My path to recovery began not with confident strides, but with rubber bands and unwavering determination. After being bedridden and facing a healthcare system that had given up on me, I realized that my only path forward was to become my own rehabilitation specialist.
The starting point was brutal. Every attempt at movement brought either fainting spells or their equally disturbing near-misses, accompanied by crushing chest pain and that dreaded feeling of impending doom. Each failure threatened to extinguish the tiny flame of hope I was desperately trying to keep alive.
Without access to rehabilitation centers, professional guidance, or specialized equipment, my tools were simple: willpower and a pair of rubber bands smuggled to me by a compassionate physiotherapist. My parents' home became my recovery ward, and I had to carefully plan around the constant risk of fainting.
The rubber bands became my lifeline. I had to abandon any romantic notions of miraculously waking up healthy one day. After years of muscle loss, even the simplest movements were monumental challenges. Starting with just 2–3 repetitions of basic rubber band exercises – which often led to fainting – I gradually built up to hundreds of reps daily over three weeks.
Every push against those yellow bands channeled my frustration with the healthcare system that had abandoned me, the disbelief of those around me, and even the girl who told me she “wouldn't date a sick man.” My resilience gene proved stronger than the temptation to surrender.
The journey wasn't just physical. It required a complete mindset transformation. Despite being labeled a “lost cause” by professionals, I drilled myself to be patient and remembered one crucial fact: this was my life, and the only one who could save me was myself. This was, fundamentally, an inside job.
What I learned transcends my personal story. We all possess the power of choice, though we often take it for granted. Whether healthy or ill, we're bound only by our beliefs and imagination. Like thalidomide babies who accomplished incredible feats before being told they "couldn't," we can choose to manage our symptoms rather than let them manage us.
Today, I write this not just as a success story, but as a testament to the power of human will. Starting with those rubber bands, progressing to standing, and finally walking again – each step was a battle won through persistence and belief in possibility rather than limitation.
Remember: Tomorrow never comes unless we seize today. Whether you're facing health challenges or other obstacles, the power to change lies within your decision to act. One small commitment, one tiny improvement at a time – that's how we rebuild ourselves, that's how we return to life.
Want to continue reading about my journey and transformation? find my book here.
I’m nearly finished this book - all I can say is W😍W what an incredible story. A must read for anyone focussed on recovery. So many shared insights from my journey to yours.