I was unfortunately injured in three car crashes between 2010 and 2012. Before the accidents I worked as a social worker and I’m a mum to a little boy. The first two accidents caused me to develop a severe chronic pain problem and the third accident was devastating. I was walking in a marked crosswalk when the driver of a big truck made a left hand turn and hit me. The driver admitted to the police he was distracted and didn’t see me in the crosswalk. I was put in an ambulance on a spine board. I have since developed severe chronic pain including something called centralized pain and chronic regional pain syndrome. I have a number of herniated discs in my lower back, I don’t sleep well and I’ve had cognitive disturbances. I have major depression and PTSD. Every doctor that’s assessed me says I will not be able to work again. I need medication for the rest of my life. There are days that I’m unable to get out of bed or leave the house. Some days I need a wheelchair. I am getting constant daily care, sometimes with self-care and dressing. I’ve had to get ketamine and botox injections in my neck and scalp and body for headaches and pain. I’m doing a lot of psychological counseling and working with occupational therapists to try and get up and out in the community as much as possible. My life has been changed forever.
