Patricia,

I was labeled a C4 quad when I was in the hospital but improved to a
C7 (incomplete)-when I got the use of my arms and hands back.
Yes, the world can be very cruel and I'm sorry for what happened to
you. You sound positive which I admire. I'm very optimistic and
positive. I love to laugh! This can get me through the worst of
times.
I also drive (I stay in my wheelchair). I love driving and feel very
blessed to be able to do so.
I had been working for insurance agencies (five years total) but now
I'm taking a class to get into medical assisting. I have a degree in
human services which I might use. Good for you on getting your
degree!
I appreciate your post. I love making new friends and it's nice
knowing everyone here can relate. Feel free to email me or just post
anytime.

Lauren



--- In Spinalcordinjury@yahoogroups.com, "patricia james"
<patricia_200@m...> wrote:
> Hello Laurie,
> I too am a Quad. When I had my injury , a diving accident back in
87' I was labeled as a C5-6 and at discharge time which was 6 months
later they discharged me as a C-7 because I guess I learned to do
more and I am an incomplete. My children at the time had just turned
4-5 yrs. old and then 6 months later their father left in the middle
of the night which really brought me down even more so than I was and
he still after all these yrs. hasn't has contact, so life can be
cruel, but it can also be wonderful. I know for 4 yrs. I stayed in 1
room feeling sorry for myself and gaining weight and then I looked in
the mirror and said to myself.......What are you doing? So I started
eating very little and I lost the 1st 60 lbs. in 6 months then kept
taking it off slowly and I got my drivers license and enrolled in
school and got my criminal law degree where right now I just work
with the psychologist at the prison here and love every minute of it
and I'm engaged, but we haven't set a date due on my part because I
want to really be sure of things. But if anyone is looking for a
friend to talk to as I am always looking for new friendships because
they are very far and few between I found that out after my accident,
those so called friends then weren't there after I got out of rehab.
even though I tried, so I have been with the group for only about 2
months if that and really I think this is my second message.
> I hope to be online a bit more now that I have some spare time on
my hands, so I'd love to talk to each and everyone one in the group.
> Everyone have a great night and I'll be talking to you all soon, so
everyone keep your spirits up and help the other newbies keep theirs
up too.
> A physical challenged friend to you all,
> Patricia
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Troy Reynolds<mailto:barabbas_iii@y...>
> To:
Spinalcordinjury@yahoogroups.com<mailto:Spinalcordinjury@...
om>
> Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 1:43 PM
> Subject: Re: [Spinalcordinjury] New Member
>
>
> Hi Laurie,
>
> i'm c5 quad ('86) from Michigan. Welcome aboard! You
> might get some good info from this website...poke
> around!
> http://www.newmobility.com/<http://www.newmobility.com/>
>
> Good message boards there.
>
> Later,
>
> Troy
>
>
> --- jadegirl727 <Sugalips@a...<mailto:Sugalips@a...>> wrote:
> > Hi, everyone! My name is Lauren and I'm looking to
> > meet new friends.
> > I live in New York, near Buffalo. Is there anyone
> > here that lives in
> > the area?
> > I have Transverse Myelitis, which is an auto-immune
> > disease that
> > affects the spinal cord. My level of injury is C-7.
> >
> > I love spending time with friends and hope to make
> > some more, here!
> >
> >
>
>
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