Page 825 - Total War on PTSD
P. 825

 care, given mixtures of medications that caused severe reactions, and at other times the treatment was inappropriate which caused further complications including my amputation.
The one thing I would do differently would be to educate myself so I could speak up and thereby advocate for myself and my care. Once I learned this lesson and took control of my care, my conditions mentally and physically began to improve. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson a little too late and most of the damage had already been done.
Life is a challenging adventure so; when I was injured my world greyed — however, it did not end. It took time to realize life was the same; just a little more challenging. Once I embraced my physical changes it became easier to adapt. The ability to adapt opened up a whole new world for me. I have gotten to do so much more than I would have if I was never hurt. It is all what you make of it.
I have always been an active person but after my injuries I thought I would never compete again. Fortunately for me I was introduced to adaptive sports. I have done many adaptive sports over the years including Para-Nordic and Biathlon, Cycling, Swimming, Whitewater Kayaking and Precision Air Rifle to name a few. In the beginning it was difficult for me to go out by myself so getting involved wasn’t high on my priority list. However, after I got Kahara she provided the security and support I needed to allow me to get involved again. Nowadays, if she’s not allowed to go I don't go. Both my Service Dog and Adaptive Sports saved my life.
At one point in time I remember thinking life wasn’t worth living because it had changed so much from what I knew. Kahara was there to support me and help me get through the bad times. She helps me find the motivation to get out and live life again. I remember when I would first go
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