I Was a Doctor and Marathon Runner, Now I’m Learning to Walk Again
Suddenly, I needed help getting in and out of bed, changing clothes, preparing meals, and simply walking to the bathroom.
The author, once a Harvard graduate, marathon runner, and doctor, is now learning to walk again following a severe accident. On September 9, while jogging near a gym, she was struck by a truck traveling at least 45 miles per hour. Despite the driver stopping and calling 911, the impact left her unconscious and with extensive internal injuries, including a splenic laceration, adrenal hematoma, bleeding from both kidneys and paraspinal muscles, fractures in her collarbone, sternum, ribs, lumbar spine, and pelvis, road rash, deep puncture wounds, and contusions on her face and head.
She required emergency surgery and spent three days in the trauma ICU. Recovery has been challenging, with her pain improving, but her pelvic fracture, knee injuries, and deeper wounds continuing to limit her progress. Six weeks out, she is still working toward walking normally without assistance. The physical recovery is compounded by emotional struggles, including loss of independence, restlessness, and difficulty reconciling her current reality with her previous life.
Despite the hardship, she remains hopeful and shares her journey online, aiming to help others facing similar situations. Her faith and gratitude for her survival provide strength, and she emphasizes the importance of accepting help, allowing oneself to grieve, and taking small steps forward in the recovery process.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
