THE WHOLE TRUTH STEVEN’S STORY

Steven is a volunteer with Spinal Injuries Scotland, who had an accident 12 years ago leaving him with no movement below his neck and needing a ventilator 24 hours a day. Despite these challenges Steven is an example that no disability should mean an end to fun and enjoying life.

The Bubble Bursting

During my 15 months in hospital I stayed motivated by focusing on the day when I would eventually be discharged and able to get back home. I still had short term goals while in intensive care like being able to eat, drink and talk again, sitting up in bed and eventually getting into a wheelchair.

Next was a move to the Philipshill rehab ward where I concentrated on chest management, strengthening my neck muscles, developing a steady bowel regime and creating a care package for living at home. All this work was designed to help me reach my ultimate goal of getting out of hospital and getting on with my life. I never realised that the greatest challenges were still to come. I would only face them when the bubble of being in hospital was burst and I was challenged with building some sort of meaningful life again.

You can also follow Steven's story on twitter @choose_living

Over those 15 months in hospital I was surrounded by the best medical care available and the reassurance of having fantastic nurses on hand if anything went wrong. I was comfortable living in an environment with so many other wheelchair users to help me feel like a 'normal' part of society. When I eventually got home, the reality of life in a wheelchair was overwhelming. I was physically ready for life away from the hospital, but psychologically, I was not prepared for how difficult life was about to become.