Keeping focus - by Tom Cadbury
The start of 2021 has not been what we would all have hoped for. As we work our way through these first few weeks of the 3rd national lockdown, I’m reminded of why January is a poignant month for me and why I hope that my own previous experience might help those who find this current period particularly challenging.
11 years ago today I had just undergone a second operation following life changing leg injuries sustained in an unfortunate ski accident. Working in fracture clinic I was very aware of the enormity and seriousness of my particular leg injuries and the complications that can arise. Like now it was a worrying and uncertain time, not knowing what the future held for me. I had numerous questions running through my mind: were my injuries going to heal, would I run into complications, would I be able to run or even walk again, how long until I could return to work - there were so many questions and these certainly made keeping my mind focused and positive very challenging.
To help manage these uncertain and negative thoughts I used different approaches to focus my mind and body to get through the first challenging three months. Primarily I concentrated on getting myself physically fit and strong again. After a month in hospital that meant putting some weight back on and working the parts of me that I could. Getting stronger and fitter again made a huge difference to my outlook and certainly gave me the positivity I needed to get stuck into my rehab once my legs were free from plaster. This consisted of therapeutic yoga and Pilates, upper body weight training and dedicated exercises for my ankles and legs. Long before I could leave my wheelchair, I was also able to use a hydro therapy pool and static exercise bike - these were big moments and times I’ll never forget. As the momentum built, time passed by more quickly and soon it was time for my very important 3 month check X-ray to see whether the fractures had healed and I was going to be able to start walking again. After a positive result from the scans confirming the bones were healing I was able move forwards with my recovery.
Having a focus and being able to control the things I could made an enormous difference with how I ultimately managed to recover. Working on my physical self definitely helped me manage my mind and as we face many challenges at this current time I hope my positive experiences can help you too.
