A long time ago, a different lifetime, really, I was severely injured, breaking my leg completely in half to the extent I got the joy of seeing the bottom of my foot whilst hanging upside down sixty feet in the air. There was talk of losing the lower leg completely, or of never walking properly again.
I remember quite clearly that a day after the surgery, which involved numerous rods, pins, and screws, I told the nurse I had to use the bathroom. She kindly told me it was down the hall and then went about her business. I managed to find it and went on to about a year of rehabilitation which included further challenges that others have alluded to. Eventually I was able to walk, but it was certainly a low point in my life, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Later, I went to an appointment to get my new profession back on track and had to hop up the stairs for the intake; whereupon the staff there literally laughed nervously when i came in the door. Soon, though, a kindly older supervisor took me aside and informed me that the only way i would make it into the program was to endure further surgery to remove the metal in my leg.
This was not an option for me, after what I had gone through. So, that particular dream did not work out for me. But I went forward with the basic plan and got to do things that many others in my field never would have had the general opportunities to do in aggregate, to meet the people that were met, to see the things that were seen. Eventually I was running five-minute miles and carrying fifty kilos of gear over ridiculous places and distances--even though to this day I cannot "take a knee" on the leg that was injured. Life works in funny ways, and opportunities abound for those lucky enough to get them and take the chance when they avail themselves.
Much more recently, I received an injury that was life threatening and threatened the retention let alone use of my right hand. This is a problem for someone with a family, that works in a physical and technical field, and that likes to write as a hobby-and maybe-one-day-profession. It is still an ongoing process, but the situation has mostly solved itself.
Now, my situation is obviously quite different from yours. Luck has perhaps played a role in my various recoveries, but I also feel that luck is something that people make for themselves. The salient points are that you must weigh your options and figure out what you want to do. Then aim for that. Listen when people say that rehabilitation is, for some things, a lifelong endeavor, but certainly a mid/long-term proposition.
Have or make trust in your medical team. My broken leg gave me precious little choice in the proceedings, and the infection of my hand did not give me much more, but I was older by then and once lucidity ebbed into focus, I was able to bond with the surgeon who did more than everyone else thought was possible. Still, that nurse's calm minimalization of my plight forced me to do things on my own and believe that it would one day be better. This trust develops instantaneously, in my experience, almost instinctively, but it is a palpable thing. And it is vital.
Having said that, it is chiefly you that will decide how things ultimately turn out. It is your attitude that will demarcate your success or failure. Just as bad news rarely improves with age, neither do injuries. Deference to your medical team preeminent, but do this now, while you are young, and recovery will be more efficacious.
You may think that doors have closed for you--and some may indeed have--but they may open anew in good time, and others will have as well.
And, though we have never met, I believe in you.
