I am very lucky to still be here to tell my story. I was in a road traffic crash, received multiple injuries and spent nearly three months in hospital. My recovery is ongoing more than a year later and I live with the lasting effects of trauma.

I sustained severe internal injuries, including a kidney injury and many broken bones. I required several emergency surgeries, including the removal of a fist sized piece of my liver! I had to be intubated several times in ICU due to breathing difficulties.

The crash turned our whole world upside down and the impact on my family has been enormous. We live rurally and they travelled every day to see me, not knowing what state they’d find me in. My husband and family were so focussed on me that they neglected their own wellbeing. The emotional toll it took on them to watch me going through that was huge. It was particularly hard for them when I was in surgery as they didn’t know if I would be OK. The doctors kept telling my family that I had a long recovery ahead.

The crash also took a financial toll on us as the family had to take time off work to visit me. The whole experience was frustrating and really tough. Everyone was so tired and drained by the time discharge came around, and I am so grateful that they were there every step of my journey. It is amazing to look back and realise how far I’ve come. Even small things were affected, including things we take for granted like being able to write. I had to learn to write all over again.

I don’t dwell on this time of my life, unless it is having a conversation with people. I bless every day how lucky I am to tell the story.

(Courtesy: Midland Trauma)