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Robin H 01-25-2011 12:24 PM

When I signed on here, I had mentioned that I had a bad car accident.

August 13th, I was heading north less than a block from my home when a guy heading south cut me off with a left turn so he could get into a parking lot driveway. He smashed into the front wheel on my driver's side, and plowed me up over a curb and into a block wall. My knees smashed into the dash board, my right ankle was jammed onto the pedal. My left thumb was jammed back into its joint and won't budge, my left wrist, arm and shoulder are all messed up. I had a concussion, whiplash, back and neck injuries, and nerve damage to my legs. I have been bedridden until recently.

A neurologist that I saw last month had the nerve to tell me that I would never walk or drive again.

"Well, I'll show you," I thought, and decided that I had to take matters into my own hands. With the help of a walker and a cane, I am getting better at walking every day. I found that it is next to impossible to push the foot pedal on my sewing machine but I had the determination to do it and I work at it a little at a time. To sew without the use of my left thumb is an enormous challenge, especially when my whole left arm is weak and painful and just about every other part of my body is in pain 24 hours a day.

I made the Raggedy Ann and her clothes using my own pattern, some time ago. I hope to be able to get back to that level of sewing some day. Until then, struggling with another pair of potholders will keep me in the "quilting" realm.

Although I have only been at the quilting board a short time, you have all been so kind with your encouragement and positive comments, not only to me but to each other. It brightens my day to be "around" such kind and thoughtful people.

I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor tomorrow. Hopefully he will give me a better prognosis. Wish me luck?

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter 01-25-2011 12:26 PM

You go girl!!! Things may never be exactly the same, but adaptaions can be made and it sounds like you are doing it.

amma 01-25-2011 12:29 PM

((((HUGS)))
With your grit and determination, I have no doubt that you will go even further than where you are now. A good and postive state of mind is your best bet now, but you already know that don't you :wink:
Sending you lots of postive thoughts and a basket full of good luck!! :D:D:D

QuiltnCowgirl 01-25-2011 12:33 PM

What an awful experience! I hope that you continue to progress & regain your strength & mobility. Hopefully the orthopedic doc will be more encourageing than the previous doc, expecially after seeing what you have accomplished on your own.

Was wondering if a knee lever control might be easier for you for now? Is this something you could convert your sawing machine & cabinet/table to for the time being? Maybe with the help of some folks here? Just a thought that came to mind as you described using your foot pedal, & especially since I am sure that being able to sew is very theraputic to you.

M.E.H. 01-25-2011 12:34 PM

Do not let them tell you NEVER. I have a grandson that they said would never walk. He is on the school Baseball team and rides a bike. He walks and runs. :D

grannyQ 01-25-2011 12:35 PM

Hope everything goes well at your appointment. No one knows the pain until they go through it themselves. Hang in there.

craftybear 01-25-2011 01:09 PM

Hugs to you, please keep us up to date on your progress

Craftybear

Deara 01-25-2011 01:14 PM

Keeping you in my prayers.

Blessings to you,
Sandi

Jim's Gem 01-25-2011 01:19 PM

I hope and pray that he will be able to give you some better news.
Many times it just takes a different doctor with a little different specialty and they may know what can be done to help you.

Charlee 01-25-2011 01:22 PM

You GO GIRL!! You have an amazing attitude that is going to see you through this! I'm proud to be associated with you!!

Will keep you in my prayers!

Robin H 01-25-2011 01:26 PM


Originally Posted by QuiltnCowgirl
What an awful experience! I hope that you continue to progress & regain your strength & mobility. Hopefully the orthopedic doc will be more encourageing than the previous doc, expecially after seeing what you have accomplished on your own.

Was wondering if a knee lever control might be easier for you for now? Is this something you could convert your sawing machine & cabinet/table to for the time being? Maybe with the help of some folks here? Just a thought that came to mind as you described using your foot pedal, & especially since I am sure that being able to sew is very theraputic to you.

I appreciate your suggestion but it would not work for me. My Bernina has the needle leg-lift lever which I love and I can't use that because my right knee is in such bad shape. I have to lift the pressure foot manually with my right hand instead. Considering that, I wouldn't be able to use any type of knee control. My entire right leg is the worst. I have to use the foot pedal with my left foot. It is so kind of you to try to come up with a solution.

mommamac 01-25-2011 01:56 PM

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again."
Flavia Weedn

It sounds like you are slowly picking up those pieces -keep going & grasp onto your inner strength. I admire your courage & determination. Hopefully at your visit tomorrow you will learn some techniques to make life easier for you.

If you need to rest your body for awhile, just hop on this board & time will fly! Supper you say? I just had my morning coffee!LOL

You certainly will be in my prayers.

Robin H 01-25-2011 02:32 PM

I just don't know how to thank all of you for all of your kind thoughts and wishes of encouragement. I appreciate it so very much.

CarrieAnne 01-25-2011 02:45 PM

Hugs to you! I hope the new Dr. has more positive news for you!

Snorky Lvs2Quilt 01-25-2011 02:50 PM

Hi Robin....(((((((HUGS)))))) and prayers are coming your way. Sorry to hear your accident was on my b'day. You have a great attitude which will take you to your next level of recovery. I am also in Southern California, so if I can help in any way, let me know.

sweet 01-25-2011 03:12 PM

You are an inspiration. Just think, as soon as that foot can get you machine running, it won't be long before it's working perfectly for you. Best thoughts and wishes!

SueDor 01-25-2011 03:54 PM

Just keep doing what you have been doing, sounds like your doing better everyday.

QuiltMania 01-25-2011 03:56 PM

I love your "I'll show you!" attitude. Have you checked with the occupational therapist at your local hospital for ideas for your machine? If anyone would have a workable accommodation for your new challenges, the OT would.

Japonica 01-25-2011 03:59 PM

Bless your heart. The human will is quite something isn't it. Keeping you in my prayers. Blessings

Cybrarian 01-25-2011 04:03 PM

Prayers and unlimited support for you! I admire your grit & determination what an encouragement you are to others around you. Please ask your Dr. about rehab In water (pool or jacuzzi type). It will take determination but talk to anyone and everyone at your insurance company about what rehab coverage you have. Use it all! Have you talked to your Bernina dealer about whether they have the features you need for the left leg? If they aren't helpful call the company itself or email them. Maybe there is a tenacious person in your family/friends that would help with contacting and follow up? Sending encouragement and support to you!

karenchi 01-25-2011 04:32 PM

First off......Glad to hear you are improving....Now, my neurologist twice told me that I am going to end up like "Christopher Reeve's"...
The first time I came home and just cried all day....This was in 1998.
I have severe neck problems. I have MS....She said if I ever got into a car accident then I will be in a wheel chair.
Well, here it is 2011, and she told me this again in Sept of 2010. Told me if ever I was somewhere and went numb, couldn't move, etc. to call 911 immediately cause time matters.
Well, I went to neurosurgeon and he said, yes, it is bad, but this will not happen....I could have kissed him!

You don't happen to go to the same neurologist do you.....LOL

rockie8903 01-25-2011 04:36 PM

Keeping you in my prayers.

purplemem 01-25-2011 04:41 PM

I am recovering from over 30 blood clots in my lungs. When I went into the hospital they told me I would have died in 2 hours or less. It has taken me 16 months now, and I am still in the recovery stage.

I have a Brother $200 machine with a push button on/off. I love it because I do not have to use my legs (long term probs). Might you be able to afford this for awhile?

I will pray for your strength and courage to heal.

dixiebelle162002 01-25-2011 04:49 PM

You message gives me inspiration. Keep trying and don't ever quit. ((((HUGS))))

roseOfsharon 01-25-2011 04:56 PM

God Bless and many well wishes for continuing strides to your goals. Hugs...

Sharon

Tropical 01-25-2011 04:57 PM

I admire your courage and the fact that you aren't a " poor me" type of person. Sometimes a strong will and belief in oneself make all the difference in the world. Sending prayers and well wishes your way.

Lucymae 01-25-2011 05:24 PM

i know how you feel. I had polio as a child and the drs told us I would never walk again! haha I walked and did a lot of stuff others have never done. Then 10 years ago I found out about Post Polio Syndrome!! I seems some polio survivors regress as they age!!!! Well I was so depressed, I cried for two days. I think now I have come to terms with my future. I have use of my hands and can still walk with a cane. So, I plan how I will deal with each day.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. God will open a window somewhere. Keep us updated on you progress.
:thumbup: :thumbup:

Margie 01-25-2011 05:30 PM

WTG...you keep "showing those doctors"!! Prayers and blessings.

kbs 01-25-2011 05:33 PM

Determination gets it done. Guess that doctor didn't really know you.

leiladylei54 01-25-2011 05:40 PM

Good job on your recovery efforts!!! Hope new doctor is more encouraging than the last!!! Encouragement goes a long way in recovery....positive thinking!!!

quiltsRfun 01-25-2011 06:50 PM

Does your machine have a start/stop button? Would that be something you could try? I think it's important to have goals and you certainly seem to have the determination to make this work. The important thing is you haven't given up. Keep up the good work.

rusty quilter 01-26-2011 04:29 AM

In a split second your whole world changed. What a powerful inspiration you are to those of us who complain of our little aches and pains. You are in my prayers.

NinaK 01-26-2011 05:18 AM


Originally Posted by Robin H
When I signed on here, I had mentioned that I had a bad car accident.

August 13th, I was heading north less than a block from my home when a guy heading south cut me off with a left turn so he could get into a parking lot driveway. He smashed into the front wheel on my driver's side, and plowed me up over a curb and into a block wall. My knees smashed into the dash board, my right ankle was jammed onto the pedal. My left thumb was jammed back into its joint and won't budge, my left wrist, arm and shoulder are all messed up. I had a concussion, whiplash, back and neck injuries, and nerve damage to my legs. I have been bedridden until recently.

A neurologist that I saw last month had the nerve to tell me that I would never walk or drive again.

"Well, I'll show you," I thought, and decided that I had to take matters into my own hands. With the help of a walker and a cane, I am getting better at walking every day. I found that it is next to impossible to push the foot pedal on my sewing machine but I had the determination to do it and I work at it a little at a time. To sew without the use of my left thumb is an enormous challenge, especially when my whole left arm is weak and painful and just about every other part of my body is in pain 24 hours a day.

I made the Raggedy Ann and her clothes using my own pattern, some time ago. I hope to be able to get back to that level of sewing some day. Until then, struggling with another pair of potholders will keep me in the "quilting" realm.

Although I have only been at the quilting board a short time, you have all been so kind with your encouragement and positive comments, not only to me but to each other. It brightens my day to be "around" such kind and thoughtful people.

I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor tomorrow. Hopefully he will give me a better prognosis. Wish me luck?

"We must sometimes see the darkness, so that we may see the stars". My prayers are with you. Glad to hear you are moving forward with different doctors. Don't give up!

neeng 01-26-2011 05:44 AM

I will be thinking about and praying for you. I admire your spirit, please never give up.

They do make sewing machines with push-button on/off switches so you don't have to use the foot control.

sandpat 01-26-2011 06:00 AM

Oh, best of luck to you on your Dr. visit. Kudos to you for your attitude and each little baby step you take on the long road "back". I know that someday you'll walk into that Dr's office and show him! We'll be here to cheer you on girl!

sik1010 01-26-2011 06:00 AM

Prayers for you and your Doctors!

dreamgirl 01-26-2011 06:08 AM

I think God has guided you to the right place. This QB is the best support you could ever find. God bless you. Hope the DR. has great news. :roll:

Ditter43 01-26-2011 06:12 AM

Robin...Luck has nothing to do with it. Sheer will and determination has gotten you up and moving. I admire your spunk! You have been dealt a bad hand and are making the best of it.
I am glad this board gives you some pleasure. I hope my jokes bring you a few laughs. I only wish there was more I could do to help!
I hope you continue to progress. Let us know what the ortho has to say!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Marvel 01-26-2011 08:15 AM

You will be in our prayers. Never give up. You can slowly gain your strength back while you are sewing great to use your muscles again. Pot holders are a great gift too. We are going to help you all we can. Just let us know if we can help. God is Love, and quilters Give that love abundantly. Marvel

golfer 01-26-2011 08:18 AM

You sound like a lady who knows what she is capable of. Keep plugging away and you will certainly see results. Best wishes during your recovery.


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