r/MadeMeSmile • u/QuiGonGiveItToYa • Jan 21 '25
Good Vibes Six years ago today, I woke up from emergency neurosurgery unable to use my left arm or leg due to a subdural hematoma. My mantra was, “Try to get better at one thing each day, and practice kindness to yourself on the days that it doesn’t happen.” Recovery is possible!
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Jan 21 '25
Awh! Make sure you go back to the hospital or send an update to the team who took care of you!
I’m a neurosurgical ICU nurse. We so rarely get to see our patients “get better” because neurological injuries take so long to recover from.
One of my patients recently came to the hospital for a follow up appointment and spotted me in the cafeteria. I was literally in tears when I saw that she regained full function because of the care we gave! It meant so much to me that she found me across the room and updated me.
It would mean so much to your team if you haven’t already followed up. I promise!
Wishing you good health and a happy life!
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
I’ve stayed in touch! My care team was world class, they deserve all of the love. It really is crazy how people who do what you do often have no idea just how many lives you’ve changed. My ICU nurses were true angels.
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u/limeybastard Jan 21 '25
I had a "minor" hospital stay a few months ago, "just" a pulmonary embolism (pics in my submitted history! It's grody!) and was in CVICU for a few days mostly because the step-down unit was full.
I still went back a month later and took homemade muffins, a small bunch of flowers, and a handwritten card for the three nurses who did the most for me. I sadly somehow picked the one day of the week that none of them were working, but I still don't know how people who spend any significant time in ICU don't go back to say thank you. It's such a shit experience and the nurses do so much for you.
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Jan 21 '25
That was so kind of you!
I think most people don’t return because an ICU stay is ridiculously traumatic. I don’t know if many patients know that returning to the unit is an option either. Many ICU’s are locked units, so you’d have to reach out to a doctor or the nurse manager to get permission to come back.
I’m so glad that you’re okay!
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u/limeybastard Jan 21 '25
Yeah that unit had a bell you could ring and maaaybe somebody would let you in. They allow patients visitors so you have to be able to get in somehow. And I can't think of an ICU that would turn away someone with a bag of muffins still warm from the oven saying they wanted to say thanks to their care team but brought extra?
I will admit it was pretty weird walking through those corridors and into the unit. I can see how somebody who almost died would maybe not be wild about going back there. For me it didn't even really seem like the same place, kind of familiar but like from a way more distant memory than only a month
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
This was so wholesome. I hope you’re doing great these days.
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u/limeybastard Jan 21 '25
Thanks, I am mostly. DVT that precipitated it all was taking a while to dissolve so they put me on lovenox, which isn't fun to poke myself with every day but it beats my leg turning into an uncomfortable pink balloon
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u/Dubyew Jan 21 '25
When I got a piece of my brain removed, I made it a point to "sneak" a visit the floor below where I had my SEEG done (because I wasn't allowed to leave the floor post-surgery.) To see everyone who took care of me for weeks while we waited for a seizure was wonderful! Seriously one of the warmest, fuzziest memories I still have.
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u/AntiqueGhost13 Jan 21 '25
For real! Sometimes it sucks only seeing people in the acute period because we don't get to see the long-term progress. It's really amazing seeing pictures of some of these patients after they're out of rehab and back home, smiling with their family and living life again.
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u/bigatjoon Jan 21 '25
i watched the first part and genuinely was like "hey not bad man, you're actually walking around, good for you" until i saw the second part haha
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u/thephant0mlimb Jan 21 '25
Dude, you are an inspiration to people to never give up.
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
Thank you so much, man. That means a lot to me.
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u/specmagular Jan 21 '25
That gym is sick! I would love to find one of those near by. Good work man, keep spreading the vibes!
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u/Heavy-Battle-4894 Jan 21 '25
As nurse this is exaxtly the sauce! Thanks OP and cheers to your recovery.
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
The ICU nurses were actual angels. It’s amazing how you can work in a field like that and never know just how many lives you’ve changed for the better. My nurses were great with me and amazing for my terrified family.
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u/hmmmmmmpsu Jan 21 '25
Amazing!
What happened to you?
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
I was boxing and sustained a brain bleed from a spar. No knockout, not even a knockdown. I drove home and was just suddenly dying 90 minutes after the spar ended.
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u/hmmmmmmpsu Jan 21 '25
Ugh. I’m so sorry. Amazed that have come so far!
Honest Question: if you could go back in time and “undo it” so it never happened, would you?
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
Nothing makes what I went through “worth it,” but if this is what it took to meet my daughters, then so be it.
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u/SethAndBeans Jan 21 '25
So which season of American Ninja Warrior you gonna be on? This is everything their producers dream of.
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
lol I was lucky enough to compete on seasons 12-14, but I’m just doing it as a way to stay in shape now. The producers are lovely, and I hope I get the chance to do it again someday.
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u/Everything54321 Jan 21 '25
Good on you!!! Five years ago I had seven spinal fractures. The stupid doc in A&E said I would end up in a wheelchair. I cried all the way in the ambulance while they were transferring to a rehab hospital! Today after lots of physio I can walk happily with a stick. I’ve developed blood cancer too but still do most things and keep battling on. All the best!
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
Damn you are an actual warrior. I hope you kick cancer’s ass.
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u/Everything54321 Jan 21 '25
Thank you. Unfortunately it’s not curable but hoping for future drug developments and in the meantime I live the best day of my life everyday. My partner is an awesome support too!
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that’s the kind of spirit we all need to see.11
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u/Final-Negotiation530 Jan 21 '25
Love this for you!!
As a side note - where can we visit this gym…
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
This is the Movement Lab in San Dimas, CA. They are awesome!
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u/Usual_Retard_6859 Jan 21 '25
That’s awesome man! Kind of went through the same thing.
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u/Creepy_Aide6122 Jan 21 '25
As a dude, with a fused disk (Multiple) and scolosis thanks for the gym motivation OP. if you can do it so can i
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u/QuiGonGiveItToYa Jan 21 '25
Yes! Exactly, so happy to see this. I’m always happy to talk rehab in private if you’d like.
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u/Creepy_Aide6122 Jan 21 '25
I am pretty good bro i brought my curve from 60 degrees to 10 really wanted to join the army. So know its just body building time
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u/Frequent-Okra8751 Jan 21 '25
Congrats man you are stronger than any man i know it is a difficult to come back after that
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u/redditredditgedit Jan 21 '25
Your mantra hit home, makes me feel like crying, but I have to be strong. I’m inside the bus.
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u/Dyzon-Anish Jan 21 '25
Wow. And here’s me too lazy to go get that glass of water. Insane dedication though.
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u/mikes_second_account Jan 21 '25
I'm a trauma ICU nurse. I take care of patients with subdurals all the time, and this is so encouraging! We so often don't see the end of the story, so this is just awesome to see.
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u/acrobat2126 Jan 21 '25
Great work brother! But recovery is only possible if recovery is possible. Good for you mate, but it's not 10% will 90% possible medically in these situations.
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u/Prudent-Egg-5589 Jan 21 '25
I’ve been recently diagnosed with a health issue that will probably follow me for the rest of my life, and the fact makes me quite depressed tbh.
But your post gave me hope that it won’t be like that, that I can fight it off with a strong will and acceptance or the not-so-good days. Thank you so much.
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u/VioEnvy Jan 21 '25
Look at you swinging around like a monkey! Way to go! Happy you have motion again! I can't even imagine what that is like but I did wake up with bells palsy that made my left face unmoveable for about 2 weeks and I was miserable. I couldn't even swallow water 😔 I'm so glad you never gave up.
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u/No-Self-jjw Jan 21 '25
That is seriously amazing!! I would say miracles come true but this is all YOUR hard work. Congratulations, you are an inspiration!
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u/abbyb12 Jan 21 '25
Wow! Bravo OP! So impressed.
I had tibia plateau surgery mid September. Technically, I "recovered" in 5.5 weeks as opposed to the 3 months they told me would be likely. And I'm up and around, but man full recovery is still elusive. I'm older than you so there's that...but I just hoped i'd be farther along at this point.
Your video inspired me. Well done, my friend. Well done.
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u/Irissah Jan 21 '25 edited Jan 21 '25
Your manta is something I should try, if I wasn't who I currently am.
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u/JohnAppleMacintosh Jan 21 '25
Man, you look great! I had a heart scare this past weekend and I been a little shook for a few days… Worried about my next doctors appointment this week.
This definitely motivates me.
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u/Fun_Deer_437 Jan 21 '25
Yes, absolutely amazing, and making every second count! It's so good to see how far we can come with trust and faith it's all going to work out. An inspiration for everyone on a healing journey.
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u/ValuableWide6420 Jan 21 '25
Damn I was expecting this to cut to you using a fork or something. Not something I cant do without any of your prior ailments 😂 cheers
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Jan 21 '25
They gave you chimpanzee blood didn’t they?
Seriously congrats dude! So inspiring.
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u/Trabsmif Jan 21 '25
Hey man, I actually had a craniotomy for a subdural hematoma about 6 years ago now. Thankfully I didn't have symptoms nearly as harsh as yours but it was still a challenge in more ways than one. Now I'm working on my bachelor's in Neuroscience on the pre-med track! It's awesome to see recoveries like this to know that I'm working towards a good goal.
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u/SnooHobbies7109 Jan 21 '25
This is so inspiring. Saving this to watch on the days I need the encouragement!
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u/curiousbasu Jan 21 '25
Can anyone please tell me what this kind of gym setup is called? I've seen so many videos but I never got a name. They look so cool.
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u/zeemode Jan 21 '25
Abracadabra original means: “I will create as I speak.”
You created true magic with your words. So happy for you. You wizard you
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u/Pandepon Jan 21 '25
Were you this athletic before or were you inspired to perform like this because of your recovery?
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u/jessieleighw Jan 21 '25
My aunt is one year post tbi from falling off a horse. She had a craniotomy and then a few months later a cranioplasty. Like you, she completely lost control of her left side since she hit the right side of her head. At this point the only thing she doesn't have good control over is her left hand. She is using e stim to stimulate the muscles of her fingers to work again. How long did it take your entire body to get back on track? Would you happen to have any advice for her? I love seeing such an amazing prognosis to show her for inspiration
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u/Key_Knee_7032 Jan 21 '25
Now this shit made me smile. Absolutely absurdly amazing. You are a truly inspiring human.
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u/Kiwikumquat Jan 21 '25
This is wonderful, and a fantastic reminder of how you never really know what’s someone has gone through. Kudos to you OP!
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u/KeipaVitru Jan 21 '25
Hey CB! Love following your journey and seeing you thriving! Congrats on kicking ass at life. -PK
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u/Jaanbaaz_Sipahi Jan 21 '25
Congrats to you! Serious question, does insurance cover injuries that take that long of hospital stays?
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u/VapoursAndSpleen Jan 21 '25
You did that.
Yes, the doctors did a great job.
But you did all that work. It's up to you, the patient, to stick with recovery and you did that.
Well done!
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u/Ok_Marketing328 Jan 21 '25 edited Jan 21 '25
No disrespect but assuming the op is American that they were able to commit to developing such athleticism after a hypothetical heck of a health insurance hassle makes this more astounding
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u/DanSan90 Jan 21 '25
You are inspiring, thank you for sharing! I also work where you recovered and man, what an amazing group of healers we have! Blessed you Brother 🙏🏼
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u/Vindictive_Pacifist Jan 21 '25
Way to GO BRO!!! It was absolutely cool to see you recovered back to full strength :D
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u/Catington_Co Jan 21 '25
Wow. Thank you for sharing. Inspiring me to get back on the gym and chase down my health. Glad you’re still here and thriving. Happy for you.
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u/NefariousnessThin860 Jan 21 '25
I still remember the day you posted your wedding pictures, and got a ton of racist comments over it.
Congratulations on twins. Looks like life is pretty sweet to you, and long may it continue.
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u/bizarre_jojo24 Jan 21 '25
I had emergency neurosurgery 6 months ago. Although my trauma wasn't as severe there's been struggles as both my brain and body try to return to normalcy. I keep finding myself in depressive slumps thinking I'll never be able to go back to the way I was but this just inspired me. You had it way worse and were able to bounce back. I realize now how pessimistic I've been and I'm gonna keep your mantra in mind. Thank you
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u/thelastgalstanding Jan 21 '25
Wow, this was the positive thing I needed to read and see today… thank you for sharing your awesome journey. What fortitude… happy you’re still here to tell the tale.
And that is the best mantra. I’m adopting it, if that’s ok!
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u/Samuraix9386 Jan 21 '25
Congrats on the amazing recovery! Btw could you do that crazy monkey man stuff before the surgery?
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u/Kaleidoscope05 Jan 21 '25
What kind of therapy helped you most? (I’m an occupational therapist and was curious) : ) you should be so proud of yourself! Amazing recovery story!!
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u/Romo_9 Jan 21 '25
Amazing recovery. I think it is super inspiring even for people with more minor recoveries like knee and lower leg injuries. Happy for you
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u/Beneficial-Trip3463 Jan 21 '25
my mantra while relearning to walk after brain surgery (moyamoya rupture) was even if it's not ok everything will be ok
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u/TallFatWhiteGuy Jan 21 '25
My best friend suffered a stroke and the road to recovery was paved with many tough days, so man do I mean it when I say this is awesome. Love seeing people recover and get back on their feet. Sorry this even happened in the first place but congratulations on the hard work and strong attitude.
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u/TempleDoor_Mike Jan 21 '25
I thought the first clip was you getting back functionality of your legs and I was already smiling for you. The second clip made me overjoyed. Thank you for posting.
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u/cgraves77 Jan 21 '25
Great Job! What happened? My Mother fell and had a sundial hematoma and bleed, and never recovered
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u/geneticdeadender Jan 21 '25
You have to learn to walk before you can. . . uhm. . . swing from bars and shit.
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u/Elk-Tamer Jan 21 '25
This is the kind of news I needed today! Thanks for bringing a little light in this dusk.
And, obviously, keep going! You will make it and continue to be an inspiration!
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u/Montellofarm Jan 21 '25
If i could give you 1,000,000 upvotes and shake your hand i would. Amazing, well done
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u/2wrtier Jan 21 '25
I’m sorry the first video was walking and the second is flying. How can we compare these two??
INCREDIBLE WORK!!!!
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u/Puzzledandhungry Jan 21 '25
Shed a little tear there, what an inspirational post x I can imagine how easily and comfortable it would be to just give up, but it takes courage, strength and patience to do this 🥰
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u/NorwegianCollusion Jan 21 '25
So you're saying I need to start with a subdural hematoma to get in shape? Man, the new year resolutions are getting rough.
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u/cjtowns88 Jan 21 '25
I just wanna know what type of shit were you doing before surgery? Whoa, impressive.
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u/Historical_War_1981 Jan 21 '25
Your dedication as a neurosurgical ICU nurse is truly inspiring! It must be incredibly rewarding to witness the recovery of your patients and to hear their stories. The connection you build with them is invaluable, and those follow-up visits can bring so much joy to both patients and caregivers. Thank you for the important work you do, and for encouraging others to share their progress. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in your career!
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u/OrnerySlide5939 Jan 21 '25
Bro wen't from half as able as me to 10 times as able as me. Amazing job!
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u/HyzerFlip Jan 21 '25
Proud of you. It's so hard. I blew out my achilles twice and gained so much weight.
Finally 2 months ago it all clicked for me. I'm on the path to total wellness.
Be well friend, you've helped to keep me motivated for another day.
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u/Pvt-Snafu Jan 21 '25
Now that’s what I call a zest for life. You’re a great example for all of us on how not to give up during the toughest times.
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u/TabulaRasaNot Jan 21 '25
Post makes me happy for you and your recovery and grateful for what I have and that the setbacks I have encountered have not been worse. Thank you for the reminder.
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u/Sally_darling Jan 21 '25
This brought lots of smile to my face, Keep going man you just got yourself a fan!
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u/chinsnbirdies Jan 21 '25
Thank you for allowing us a peek into your most vulnerable moment to show how indomitable your spirit is!
Congratulations on your success!!!
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u/sfearing91 Jan 21 '25
Wow such a great outlook! Thank you for sharing your story and struggles - truly inspiring!!!
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u/Low_Being700 Jan 21 '25
Man that is sick! Good stuff man 🙏🏽🙏🏽