Hullo Michael :)

I definitely understand where your coming from, it's been 4 years now since I had my ilizarov removed and what a relief it felt when I got it off. I was so excited to be walking again, well hobbling at least. I spent the few months after in a plaster cast and when that was finally taken off, I just wanted to get back to my life again.

I went back to work a.s.a.p, my job at the time required me to lift and push heavy loads. The first night I went back, I ended up re-breaking my leg, I didn't know at the time, it was just really painful. X-rays were taken and the doctor said the fracture had opened up.

So there I was thinking I'm never going to be able to walk properly again. My leg was reset and re-cast. Over the couple of months I had my leg back in plaster, I felt really down.

I started to think what I really wanted in life and how there were others out there worse off then me.

I really don't know the exact time it happened, but one day, I just woke up and told myself I'm gonna get through this, I'm gonna take it nice and easy though but build up my strength slowly and not overdue it.

When I finally got out of plaster, I went on regular walks everyday. I knew myself when I was ready to up the pace and converted a walk to a quick walk to a jog, to a run. It took me about six months, but I got there.

I was taking all sorts of vitamins supplements to help with bones and strength, taking lotsa milk, calcium etc.

I was soon able to walk and resume normal activities again. The scars still remain, but, quite frankly I don't care, I could use my own two feet again, that's all that mattered. Anywayz, it makes for a good story to tell people you meet.

Since my accident, I joined the Army, at the time I thought it would be good to prove to myself that I could do anything any other person could do. It was tuff, but I kept eating right, taking supplements for the bones and getting regular exercise in.

As you would already no, the more pressure you can put on your leg, the more strength the bones develop and it assists with the healing process.

While in the Army, I was selected for the X-Country Team and have down 12 - 21km marathons.

I spent three years with the Army and am now working as a Police Officer.

Michael, that's my story and I am in no means telling you to go an run off and join the Army. However I am telling you to keep positive. It's all in the mind. If you want to run again and play badminton, you can. But, just take it slow. Eat the right foods, take all the neccessary vitamins, strengthen your bones. But remember start slow.

Go for walks, increase the distance, slowly start to jog and you'll know yourself when your ready to start running marathons.

That's about as much advice as I can give buddy. the rest is up to you.

If there's one thing my accident taught me it's to live life, coz you only get one chance at it.

Hope this makes sense to you, always look after yourself Michael.

Take care

Charlie :)