It was one year ago that PATIENT was involved in a horrendous car carash when she was hit head-on by a drunk driver. When you look at the picture of PATIENT's car, it is hard to imagine that anyone survived, let alon progress as well as she has. PATIENT's injuries were a broken neck, a broken shoulder, broken left wrist, a lacerated liver, and her right leg was broken in several places including a compound fracture above her ankle and her knee cap and ankle were crushed.
For several days the doctors did not know if PATIENT would survive. PATIENT spent three weeks in U.M.C. Trauma Intensive Care, six weeks in HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, two months on home health care, and a total of five months in outpatient physical therapy. Now, one year later, PATIENT is back in school full time, and she celebreated spring break by taking a trip to San Diego.
We feel it was the grace of God that allowed the paramedics to be so close by, and they responded woth the proper care that allowed PATIENT to be romoved from the car without any further injury. We were blessed with skillful doctors and nurses that took such excellent care of PATIENT.
After a year of recovery PATIENT is still working hard to get stronger every day. After seven surgeries, PATIENT has metal throughout her body. PATIENT's neck was fused and she has a metal plate atteching her sping to the base of her skull, her wrist has a pin holding a bone graft together, a metal rod was inserted in her femur, a metal wire surrounds her knee cap, and a metal plate and screws is attached to fuse her rught ankle. PATIENT has lost half of the movement in her neck, walks with a limp, and has trouble walking long distances, and suffers from ached and pains that will be with her from now on. PATIENT's personality has not changed since the crash, and she has a positive outlook on her future and a wonderful smile that can light up a room.
Words alone will never be able to express how thankful we are for everyone that has helped us through this. Every one of you played an important part in PATIENT's recovery and have allowed our family to come out of this with our sanity intact. We will never be ale to repay you for all the things you have done for us. You each hold a special place in our hearts and your kindess and thoughtfulness will be remembered forever.