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Post by romeo1414 on Nov 29, 2009 0:33:51 GMT -7
Hello all,
I am a 28 year old bi-lateral amputee, rak and lbk. I found the group on facebook, and wanted to join. I have only been an amputee for a few months now, and am still learning everyday. I look forward to meeting new folks, and learning as I talk with the people here. I will be glad to answer any questions you may have, so do not hesitate to ask.
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Post by allenuk on Nov 29, 2009 4:34:11 GMT -7
Hello 1414 (I thought of saying Hello Romeo, but had second thoughts)...
Welcome to the gang. As far as learning everyday, some of us here have been amputees for years, and are STILL learning everyday, so you're in the right place.
Talk to you again.
Allen, bka, London.
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Post by snowyh on Nov 30, 2009 17:29:56 GMT -7
Wherefore art thou, Romeo*? I was born & raised in Galveston, but have spent most of my life living in Houston. It's not often that a newbie offers to answer questions--y'all're supposed to be the ones with all the questions. Glad to see you're already feeling like an oldtimer. Here's a question for you... how did you lose your legs?
Welcome to the group!
Helen
* What part of Texas are you from?
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Post by armamp95 on Nov 30, 2009 17:29:52 GMT -7
Hi Romeo ... I don't know where you are in Texas, but I believe that there are active amputee support groups in several areas of the state. If you can manage it, try hooking up with one of these groups. Try googling 'amputee Texas' or somesuch ... or look at the local group index on the ACA website. (Note: not all local groups are affiliated with ACA.)
Over the years, I have made many friends in the amputee community ... both online and face to face, and I continue to learn from them all the time.
Dena, LED, Florida
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Post by romeo1414 on Nov 30, 2009 22:36:02 GMT -7
Let me start by saying, thank you for the warm welcome.
As for the amputee support group, the rehab center I was in-patient at is starting one up, and I haven't put a whole lot of time into looking for one at the moment. I have more time to be on the computer at the moment, so it seemed logical to find one on here. I also saw that yall are pretty close knit, from what I've seen on facebook.
The ultimate question, what happened. I get this a lot, which I am glad to answer. I would rather people ask me than stare at me tryin to figure it out. I will go out on a limb, and say that you have prolly already heard my story, given you are from houston. Back on June 1, 2009 I was hit by a drunk driver while loading my work vehicle in a parking lot. The part everyone remembers about it was the headline, "Firefighter Hit By Drunk Driver". I was "off duty" (not that a volunteer is ever off duty) when I got hit, but thankfully was clocked in at work, which means that I am not paying for any medical expenses. It was rather disturbing to wake up in a hospital, as I do not remember any of it, which is a good thing to me.
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Post by snowyh on Dec 1, 2009 4:03:25 GMT -7
Actually, I had missed your story as it unfolded back in June, but thanks to the Internet I was still able to read & watch the new coverage. Wow--what a story! Not just how you lost your legs, but how the community showed their support at your fundraiser.
It funny, isn't it, that even though I'm an amputee myself, I still find it difficult to imagine what you must be going through. Maybe because your loss was at the hands of another, hmm.
Anyway, welcome to the group!
Helen
PS--I see your name's not really Romeo...
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Post by romeo1414 on Dec 1, 2009 15:29:13 GMT -7
No, Romeo1414 was the lifeflight designation given to me when they brought me in. The name just kind of stuck, has an interesting ring to it, it is actually one of the main features of my newest tattoo's. I have actually run across a few folks around town who missed my story, which is ok I reckon. It was very amazing to me, and overwhelming at the same time, how the community came out to support me and my family. The were departments there from Dallas, even one from Alabama. I can also relate to the feeling you have, of not knowing what one is going through. I have that same feeling everyday at therapy, wondering if they have the same issues that I have, or if they have other issues. It is hard to know, as every person's body reacts differently to change. The psychological factors involved in losing a limb will vary from person to person, as will the ability to cope with the psychological accompaniments that may follow suit, which will vary on a case by case basis depending on the circumstances and the persons previous experience with tragedy and other stresses. I greatly believe that mental health plays a lot in healing, not so much the side that deals with sanity, but the emotional side. Which, by that I mean, if a person is depressed they tend to not heal as fast. Although this is purely an opinion that I have acquired over the years of emergency service, and also from my stay in the hospital and rehab center. I am a firm believer that a positive outlook promotes a positive outcome.
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mitchee
Female Member
LBKA - 2006
Posts: 55
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Post by mitchee on Dec 1, 2009 19:31:36 GMT -7
Welcome to the forum. Your positive attitude is an asset and will help you tremendously in your future endeavors. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Someone here probably has the answer or can point you in the right direction. Again... welcome to the forum.
Michelle
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Post by mom2noble on Dec 1, 2009 20:08:25 GMT -7
Hey Romeo, I cant believe that June 1st was such an terrible day! My little man was run over by a lawn mower this year on June 1st and is now a right bka. He is doing great and attending Kindergarden. I'd say for us that June 1st could have been alot worse if we'd lost him. I'd say the same for you! I am glad that you both made it through You will be an inspiration to so many people. God Bless you.
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Post by romeo1414 on Dec 1, 2009 23:04:19 GMT -7
I am sorry to hear about your son, that is a tragic accident, and for someone so young. While it is tragic, he is young, and will bounce back quickly. I am thankful he is still here to live a great life, and he will. I am here I think by miracle, there was someone watching over me that day. The amputations are by far not the most severe injuries, I had very serious spinal trauma. My first cervical vertibrae was detracted above and below, meaning my skull was pulled away from the vertebrae, as was the second vertebrae. That injury alone is most often fatal, as my spinal cord was resting against the base of my skull.
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Post by mom2noble on Dec 2, 2009 16:00:01 GMT -7
Wow! It is amazing that you are still with us. How is therapy going?
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Post by romeo1414 on Dec 2, 2009 16:54:25 GMT -7
Therapy is going good, a little tougher than I had thought, but not beyond my scope of what I thought it could be. Working on balancing issues now, so things are moving right along, atleast in my opinion...
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Post by allenuk on Dec 3, 2009 13:51:48 GMT -7
Therapy is vital; well, therapy plus attitude (and you've got the right attitude!)
I 'only' had a bka, and I remember my physiotherapist (as we call them in the UK) giving me a wooden platform to step on to. It was 2" off the floor, and it was one of the hardest things I'd ever done.
But I managed to do it, got off, and what did she say? "Now do it again."
I still give her cakes at Christmas.
Allen.
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Post by hbrigley on Dec 6, 2009 20:38:18 GMT -7
hi i am vreally glad to see that you have a positive attitude it is more than fifty percent of the battlei am a double above the knees amp i lost both my legs in eight months but with a positive attidute and prayer got me through a lot keep up the good work hoping to hear from you soon thank you
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ann58
Female Member
Posts: 278
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Post by ann58 on Dec 7, 2009 7:50:49 GMT -7
Welcome Romeo1414 from the Buckeye State of Ohio!! So glad you found us. And ditto on the learning facts. Being an amputee; I do not think learning new things ever ends.
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Post by romeo1414 on Dec 7, 2009 14:57:46 GMT -7
The buckeye state eh? Where abouts, I have family up there...ok, pretty much ALL my family, with exception of my parents. They are originally from there, dad was transfered back in 81 to here. I am thankful that I found this forum, seems like a great bunch of folks, and I believe that I will learn a lot as well as help others.
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Post by pyourke on Dec 13, 2009 15:44:33 GMT -7
Hi romeo1414... good luck on your therapy from another bilateral. I'm a BAK and know that with your attitude, you'll do well!
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Post by hbrigley on Jan 22, 2010 15:32:33 GMT -7
hi romeo gust a few lines to let you know that you are doing verry well i am above the knees by lateral it is really hard but you have the right attutide and if you believein prayer it means a lot a lotof people blame god for every thingbut god doesn'tpunish anybody he is a loving god but any how keep up the good work write soon i would like to hear from you thank you
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ann58
Female Member
Posts: 278
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Post by ann58 on Jan 23, 2010 10:44:02 GMT -7
The buckeye state eh? Where abouts, I have family up there...ok, pretty much ALL my family, with exception of my parents. They are originally from there, dad was transfered back in 81 to here. I am thankful that I found this forum, seems like a great bunch of folks, and I believe that I will learn a lot as well as help others. romeo1414, I live close to Ohio University {Athens} about 75 mile below Columbus. I live in a very small town; but I like it....of course neighbors know your business before you do....they also are there for you in a heartbeat...when you need help.
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Post by romeo1414 on Jan 28, 2010 10:53:36 GMT -7
Ann, I have family in the Canton/Akron area, as well as the Brunswick area. I am not familiar with Athens, but am with columbus. hbrigley, thank you for your kind words of support, I have come a long way with great support and never turn it down. I do tend to share my support though pyourke, thank you for the support as well
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Post by hbrigley on Feb 19, 2010 15:21:00 GMT -7
hi texas how are you doing the weather is beautiful for thes time of year i would like to have you for a friend someone to chat with write back thank you hope to hear from you soon
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Post by romeo1414 on Feb 22, 2010 19:03:24 GMT -7
brigley, friends sounds like a good idea, gives us someone to talk to...and lately, I can always use someone to talk to. I was injured by a drunk driver, my fire captain was not dealing with it easily. To make matters worse, this thursday will mark 2 weeks to the date, when his own daughter was killed by a drunk driver at 22 years of age.
Shoot me a private message, or track me down on facebook if you can
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