Paraplegia

Laying still in bed I couldn’t understand what was happening or had happened to me.

The doctors with their jargon came in one after another with their trainees surrounding my bed like vultures ready to feast. They kept on saying all sorts of things I had never heard of. All I could hear was T4, T5, T7 etc 

I was also told that I had a few broken ribs. For a moment there I felt proud and strong. “It takes a real man to go through such an accident” I told myself...

I’m strong willed and wasn’t going to give up that easy. At the back of my mind I knew it was just a matter of time before I got up and walked home.

I was given several injections by the man dressed in red. I wonder why he chose red. I used to hear people call him, “the man of blood” In Swahili. Every other day early in the morning he would come to draw blood for tests and when I saw him with his conspicuous red attire I’d stretch my hand out for him to do his business. He was a bit scary looking and At some point I thought the man was out to finish me. How can a human being have so much blood?

I was strapped in huge machines that produced all sorts of sounds. Scans were carried out. All kinds of cables were attached to my body. I hated it!

When I close my eyes I can still hear the beeping sounds of the machines.

Every day I could try to lift up my feet or wiggle my toes but I couldn’t. “What sort of disease is this? Who bewitched me?” I asked myself. 

Walking was not my first priority. My first priority was to do away with the pain. It was just too much. The pain took away my pride and at times I could shed a few tears. It’s was a special kind of pain I had never felt before.

I consumed all sorts of painkillers but lo and behold I never got better. For the first time I heard and saw a pain specialist. Never knew such a person or profession existed. Forgive my ignorance.

I told myself that maybe I couldn’t walk due to the extreme pain and so I waited for it to subside.

Finally, the Neurosurgeon had the courage to tell me what was going on. Together with his pack, they came to deliver the news as if to give him some moral support. I was to be bound to the wheelchair for the rest of my life, he said.

I thought I’d take it hard but I didn’t.

“These doctors are crazy.” I told myself…

As long as the pains were present I knew I wasn’t healed. The pain specialist hadn’t sorted the situation. And so I continued waiting…

Currently I’m on drugs. Very strong medication that can put a horse down but still...

These days I understand my situation extensively. I’ve read and researched widely. I once shocked a doctor when i had gone for my routine check up. I asked her questions and as she struggled to answer I explained to her what was taking place in my body and the probable solution. She just smiled and after I had finished treating myself, she wished me well. I still wonder what took me to hospital that day.

Days have gone by, weeks, months, years and still the pains haven’t left. I have visited all kinds of doctors including the famous Chinese who do acupuncture and even herbalists. 

What do you think is on my mind?

I haven’t lost hope though. The pains may be present but I strongly believe it’s just for a little while. I know I’ll get back on my feet. If not today, then tomorrow and if not tomorrow then the next day or the next and the next...

But if I outlive my condition, on that wonderful and glorious morning don’t be surprised to see me run!

I have hope and I’m waiting patiently, so should you. No condition or circumstance should put you down. Believe you are stronger and better than that. For what is the meaning of life without hope?

Several friends and some relatives keep on asking me how I’m fairing on and so I decided to share this today to encourage a few people that may be going through troubling times to know that a breakthrough is coming and also enlighten many on my current status.

I’m paraplegic with a T6 complete injury. T4-T7 fusion.

#SavedToServe

#KeepingHopeAlive

#TheStruggleContinues🧑🏿‍🦽