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Each month, we want to highlight a consumer of the AZSCIA and hear their story, and see the remarkable things people are doing around the community. We know everyone has a unique journey that got them to where they are today, and we hope to highlight that. If you have someone that you want to reccomend for this section please feel free to call us or leave us an email.
This month we are highlighting Kyle Nilles. He is going to tell us a little about his injury, challenges he faces living with SCI, and advice he has for individuals who are newly injuried. Take a few mintues to read Kyle's inspring story.
I was injured June 17, 2012 as a passenger in a car accident. After the accident I was rushed to the ICU where I spent 26 days and most of it in an induced coma. After the ICU I was sent to Mary Free Bed rehabilitation hospital in Grand Rapids, MI where I spent 4 months doing inpatient therapy and was diagnosed as a C6 complete quadriplegic. After inpatient therapy and 1 year of outpatient, I decided to move to Phoenix to get out of the cold and snow and return to school to finish my bachelors degree.
After my injury occurred, I wasn't sure what to expect or how I was going to live. The biggest challenge for me was trying to regain my independence. Physically I knew it was going to take a lot of rehab, practice, patience and hard work, but what I didn't realize was the mental aspect that I was going to face. Learning to accept help and rely on others while figuring out my new body was hard. Understanding that there were certain things I just physically wasn't going to be able to do anymore and trying understand why. After 4 years of surgeries and educating myself on spinal cord injuries I feel like I'm in a great place. I'm currently a full time student, live independently, drive, workout 4 days a week, and have found my way back into the job field.