Paperwork Can Be Challenging!

I was involved in a serious car accident 7 months ago. We were in downtown Houston on the interstate and were stopped in traffic. The person behind us did not see that the traffic had stopped, and they slammed into us, going 55 to 60 MPH.

My husband was driving, I was in the passenger seat, and my adult daughter was in the backseat. We were slammed into the car in front of us and this caused havoc on our bodies.

Injuries and dealing with the aftermath

We walked away from it thinking we were OK only to find through the course of the next few days that we were significantly injured. I suffered a fractured collarbone, torn rotator cuff, torn bicep, whiplash, several disc injuries, and a pinched nerve in my C7-8.

I decided to write about this experience because we must deal with stuff like this and if you think it is difficult, I want you to know that it is not just you!

Keeping up with doctor appointments

Trying to keep up with our doctor appointments, pain journals, and medication has been difficult. I have over 100 emails back and forth between myself and our attorney. We have had to attend physical therapy (PT) weekly for months now, and the 35 miles each way makes it even harder for me.

My entire day is ruined from having to do the drive, attend PT, drive home, and WHAM...nap time. We are not talking about a 30-minute nap. I will sleep for 3 hours after PT!

Choosing Xywav over pain medicine

I have not taken any pain medicine during this time. I had to choose between my Xywav and pain relief. If I chose pain relief, the domino effect of me not getting rested sleep would outweigh the benefits of the medicine.

I chose to get my sleep and use products I could buy at my local drugstore. It is amazing what you can get through doing Lamaze breathing!

Paperwork is exhausting

My husband must have surgery on his knee, which involves dealing with AFLAC, his employer, and FMLA leave. I consider myself a smart cookie, but this has been more difficult than I expected.

They need all the paperwork from PT visits, doctor notes, copies of MRI/x-rays, and police reports. I find myself working on it for 30 minutes and then I can’t keep my eyes open! Things I should be able to get done in a day are taking me a few days to complete, and it makes me feel horrible about it. I must remind myself not to get upset because I can only do what I can do.

One step at a time, one day at a time

Many situations require a lot of paperwork and details. This can be from FAFSA documents to home-buying. At first glance, it looks impossible to complete but just take one day at a time and do baby steps.

• Gather your documents early before they are due, so you are not frazzled.
• Complete any paperwork during your awake hours, whether it is in the morning or late at night.
• Document everything and do not count on your memory! Sticky notes are our friends!
• Do not be afraid to ask for help!

Better days ahead

When I feel like giving up and that I cannot do it anymore, I walk away. If I keep sitting there stressing out, it just gets worse, and I get sleepier. I can always sit back down at the computer when I feel more awake later or the next day.

We still have a long road ahead of us with his surgery and settlement talks. I am still in pain, and my daughter has lasting pain as well. I think the hardest part is behind us, and most of the paperwork has been handled on my end. I’m looking forward to feeling healthy again and putting this all behind us.