A week after Op 2, Carl was the bearer of brilliant news. " The infection is gone, you can go home friday."
The funny thing was....all of a sudden I felt anxiety. I had been in hospital for a month and I was afraid to leave. I had to walk away from my comfort zone.
Well friday came as did my girl, to collect me and a very wobbly Dougal walked out into brilliant sunshine and more people than I'd seen in a long while. Out into the car park cars were easing themselves into tight parking spots with decorum but through my eyes I was sanding in the middle of a dodgem car rink with them all aiming at me. It was weird.
Driving home in the pasenger seat I realised how bumpy the roads are...funny how I never noticed that before.
I've been home just over a week now and I get stronger every day. I've shed some tears about my plight only once but I guess I can be forgiven some down times.
The day I came home I could only walk about 50mtrs around the garden (seriously).. on saturday I walked 3.5kms, so I'm really making progress.
My attitude is very positive and apart from having to relearn how to drive, eat, read, walk etc, I'm still the same as I always was.
I do not take lightly what happened and now treat myself with much greater respect. I think this will be a good thing for me and I believe I will end up physically much better than I was before.
I start my new shred with all of you, but from a different place. It'll be a while before weights are included in my training routine but I'm not training for the Olympia so that's OK.
Obviously I can't do any upper body work for now, but I can do lower body and I can walk.
I lost 10kgs (22lbs) in hospital and it was mostly muscle. My attitude ...I'm glad I had the muscle to lose.
So all in all - I'm back from my vacation - just a little bionic ( titanium rods, screws and wiring to hold me together) is all and with a new card in my wallet which will get me through airport search points.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and good wishes, they often brought tears to my eyes...
FOR ME THIS IS NOT THE END, IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
18 comments:
Hi Dougal, words alone right now seem "cheap" after seeing what you have gone through mate. I just want you to know that I'm thinking of you mate and I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery.
I believe in you mate. You have done it before and I believe you will do it again. I believe you will come back stronger than before.
Adam
Hey Adam, knowing how incredibly busy you are I really appreciate you popping in..thanks mate.
You know, life is so precious to me now that, certainly my health and fitness have even more purpose and I DO believe I will be stronger than before....and more of an evangalist.. to the point of being a Pain in the ass about the benefits to people.
Thanks again mate. Fact is, if it wern't for you I may not be here today.
Mate, I really pleased that you have come through as well as you have. You now have created a really powerful PRW and I, like Adam, believe the next phase in your life is going to be massive.
Mike
Thank you Mike, suport from guys like you, played a big part believe me. You're right HUGE PRW...can't wait
Wow that's just an amazing story - I can hardly believe that you have been through so much and have come out still doing well. I am so glad, even though like you said you still have a hard road ahead. My prayers are with you and thanks for checking in with me as well. Talk to you soon.
Joni...Know that visiting me helps my recovery, thank you.
Dougal, life is so precious! We, too often, take it for granted. Sometimes it takes a near-death experience to bring us back to what's most important.
I guess it is time for a health & fitness crusade! I think you already have a few crusaders along side of you!
you will be in my prayers for continued recovery and strength. God Bless!
Dougal, on a significantly smaller scale I relate to the dodge 'em car rink and bumpy roads and anxiety of potential dangers that used to not exist. Don't underestimate the stress. It's REAL. Sheer BRAVERY just walking and getting into the car. REALLY BRAVE STUFF. When the pain fades and the bumps don't hurt and you're walking as much as you ever did, you'll enjoy every step even more so. You have always had such an appreciation and gratitude for life already, it's all over your blog from day one. I just get this vibe like you'll shine with an unimagineable light of happiness. I don't think anyone within a million miles of you could not love life, too. You amaze me, Dougal.
And on the tear front, because I'm PRO-TEARS :) I really believe tears and expressing fears can completely co-exist with a positive attitude. In my book tears NEVER need forgiveness. They're a miracle of cleansing and relief that are well-earned. So if you feel the urge you go ahead. If you don't that's cool, too. But darn Dougal I've cried about your accident three times just reading your blog. We're not even on the same continent. Hell it happened to you. And you cried ONCE?!! You get more than once. ONLY if you want to naturally. I don't want to hound you into crying of course, because that would be really horrible of me, but even if there were some kind of manly crying limit or something I know you get more than like one time. But I digress and am rambling now.
Would it be wrong to say you still look good even in a neck brace? In my defense Lynda thought so, too. I totally read it on her blog. :)
I hope this makes some kind of sense. I didn't mean to type too long. No need to respond. REST. Just know I'm thinking of you A LOT.
Amigo Dougal...wish I could send you a big hug and congratulate you on being such a strong man, as am now really in awe of you as a person who has strength just where it matters...in his heart. Am so proud of you for getting thru all of that pain and horror and still being the Dougal we know and love. Take good care of yourself, tell that girlfriend of yours that she´s done a magnificent job in pulling you thru, and hold tight. You´ll be alright, and I for one hope to be around for the day you show all of us what an Awesome Mate you really are!
Lynda
So glad you are home and on the road to recovery. I'm sure you will come back better than ever! My thoughts are with you, Dougal.
How many time for a completed recovery (without doing sport..) Dougal ???
Hope for a quick recovery
Bob
Hey Dougal,
It´s me back here again today, but just had to tell you about BOB´s blog today. He has done a Tribute to you that is just so fabulous that am truly touched. So, go there and see.
http://pfg-workout.blogspot.com/
He´s the nicest fellow...know it´ll mean a lot to you.
Lynda
Hi Dougal, your story has left me speechless (almost). I pray that all goes well in your recovery and please know that you have friends that care about you. You are a strong individual and a spokesperson for how being fit and strong can make a difference.
Dougal--Life IS precious. I'm sure you will make the most of your life! Your story is so inspiring. As I read, I just hung on to every word! Please take care of yourself.
ouch that is nasty...you are a fighter and there is obvious a purpose for your life...continuing to send good thoughts your way for a full recovery.
D
Dougal, you know that before you vacation I promised you I'd be here when you got back to push you. Never in a million years did I think this would happen. Well, my friend, I am a man of my word. I am going to be here leaving you comments as you recover from this awful accident. You are in my prayers always.
Dougal, when you were about to go on vacation I told you that when you got back, I'd be here to push you hard every day. Well, my friend, I am a man of my word. I plan to stop by every day to wish you well during your recovery from this awful accident. Never in a million years did I think something like this would happen to you. You are in my prayers always.
Suzette, thank you, all I can say is ...LET THE CRUSADES BEGIN
Christy, A white Panama hat, a pink carnation, my blue and white brace and we're good to go yes? I love your comments and I'm going to spend some time rummaging around your site to see what nuggets I can find..I know you have lots all over the place. BTW..I'm a real man, I'm not afraid to cry. ;-)
Lynda, I think i'm going to get CBS on the back of my head " Can't be stopped" Whatcha think
Thank you for your thoughts LIL must be why I feel good today YIPEE
Debbie you guys have made such a difference to my recovery..I so, appreciate every one of you.
Thank you Shari..yup I certainly I have more respect for myself, but still intend to live life to the full.
Bob, what a superstar you are. Thank you for your tribute. Magnifique. (see your blog) Probably 3 - 6 months no sport.
Michael - Bud I knew I could rely on you. My wing man. Thank you.
D - Thank you for the good thoughts, I can feel them flowing through my body, healing me. ;-}
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