When they say that life comes at you fast, it is often to lighten the mood, but if you have been in an accident that left you with a sudden disability, then you know life actually came at you in a flash. There is little doubt that a situation such as this can be daunting. One moment you can walk without thinking about every step you are taking, and the next, you may not be able to feel one leg or both. All is not lost, though. Here are three tips for coping with your new circumstances.
Don’t Rush
If you have been advised to participate in physical rehabilitation sessions, you should. During this time, it is important not to feel as though you have to rush through your program. Your doctor has the details of the accident, the information pertaining to the extent of your injury and all medical test results. This data is handed over to the professionals who will help you heal and regain your mobility. They will set the pace for you. If you are rehabbing on your own, your doctor will outline a program for you to follow. Increasing the pace could lead to other injuries or something healing incorrectly. If you believe you can increase the pace, speak with your doctor first.
Accept Your Unique Situation
There are different kinds of spine injuries that can result in different kinds of paralysis. If you were in a car accident, for example, your injury could be different from that of an athlete who was injured during competition. How your spine heals and how much mobility you regain will partially depend on what portion of the spine was injured. If the lumbar is impacted, communication between your brain and legs is affected. A cervical spine injury is the most severe. Your goal is to heal as well as possible while simultaneously accepting your unique situation. That is by no means the same as giving up. You never know what a little perseverance and positive thinking can accomplish.
Follow Medical Recommendations
It is true that doctors will underestimate potential rehabilitation results because they have to exercise caution. Following their medical recommendations, including diet and support, helps you achieve a better outcome. No one will say that coping with a sudden disability is easy. If it happens to you, you are encouraged to pace yourself, accept your circumstances and listen to the medical recommendations given to you so you can achieve the best results.