Recovery After an Injury

How is everyone today? At a reader’s request, today I’m going to talk about recovery after an injury. This was the comment from “Heidi:”

I'd love some feedback on recovery after an injury. At a little over two years sober, I was blessed to go on vacation in Hawaii. Unfortunately, while there, i had a serious accident and have been on several medications all summer. I am off everything now for a few weeks and off crutches, yay! But I just don't feel like myself. I just learned what happy, joyous and free feels like, and I miss it terribly.

Heidi’s comment really struck a chord with me, because I was recently injured in a car accident. There isn’t a lot out there about how to deal with a debilitating injury when you’re in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, but I think the topic is important.

In February of this year (2013), I was stopped at an intersection and rear-ended at a high rate of speed. From the whiplash, I suffered a herniated disk in my lower back, and in my neck, I suffered a herniated disk and two bulging disks. For six months after the accident, I saw a chiropractor three times a week. Now, I go to physical therapy three times a week. I’ve also tried an epidural injection. I have regular visits to a pain management doctor and neurosurgeon (not to mention a personal injury attorney, too).

My injuries have left me able to work only a fraction of the time I usually do, because sitting at the computer is a position that greatly aggravates the pain. The accident and all of the chaos its caused in my life also sent me into a deep depression. It’s been a rough journey so far. My injuries are permanent, but I’m hoping that I’ll feel “back to normal” sooner rather than later.

Through all of this, I’ve had to keep my recovery in the forefront of my mind. My support system is of critical importance. I’m lucky to have great friends and family who are able to help me with things like childcare during my appointments. I have an excellent psychiatrist who helps me emotionally and ensures that any medications I take or procedures I undergo will compliment the treatment I receive for my depression.

Pain management is a huge concern, especially for people in recovery. I chose to see a pain management doctor who has a great reputation; I made sure I wasn’t seeing a doctor who is known for freely handing out pills. From the beginning, I informed my doctor that I am in recovery and cannot take opiates. By doing this, I don’t have to worry about the temptation I’d face if narcotics were suggested to me as an option. There are many pain management alternatives.

Another thing that has been important for me throughout this ordeal is gratitude. My car accident was bad, but it could have been MUCH worse. I continually remind myself to be grateful that my injuries were not life-threatening and are relatively minor as far as injuries can go. I’m grateful to be alive, to have support, and to have access to the care I need get better.

Injuries are always unexpected, and they can turn your life upside-down. For people in recovery, this type of sudden event is even more troublesome, because it’s exactly the type of thing that can lead to relapse if not handled properly. It’s vital that you lean on your support system for help. Extra support is needed, so you may benefit from entering counseling or out-patient therapy, or attending more meetings. Come up with a plan on how you will tackle your injury and the changes it causes in positive ways.

It’s also key that you speak up about your recovery to your healthcare professionals; fail to do so and you could put yourself in a dangerous position. Seek out specialists who are respected in their fields, and inquire about their experience in treating people who suffer from addiction. Some people in recovery make the mistake of thinking they won’t have a problem taking opiates as prescribed, especially if opiates weren’t their drug of choice before. I strongly advise against that rationale - consider that it might be “your addiction talking.” Yes, some people might be okay on narcotics, but it is not a risk you should consider taking until you’ve exhausted all other options.

If you’re suffering from an injury, I wish you all the best. Remember to stay positive, to ask for help, and to stay grateful!

Lisa M. Hann is a freelance writer and author who specializes in addiction recovery. She holds a B.A. in Journalism from Temple University. She resides in New Jersey with her son. She has been sober since 2010 and is a Caron PA alum. She is the author of "How to Have Fun in Recovery" and "365 Ways to Have Fun Sober" (available in the Kindle store).