18 months

18 Months...
It almost doesn't feel real admitting I have FINALLY reached 18 months. You're probably wondering what the significance of 18 months is, and why it matters so much to me. Well, 18 months ago I took a chance on a life changing surgery, and 18 months ago I began my 18 month long recovery. . . 

As proud as I am to admit I have FINALLY made it to the end of my 18 month recovery, I am honest enough to admit to not only myself but to those following, that the journey is far from over. The realty of my injury is - it will always be a fight. Each and everyday I wake up, I choose to fight and to continue to fight to regain my mobility. This recovery has been much more than undergoing surgeries, its been a change. A change of accepting my new "normal" and learning to live and adapt to my new disability that I was not born with. It's hard to describe to people what a recovery like this truly entails. From the nine surgeries to the future ones, to the mental barriers, to the tears, the laughter and to the ups and downs. . . Each and everyday brings a new challenge that I have to face, but if there's one thing I know I can do - Its get through it. 

I have been fighting for my recovery since January 2021, I've undergone nine surgeries in the span of these few years, and I'll undergo more surgeries as I continue my recovery, but with that being said I want to shed light on 18 things that I have accomplished in the last 18 months. 

1. Found a New Outlook On Life 

I could talk about this ALLDAY. If you knew me just a few years ago and you compared that Sarah to the Sarah who stands before you (virtually) today, you would be shocked to say the least. I used to live in a negative mindset that constantly focused on what I couldnt do or what I wasnt able to do... I fought all my challenges each day, and it led me to a dark place. When I learned how to accept things for what they were, I learned to accept my life in a way I never thought possible, and with that came a new outlook on life. An outlook that wasnt filled with fear, but rather hope. An outlook that wasnt so negative, and rather was positive. I learned to fight so I could continue to live, and when I continued to change my outlook, I continued to change my life. 

2. Sought Help 

The controversy over seeking help, is one thing I will never hold back from sharing about. During my recovery I decided to seek help to deal with my trauma brought on from my accident. I saw a therapist, and continue to see one. But the one thing that TRULY changed my mental health was undergoing a trauma based therapy session. This session made me relive the night of my accident, and allowed for me to find peace within it, removing the pain of talking about it. Learning how to talk about my accident and all that occurred allowed for me to ACCEPT and that was something I never thought possible, and I owe all of that to speaking up and seeking help. 

3. Lived in New York 

Two weeks after graduating from my undergraduate program, I moved to New York. I moved to New York to see my surgeon at the Hospital For Special Surgery. This move lasted around six weeks, and it came with alot of challenges. I moved away from my support system to better myself and to be closer to a surgeon who wouldn't give up on me or my case... And it was THE best decision I ever made. 

4. Took 10 Months Off 

10 months of nothing. I didn't and couldn't work. Each day I worked on my physical health and mental health. After undergoing nine surgeries I felt lost, alone and depressed. I was fortunate enough to take time off to find myself again and to learn how to accept what had happened. Although it wasn't your typical post undergrad path, I owe a HUGE amount of where I am now today to those 10 months off. 

5. Started Sharing My Story 

I used to hold back sharing my story, I'd give a little here and there but it wasnt until I started TRULY sharing that I saw the impact it had. Sharing my story with others so that no one else would have to feel alone, and so that others in a similar situation as me could have a "role model" was again one of the best decisions I have EVER made. I believe in the power of speaking up, I believe in vulnerability and I believe in the power of creating your own support... But sometimes you cant find that support until you have the courage to be vulnerable, so being vulnerable is what I chose to do! 

6. Began Road To Recovery

I began Road To Recovery on Facebook following my ninth surgery. I began it as a place to keep my loved ones and friends up to date with my surgery, but it soon grew into so much more than that. Slowly people began joining the page who were also seeking help and looking for a support system, and Road To Recovery did and continues to do JUST THAT. A place where people can come and talk to others, a place where people can come and feel accepted, but most importantly a place where people can go and be reminded of how capable they are. 

7. Moved to Florida 

SUNSHINE STATEEEEE!! WOW! I still cannot believe I did it. I mean really, I packed everything up and said "I'm going". Its what I have always wanted, the sunshine the happiness that comes with, and as my arthritis worsened it was the best decision I made not only for my mental health but my physical health as well! 

8. Connected With Others

SOOO MANY NEW FRIENDS!! It feels like everyday I get a new DM or message from someone who has found my page and read my story - and with that??? Came ALOT of new friendships<3

9. Found My Support

I stopped allowing negativity in my life, I stopped turning a blind eye to the people in my life that were only there for me when it was convenient t for them, and began focusing on the people who TRULY cared and supported me. I am a firm believer that each relationship you have in your life should be a TWO way street. You should be able to lean on those who love you without the feeling of being a burden, and I am more than proud to say that each person in my life now is someone who I know I can depend on. 

10. LOTS of Physical Therapy

Call it a full time job but without the pay... At least thats what I'd say! Luckily for me throughout my recovery I connected with some great physical therapist. I'd be lying if I said I didnt have some give up on me throughout the journey, but for the ones who didnt, I will forever hold close to my heart. 

11. Sought Out New Treatments For Pain Management 

I got my first pain management shot in August 2023, and I will defiantly be continuing with the shots. I received the hydraulic acid shot and this shot bought me nearly three months of minimal pain... It was like Christmas for me!  

12. Shared My Story on "The Bamboo Podcast"

Sharing my story as you know is something I will ALWAYS do! I had the opportunity to share my story on "The Bamboo Podcast" both on Spotify and Apple Music! Check out the Links! 

13. Connected With Johnson & Johnson 

Johnson & Johnson was the company who made my Efix and somehow we crossed paths. I had numerous meetings with developers and team members sharing what being a patient was like wearing the device I had, and It was a unreal experience that left me feeling so grateful. I am so grateful to have worn a device that the developers genuinely cared to learn on how they could improve it! 

14. Moved into My First Home

In my "Big Girl Era" I moved into my first home!! An adorable townhome located near my Law School! This has been a newer time of my life, and it has been so fun "growing up"! 

15. Became An Advocate 

I continued to share my story and with that I continued to advocate! I am a mental health and trauma advocate! I specifically speak and share about what life is like dealing with mental health and having a disability I was not born with. I discuss the ups, downs and how to get through confidently! 

16. Attended My First Advocacy Event 

Johnson & Johnson flew me out to attend the HealtheVoices Conference in New Jersey! This conference was one of the best weekends of my life, I connected with SO many inspirational people that helped me feel at peace with my own recovery. A life changing event that I will always remember! 

17. Learned The Power Of Mindset

MINDSET !! It is my biggest life lesson, and my biggest blessing. Learning how to control my mindset and to change it into something positive was something I never understood held so much power until now. People always say to be aware of your mindset - but have you ever thought about what it really means??? Your mindset can be your greatest strength or you biggest weakness, but it all begins with YOU !

18. Learned How To Believe In Myself

For the longest time, I lived in a negative mindset, I struggled to smile, and struggled to be happy. I sat each night in my bed praying for it to end, and for the pain to go away. I doubted myself and my strength... But it wasn't until I got myself up and off the ground that I was able to see the world in an entirely new way. I stopped caring what others thought, I embraced my limp, my scars and my disability. I learned how to accept things for what they were and not for what I wanted them to be, and as I continued to accept things instead of fight them, I changed who I was in the BEST way possible.  It wasn't an easy fight, and its a fight that will continue for the rest of my life, but as I learned to accept my disability and myself, I learned how to love myself in a way I never thought possible.