sunday Dec 1, 2024

I don’t believe it’s been over one month since the wreck and I still have not paid off my car. The car loan company Santander let me skip two payments while I wait for my attorney to help.

The only way I can be comfortable is to sit in a chair straight up with perfect posture. If I lean or cross my legs or slouch I am in pain. Laying down, in pain.

My left hip and right shoulder are suffering badly today. I ate oatmeal, took an ibuprofen and tried to walk my dog to loosen up the muscles but it was too cold out and it made the pain much worse. I had to come back after about ¼ mile.

After I got back I went right into a salt bath. I'm starting to get more patient with myself and better at taking care of myself and listening to my body. This entire thing has been a process, a wake up call to tune into my body. I want to start exercising but I am not ready yet. I have gained 10 pounds since this car wreck and it is really bothering me. My clothes don’t fit. I have to start on a diet so today I started with just oatmeal, protein shake, and a saffron road dinner. Only water and herbal tea. Coffee in the morning with almond milk. I can’t afford to buy a bunch of new clothes for my new size. I’m short so gaining ten pounds changes what size I wear in pants and shirts. I have to watch myself. This car wreck is taking a toll on my health in so many ways.

I have to be mindful of how I walk, what I eat, how I sit while driving, stretching daily, if using facia rollers will improve or make it worse. I have to rub thc balm on my shoulders and hips before I do anything. I have to wear lidocaine patches to sleep.

Thank god I didn’t have another night terror last night but the looming threat of those nightmares coupled with being drenched in sweat and terrified is about enough to make anyone need sleeping pills and my psychiatrist said it’s OK to take over the counter Zzzz quill so I got some.

Aside from the car accident being the worst thing that could have happened to me, now I’m gaining weight, on more meds, gained ten pounds, can’t walk my dog properly, need bigger clothes, have to go on a diet, have problems with my vertebrae, can’t exercise, can’t work, can't make money, having depression and severe anxiety, and I don’t have a car! This person who wrecked my car had no idea … the worst thing about all of this is that I saw him coming. I saw him in my rearview mirror and I clenched, I screamed, I tried to get out of the way but it didn’t matter. No screeching brakes. He didn’t even try to stop. HE COULD HAVE KILLED ME. I get SO ANGRY when I think that this person almost TOOK MY LIFE on my way home from work. Why does he get to drive and I have to borrow a car and can’t work. I wonder if that little punk even has a job. I’m so angry at him.

I want him to go to jail for attempted manslaughter.

My massage therapist checked in with me today via text message. She says I need more work done to go along with accident injury clinic work but I cannot afford her $145 rate. I have already had one massage I will ask to be covered by the at fault party but I need to try and get a few more if I want my whiplash to ever heal. The whiplash causes headaches with light sensory sensitivity. They are still happening today. Worse because I am on the computer. I will get off the computer now. My jaw is totally clenched up from stress.

Monday Dec 2, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Today I am in pain. I had housework to do, like lightweight stuff and I cannot. Dishes, floors and laundry. All piling up. Very depressing.

My left hip hurts and my right arm and shoulder keep tensing up again. The migraine type headache has subsided today but there is soreness in my neck where the headache appears to come from.

I regret clenching when I saw him coming. My massage therapist even said that screaming during the crash probably gave me whiplash IN my jaw, I can feel it in my jaw for sure. I had TMJ and now it is way worse. The headaches are connected to my jaw and neck.

It hurts to walk. Every time I walk it pinches my lower back on the left side. I hope that my visit to the accident injury clinic tonight will provide relief.

I want to be busy and take a walk outside with my dog but my body says no. I have to listen to my body and rest. I want to be strong, stop gaining weight and move my body but it demands rest.

Tuesday Dec 3, 2024

I did not get the relief I needed from Accident Injury Clinic although the adjustment was helpful. I am still experiencing headaches and hip pain. I had to get mysel together to go to talk therapy. Much of the session was about the car wreck and how I have been coping. Driving back home I was in pain and had to adjust the way I was sitting. Mild head ache today.

Wednesday Dec 4, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Drove: 24 miles to Nevada Spinal and Orthopedic

I really need to be able to get going and go to see my Orthopedic surgeon for a shot and give my son a ride, get groceries and pick up my meds since this car needs to be washed tomorrow and returned on Friday.

I am grateful to have a car to get to these appts. I don’t know what I would do without that support because I still have not received a payoff for my totalled car and I am not working at the moment.

I got a shot from my Doc but I still feel pain in my left back hip. I was adjusted at accident injury clinic and my hip popped for the adjustment but it still hurts. Like a deep ache.

I was able to get some laundry done today.

Sensitive to light yesterday and today.

Thursday Dec 5, 2024

I have to vacuum the car I am borrowing before I return it. It took me two hours, totally wore me out and made my hip worse. I will finish cleaning the inside of the car tomorrow and take it through a car wash for the exterior instead of doing it myself which I would normally do.

I’ve been applying for two jobs per day for office jobs because I don’t think I will be able to go back to Bath and Bodyworks and stand all day because of the new pain in my left hip. Worsened from car accident and a different kind of pain than before the wreck.

I wanted to walk my dog but could not.

I was tired today and took a nap. I drove my son to work.

Friday December 6, 2024

Today I have to return the car I have been borrowing. I will not have a car for at least one week. I have made sure to stock up on food and medicine before this happens. My back to work date is the 11th but I will not have a car by then because my Geico messed up my claim and now it’s taking longer to get a payment for my totaled car.

The financial stress of not being able to pay rent and not having a car is awful. I am not looking forward to this next week.

Saturday December 7, 2024

I woke up this morning with an awful headache. Had two cups of coffee and had to go back to bed. I think I will do yoga (as instructed per injury clinic Doc) before trying to take a walk.

I did do some stretching but did not feel less pain in my left hip so I did not walk. Will try again tomorrow. I was able to get some housework done, finally.

Slept OK last night.

Sunday December 8, 2024

I don’t believe it’s been over a month since the accident and I am still just sitting here healing and waiting for insurance adjusters.

I woke up with back pain but was able to eat some oatmeal and take ibuprofen to help it. I have house work that needs to be done and I want to walk my dog today. I will see what I can get done without totally hurting myself.

I was able to get housework done. Dishes, floors, laundry. I was in pain after and not able to walk my dog but did do stretching on my yoga mat.

Monday December 9, 2024

Drove: 22 miles to Accident Injury Clinic

Going to get adjusted at accident injury clinic today and I really need it in my neck. I wanted to do some Christmas decorating inside today but was unable to because of my neck pain.

I did take a salt bath and use salve so that I will be well enough to drive to the clinic tonight for my adjustment.

No dog walk today. Just played with my boxes of Christmas stuff.

I spoke with my boss at Bath and Bodyworks and even though I can’t stand, I have to go back. It will not be good for me but I cannot find an office job, I have been applying for two per day. It is the worst time of year to find an office job. I will have to bite the bullet and go back to bath and bodyworks, I have a disability request for consistent scheduling which my boss has agreed to but I will not be able to request anything less than “light duty” , no chair or anything. The job requires standing, there’s no way around it. I will have to work this job while I find a new one or I will go homeless from this wretched car wreck. It will likely make my healing process slower.

At accident injury clinic this evening I told the Doctor that my jaw was hurting as well as my neck and left hip. My jaw has always had TMJ but because I screamed during the wreck, I saw the guy coming in my rearview mirror and screamed so loudly. That caused the whip lash to go into my jaw as well. The Doctor was able to perform a correction on my jaw! I was elated! The relief was instant and amazing. I hope he can do it again and continue to remove the shock from my jaw and neck.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR!! Laura continues to go thru daily pain and the struggle to do daily chores, keep up with her cleaning job and keep a regular job just to stay afloat and of course to replace the car that was totaled!

Please find it in your heart to donate if you’re able and if that’s not possible please share where you can! Thank you in advance!

Peace, love and prayers,

Karen and Laura